About the program
The Hofstra University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The Hofstra Northwell Department of Physician Assistant Studies’ mission is to create an interprofessional environment that fosters PA leaders and scholars who deliver empathetic, patient-centered care, and promote inclusivity to the diverse populations they serve."
Unique, clinically focused cadaver lab. On-campus simulation lab. Outstanding, skilled and supportive faculty and staff. Partnership with Northwell Health. Consistent high pass rates on PANCE while maintaining low attrition. Original research during last semester. Distinctive curriculum is designed to augment the educational experience with emphasis on lifelong learning and team approach to medicine. Curriculum emphasizes commitment to the underserved, of leadership and community service.
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: yes, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 5 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Hofstra University's Physician Assistant Studies program awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree over 28 months, beginning in September 2027. It holds Continued accreditation from ARC-PA and accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, with some exceptions for the latter that prospective students should verify directly with the program. The incoming class runs approximately 75 students, making it a mid-sized cohort.
The program is built around a partnership with Northwell Health, one of the largest health systems in the country, which informs its clinically oriented identity. The curriculum blends case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning approaches, with early clinical exposure woven throughout. A distinctive cadaver lab and an on-campus simulation lab support hands-on skill development. During the final semester, students complete original research, reinforcing the program's stated emphasis on producing PA leaders and scholars rather than solely clinical practitioners. The mission explicitly names a commitment to caring for underserved populations, community service, and interprofessional teamwork, so applicants who share those values will find the culture aligned with their own.
On the academic side, the program requires a minimum 3.30 for both overall and science GPA, and matriculants average a 3.6 in both categories, which signals a meaningfully competitive pool above the stated floor. Prerequisites must have been completed within the past five years, and applicants may enter with no more than two outstanding courses. Required science coursework includes general chemistry with lab, general biology with lab, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics. Notably, the patient-care hour threshold is low at just 50 hours, making this program accessible to applicants earlier in their healthcare journey; however, healthcare experience is required, and paid direct patient-care experience is recommended. Applicants should factor that in when building their applications.
Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis with a final deadline of August 1, 2026, so early submission is strongly advantageous. The process requires a minimum of two reference letters and includes a traditional interview format, which may be conducted remotely rather than requiring an on-site visit. Total tuition is estimated at $150,000 with a seat deposit of $1,500, and there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students.
An applicant who values a research and leadership dimension alongside clinical training, is drawn to a health-system partnership model, and holds a genuine commitment to underserved care will find Hofstra's program worth a close look - but given the rolling admissions, submitting a polished, complete application well before the August deadline is essential to remain competitive.