About the program
The Lake Erie College 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 Lake Erie College Physician Assistant (PA) Program develops motivated individuals into competent, compassionate PAs who practice patient-centered, evidence-based medicine. We foster an environment of academic excellence, leadership, and collaboration dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of the community."
Our program offers collaborative opportunities with some of the leading hospitals in Northeast Ohio including University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic. We offer an opportunity for an accelerated MBA with the MSPAS degree. In addition, we incorporate Problem-Based Learning and early clinical experience in the didactic year to get our students applying what they are learning in the classroom early on.
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: 7 Years
Program overview
Lake Erie College's physician assistant program in Ohio awards the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies over 27 months, with the next cohort beginning in May 2027. The program holds Continued ARC-PA accreditation and admits a small class of approximately 26 students, which suggests a closely mentored learning environment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of November 1, 2026, so submitting early carries a genuine strategic advantage.
The program's mission centers on developing competent, compassionate clinicians who practice patient-centered, evidence-based medicine within a framework of academic excellence, leadership, and collaboration oriented toward community health needs. Curriculally, the program blends problem-based learning, case-based learning, organ and systems-based instruction, and team-based approaches, with a deliberate emphasis on early clinical exposure during the didactic year so students begin applying classroom knowledge in practical contexts before rotations formally begin. A standout feature is the clinical partnership network, which includes University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic - two major Northeast Ohio health systems - giving students access to high-volume, academically affiliated training environments. The program also offers an accelerated dual-degree pathway that pairs the MSPAS with an MBA for students interested in healthcare leadership.
Matriculants arrive with an average overall GPA of 3.59 and a science GPA of 3.51, though the stated minimum overall GPA is 3.00. Applicants should read that gap honestly: a 3.0 makes you technically eligible but not competitively positioned. Healthcare experience is required, while paid direct patient care is recommended rather than mandated - a distinction worth noting for applicants still building their hours. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last seven years and includes general chemistry with lab, general biology with lab, human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, and statistics.
Total tuition runs $104,160 with a $1,000 seat deposit. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options, and there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students. Out-of-state applicants are accepted, and international applicants may be considered with exceptions noted on the program's website. Three letters of reference are required, and all interviewed candidates must complete an onsite interview that includes both a traditional interview and a multiple mini interview format.
Applicants should honestly assess whether their GPA, healthcare experience profile, and interest in a small cohort with problem-based, team-oriented learning align with what this program consistently selects and supports.