
Physician Assistant Program
Physician Assistant Program Accreditation
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Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (since 2014)
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Accredited by the Ohio Board of Regents (since 2013)
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ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued status, affirming full compliance with national standards
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Next validation review: September 2028
Candidates planning to practice outside Ohio should review additional state licensure requirements (updated annually via The Bookmark©).
For questions, contact paeducation@lec.edu.
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Program Distinctions & Achievements
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100% first-time PANCE pass rate for the Classes of 2016–2019
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100% employment for the Classes of 2016–2019
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Graduates practice across diverse specialties nationwide
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98.4% graduation rate since 2014 (above national average)
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10-year ARC-PA accreditation-continued status
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Multiple national awards and competition achievements
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Faculty recipient of the 2015 Ohio Association of Physician Assistants Educator of the Year
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Attrition and Graduation Summary
In the past three years, the PA Program enrolled 26 students per cohort.
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The Class of 2022 graduated all 26 students (0% attrition).
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The Classes of 2023 and 2024 each graduated 25 of 26 students (4% attrition; 96% graduation).
Across all three cohorts, every student who entered the program ultimately graduated, demonstrating strong program retention.
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World-Class Clinical Experiences
Lake Erie College partners with leading healthcare systems, including:
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University Hospitals
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Cleveland Clinic
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Lake Health
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Akron Children’s Hospital
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Louis Stokes VA Medical Center
Students benefit from high-quality clinical environments and extensive employment opportunities across Northeast Ohio.
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Outstanding Faculty
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Student-to-faculty ratio better than 10:1; hands-on labs of 6–8 students
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All core faculty actively practice medicine
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Over 100 years combined clinical experience and 55 years of PA education
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Medical Director serves as President of University Hospitals Geauga
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A&P instruction by dual MD/PhD faculty
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Faculty serve as leaders, grant recipients, and collaborators in major national organizations
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Integrated & Comprehensive Curriculum
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Newly renovated, dedicated PA Program suite
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Module-based curriculum with PBL integration
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Three semesters of synchronized pharmacology
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Textbooks, board review materials, medical equipment, scrubs, and lab coats included in tuition
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Extensive ultrasound resources and training
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High-fidelity simulation including the Next Generation Harvey® Cardiopulmonary Simulator
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Early clinical experiences beginning within weeks of matriculation (Tumor Board, ED, OR, Nursing Homes, Coroner’s Office, Genetics Lab)
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Unique Opportunities: Dual MBA Option
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Automatic acceptance into the Parker MBA Program upon PA Program graduation
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Three PA courses count toward MBA degree requirements (25% time and financial savings)
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Enhances preparation for leadership roles​
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Unique Opportunities: Focused Strengths
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Emergency Medicine
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Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine
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Ultrasound Application
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Comprehensive Student Credentials
Students graduate with a robust portfolio, which may include:
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ACLS & BLS (AHA)
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NIH Stroke Scale
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HIPAA and Ethics/Compliance
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Bloodborne Pathogens & Universal Precautions
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Abuse, Assault & Neglect
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Aseptic Technique
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OR Protocols
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Fall Prevention
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Additional Hospital-Required Competencies
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helpful links to Tailor your
education experience
Apply to the MSPAS Program
Lake Erie College uses the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). No secondary application is required.
Submit the following through CASPA:
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Personal statement (500–1,000 words).
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Official transcripts sent directly to CASPA:
CASPA, P.O. Box 9108, Watertown, MA 02471 -
Three references (see reference categories below).
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Documentation of healthcare experience, including PA shadowing. Upload forms directly to CASPA and retain personal copies.
Applications and transcripts must be received by November 1, but early submission before September 1 is strongly recommended due to rolling admissions. CASPA must verify all materials before the program will review an application. Selected applicants will be contacted by email for interviews.
Accepted applicants must submit a non-refundable deposit to hold their seat:
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$1,000 within two weeks of acceptance
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$500 more by March 1
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Applicants accepted after March 1 submit the combined $1,500 deposit
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Deposits, tuition, and fees are subject to change.
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Acuity Insights Assessments
Applicants must complete Acuity Insights Assessments, which includes:
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Casper: A 90–110 minute situational judgment test
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Duet: A 15-minute values assessment (Duet is not required by our program)
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Register using code CSP-10101 – Professional Health Sciences at AcuityInsights.app.
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Degree Requirement
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 as calculated by CASPA.
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Prerequisite Coursework
All prerequisite coursework must be completed within 7 years before application, with a minimum grade of B- or better, except Organic Chemistry, which accepts C- or better. Substitutions may be considered individually.
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Required courses:
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General Chemistry I & II with labs
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Organic Chemistry with lab
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Biology I & II with labs
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Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
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Microbiology with lab
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Statistics
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Psychology
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English (no time limit)
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College Algebra (no time limit)
Recommended:
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Genetics
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Medical Terminology
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Healthcare Experience
Applicants must complete at least 250 hours of healthcare experience, including a minimum of 24 hours shadowing a licensed PA (virtual shadowing permitted). Experiences may be paid or volunteer.
Examples include PA or physician shadowing, EMT, nurse or nurse’s aide, respiratory therapist, paramedic, athletic trainer, pharmacy technician, scribe, or other direct patient care roles.
All hours must be completed prior to matriculation.
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References
Three references are required, one from each category:
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A licensed PA-C, MD, or DO
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A college or university professor (doctoral-level) with whom the applicant completed a course
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A reference of the applicant’s choice who can speak to academic performance, work ethic, or professionalism
References from relatives are discouraged.
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Interview
A limited number of applicants will be invited for an interview. Verbal communication, interpersonal skills, healthcare knowledge, maturity, and alignment with program values are evaluated. Interview performance contributes significantly to admission. An alternate list is created based on interview scores.
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Disclosure of Admission Practices
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All qualified Lake Erie College students and graduates who meet minimum requirements receive a guaranteed interview.
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Four seats per cohort are reserved for eligible LEC undergraduates (see Early Acceptance Opportunity).
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Early applicants who have completed all prerequisites and shadowing hours may receive preference due to rolling admissions.
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The program values applicants who demonstrate service, community engagement, and alignment with the mission.
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Additional Policies
Advanced Placement
The program does not offer advanced placement, and prerequisite coursework does not replace program courses.
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Criminal Record and Background Checks
All admitted students must complete BCI and FBI background checks and drug screening. Issues must be appealed directly through CastleBranch. Checks are repeated before clinical rotations.
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Working While in the Program
Employment is strongly discouraged due to the program’s rigorous, full-time nature.
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Technical Standards
Students must demonstrate intellectual, observational, motor, communication, and behavioral abilities necessary to safely practice medicine. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with law, but all students must meet the essential requirements to complete the program and deliver safe patient care.
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Early Acceptance Opportunity (EAO)
Up to four seats per cohort are reserved for qualified Lake Erie College undergraduates and eligible transfer students who have committed to completing their degree at LEC.
Interested students must apply two years before matriculation between March 1 and May 1.
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If Accepted Students must:
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Submit a CASPA application in the appropriate cycle
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Complete the formal interview with outside applicants
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Maintain a 3.5 GPA
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Earn a B or better in all prerequisites (C minimum allowed only for Organic Chemistry)
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Complete at least 750 healthcare hours and 100 PA shadowing hours by matriculation
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Participate in at least two PA program events each year
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Meet all requirements expected of traditional applicants
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Students failing to maintain standards may still apply through the traditional CASPA pathway.
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