Short White Coat Ceremony 2022
The PA program is proud to announce the successful induction of our inaugural class of 2024 with the presentation of their short white coat. The successful ceremony took place on Monday evening October 3rd with an attendance of over 200 family members and friends. The ceremony was followed by hors d'oeuvres and desserts with an open walk through of the newly renovated PA space. Congratulations class of 2024!
LTU is pleased to announce that it will launch a 2-year master’s degree program in PA studies Fall 2022 (ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status)
Please check back here often for program updates and additional information.
Scholarships and discounts are not applicable to this program.
The LTU Advantage
Lawrence Technological University offers applicants a unique opportunity through rolling admissions. LTU will evaluate applications as they are submitted and contact those applicants who fulfill the vision, values and requirements set forth by LTU. Rolling admissions allows LTU to select applicants for the upcoming 2024 PA program cohort throughout the 2023 year. LTU strongly encourages all applicants to apply as early as possible. Once all thirty spots have been filled, later applications will only be considered for the waitlist.
| Requirement | Due date |
| PA-CAT | December 1, 2023 |
| GRE | December 1, 2023 |
| CASPer | November 14, 2023 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2023 |
| Bachelor Degree | June 15, 2024 |
| Prerequisite | June 15, 2024 |
The majority of clinical rotations are within the Ascension Healthcare System, a nationally recognized and highly respected system (largest in the Nation and one of the largest employers in Michigan). Rotations are located in the greater Detroit and surrounding areas with preceptors committed to supporting the LTU Ascension partnership and vision. Your clinical experiences will be both outpatient and within the hospital setting and will be arranged entirely by LTU.
Sim lab and Anatomy lab are located within a few minute drive of LTUs campus.
You will learn and master one of the most common electronic medical records (EMR) charting systems. You will have access throughout the program to refine your skills. In addition, you will graduate having the knowledge and abilities to utilize key technology in diagnosing and treating your patients.
A state of the art SIM lab will allow students to acquire procedural skills with the most advanced models, cadaver specimens and cutting edge equipment used in parallel with the medical students and other Ascension medical professionals. This includes a complete model OR with training provided by Ascension OR staff, diagnostic equipment for training including ultrasound and robotic surgery simulators, access to an impressive array of radiologic images from actual studies performed and extensive exposure and education on a wide range of diagnostic and procedures deemed vital to PA practice. Open lab hours are built into the structure of the PA program to practice and refine your skills.
LTU has implemented a student-first ideology with a focus on you. Your overall well-being and success is the driver behind our passion. The PA faculty at LTU is committed to your personal success and to providing the physical, mental and emotional support needed to assist you along the way. One of your PA professors will serve as your personal advisor and mentor throughout your journey at LTU and will guide you to other University resources should you need them.
One of the teaching methods employed in our program is the flipped classroom, where students are given the opportunity to preview key concepts in advance so that class time can be spent on problem-solving and in-depth exploration of the content. This approach significantly enhances learning as compared to a more traditional lecture-only approach and transforms the classroom into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where your professors can guide you in applying concepts and engaging creatively in the subject matter.
The newly-built, highly innovative, dedicated PA classroom and lab have been integrated with technology. Multiple areas in the program space have recording and playback capabilities to facilitate your learning. You will have access to the exam rooms throughout the week to hone your skills at your own pace. In addition, a dedicated break-room is available to allow you to rest, relax and refuel throughout the day.
The faculty have different areas of expertise which allows our program to provide you with distinct interdisciplinary experiences from the classroom to the lab. Instructors will collaborate and teach the core classes to best utilize their individual expertise and professional experience, giving you the best opportunity for understanding and success. Our instructors are passionate about providing you the best student experience possible. We provide multiple ways to engage with the faculty and our doors are always open. Your feedback is valuable to us and an essential component of our ongoing commitment to excellence.
You have the unique opportunity to live on LTUs campus as a graduate student during your PA education if you choose. (Room and board are not included in the cost of tuition).
Lawrence Technological University is conveniently located, with easy access and ample free parking within steps of the program building. The building has secure access for PA students and faculty. Buildings, labs and classrooms are handicap-accessible throughout campus.
Our PA faculty team is committed to your success from beginning to end. The LTU faculty will conduct frequent informational sessions which we strongly encourage all interested applicants to attend. Our informational sessions are filled with useful information to answer the most common questions, with a Q&A at the end. If, after attending one of our informational sessions you have any questions about the PA program, please feel free to email (paprogram@ltu.edu). One of our PA faculty will answer your questions.
If you would like to schedule a 1:1 please visit ltu.edu/pa1:1 and follow the instructions. You must attend an informational sessions prior to scheduling a 1:1.
Charles Regan, MS, PA-C - Interim Program Director, Assistant Professor
Charles Regan joined Lawrence Technological University in January 2021 to become part of the much-anticipated inaugural Physician Assistant program which expects matriculation of its first cohorts in August 2022. He earned his Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating in 2007. After many years of providing clinical rotations to PA students and guest lectures to nursing and PA students, he joined University of Detroit Mercy’s PA program in 2019 as assistant professor and brings his experience to LTU.
Professor Regan is an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA). He presented lectures at MAPA in 2019 and 2020. He has worked primarily in the settings of Urgent Care and Orthopedic Surgery. At LTU he is focused on teaching the physical assessment course that will involve a lot of hands-on exam skills and incorporating useful modalities and procedures in a synergistic way.
Besides teaching, he enjoys spending time with family, exercising, reading, watching and playing sports, and traveling.
Dr. Alan Ghassan, LTU PA Program Medical Director
Dr. Alan Ghassan is a board certified Internal Medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient care. He received his medical school training at Al-Mustansiriya University School of Medicine in Baghdad-Iraq, and his Internal Medicine training at Ascension Providence Hospital. Dr. Ghassan's passion is clearly demonstrated through teaching Internal Medicine residents as he serves as a core faculty member of the residency program at Providence Hospital. He is also actively involved in teaching medical students, nursing and Physician Assistant students at his private practice in Internal Medicine. Dr. Ghassan serves on the Internal Medicine committee at Ascension Providence, as well as the metric committee to improve overall patient-care and outcomes.
Rania Krayem, M.Ed., MS, PA-C - Assistant Professor
Rania Krayem joined Lawrence Technological University in May 2022. She earned her Masters degree in Physician Assistant studies from Wayne State University in 2017. She also has a Masters degree in Adult Education and Training, completed in 2012 at Phoenix University. She is also a registered respiratory therapist. After her graduation from PA school, she joined a community clinic working in Family medicine. She subsequently transitioned into the geriatric field at an outpatient program. Rania remained interested and engaged in research and produced several publications. She also remained committed to medical education; precepted and mentored several graduate and undergraduate students, gave guest lectures at UDM and WSU PA schools, and facilitated workshops for interdisciplinary teams at WSU medical school. She participated in panel discussions and also lectured to advocate for diversity and equity in cancer screening and prevention. She continues to volunteer regularly at a free health clinic in Metro Detroit.
During her free time, Rania enjoys traveling with her husband and three children (two are in college). She also enjoys gardening, knitting, reading, and staying busy.
Amber Murphy, MMSc, PA-C - Assistant Professor
Amber Murphy is a board-certified Physician Assistant that joined the LTU PA Program in January 2023 as an assistant professor. She graduated from undergraduate school at Michigan State University and attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA, for PA school graduating in 2009. Amber has worked in orthopedic surgery doing every specialty they have including tumors for adolescents and adults. In 2012 she taught as an assistant professor at University of Florida, which she loved. Amber is happy to be back in a teaching position and can’t wait to work with the LTU students. She has done lectures at MAPA, IMPACT and other state PA groups. Her publishing includes several medical journals. Amber enjoys traveling with her 4 kids and is trying to become as good of a skier as the rest of her family.
Janelle Yousif M.S. PA-C - Assistant Professor
Janelle Yousif is a board-certified Physician Assistant that joined the LTU program in November 2022 as an assistant professor. In 2013, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science at Oakland University. Janelle then received her Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Wayne State University in 2019. She subsequently worked in Physical Medicine and, along with practicing medicine, she contributed to the training and onboarding of medical staff. She is excited to bring her experience to LTU and looks forward to contributing to a program that fosters education and opportunity for PA’s. Janelle enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Jeffery Morrissette - Associate Professor
Natural Sciences Associate Department Chair, Associate Professor, Pre-Med Advisor
Professor Morrissette was born and raised in metro Detroit and studied biology as an undergraduate at the University of Michigan. He went on to graduate studies in Human Physiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his PhD in 1995. His thesis research focused on the biochemical and functional characterization of peptide toxins purified from the venom of scorpions and lizards.
In 1996, Dr. Morrissette joined the staff at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station where he began studying cardiovascular physiology of tunas. While at Hopkins, he also investigated the mechanisms of heat generation in the heater organs of marlins and swordfish. He also conducted some of the first metabolic rate measurements in Bluefin tuna.
In 2006, Dr. Morrissette joined the Department of Natural Sciences at Lawrence Technological University. He received tenure in 2012 and became chair of the department in 2016. At LTU, Dr. Morrissette’s laboratory is using zebrafish as a model organism in several undergraduate research projects. Outside the classroom and laboratory, professor Morrissette is active and loves the outdoors. He has a passion for athletics and spends much of his free time watching his son and daughter on the ball diamond or soccer pitch.
Dr. Mary Tracy Bee - Adjunct Professor
Mary Tracy Bee, Ph.D. is a Professor of Anatomy at several graduate programs in the metro Detroit area, as well as three hospitals and numerous continuing education courses. Over the past two decades, Dr. Tracy-Bee has earned over twenty teaching awards including the noteworthy Best Anatomy Professor in North America (Theima Award) from Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. She earned her B.S. from Mercy College of Detroit and her M.S. and Ph.D. from Wayne State University. She has published five books including: Bare Bones: Advanced Human Anatomy, and Human Anatomy: A Workbook Approach and Synapse: A Workbook Approach to Neuroanatomy, which are used at universities across United States and Canada. She has authored several book chapters and numerous journal articles. Her current research involves investigating anatomical variations in human skulls and neck vasculature, as well as neuromodulation of the pudendal nerve. She is a Canadian native, mother of three, Ironman triathlete, and avid yoga enthusiast.
Larry M. Diamond, PharmD – Adjunct Professor
Larry M. Diamond is an adjunct professor in the LTU PA program. He received a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University in 1974, a B.S. in Pharmacy from Wayne State University in 1980, and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from Idaho State University in 2002. Larry has practiced pharmacy at Henry Ford Hospital, Beaumont Royal Oak hospital, Beaumont Dearborn, AdventHealth – Orlando hospital, and clinical pharmacy coordinator at Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Florida. Larry has a broad pharmacy practice as a clinical pharmacist specialist in cardiology, internal medicine, surgical, and orthopedics. He has experience as a research pharmacist and has been involved in 7 international, multi-center randomized controlled trials, including heart failure, anticoagulation, and lipid management. Larry has multiple publications and has been the lead investigator in pharmacy resident research. He has instructed at the Wayne State University Pharmacy, Medical, PT, and PA programs, in addition to being a preceptor for the University of Michigan pharmacy students, University of Florida LECOM pharmacy programs, and pharmacy residents at Beaumont-Dearborn and AdventHealth-Orlando. Larry is also a part-time pharmacology instructor at UDM for the College of Healthcare Professions. His mission is to teach healthcare practitioners evidence and guideline-based, safe, and cost-effective medication management.
Larry is a certificated flight instructor with multiple FAA ratings. He has written two aviation books and is in many YouTube videos on flight instruction. Larry is a contributing writer to the Airline and Operators Pilots Association (AOPA), doing a bi-monthly article on medications for the Pilots Protection Service area of AOPA. He enjoys yoga, cooking, and meditation. He enjoys being with his wife, son, and golden doodle.
Robin Ochoa - Clinical Coordinator
Robin Ochoa is the clinical coordinator to the Physician Assistant program at Lawrence Technological University. Robin attended Oakland Community College and completed her EMT training in 2016 and transitioned to urgent care work in 2017 as a medical assistant and then manager. In August 2020 Robin's loving husband Chris Ochoa suddenly and unexpectedly passed away which led her to a career in academia where she can positively influence developing providers. Outside of work Robin spends most of her time with family. Robin finds a lot of joy in spoiling her 3 nieces and 6 nephews. Although Robin does not have children she is a pet mom to 2 cats Roxie and Gracie.
Elizabeth Porter - Program Coordinator
Elizabeth Porter is a first-generation born American on her father’s side; born and raised a Michigander. While she and her five siblings dreamed of Walt Disney World, family trips consisted of educational and historical sites around the United States per her Father’s new attained U.S. citizenship and his passion for American history.
In her second year of college, Elizabeth met her future husband and later eloped to Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon their return with her husband, a graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology aka LTU, they continued to develop and expand their small business.
Elizabeth and her husband are very blessed to have three wonderful children. Their oldest son has recently graduated from Kettering University and is a mentor for a local high school robotics team. Their daughter, a member of the Madonna University Women’s Soccer Team (2020 WHAC Tournament Champs) is completing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, and their youngest son will be graduating with a 4.0 from Michigan State University’s Honors College. As a family, they enjoy the outdoors and continually volunteer in their community and schools.
Rachel Secunda, MS, PA-C - Curriculum Development
Rachel Secunda joined Lawrence Technological University in 2022 and is involved in course and curriculum development. She graduated in 2012 from Philadelphia University's PA program (now part of Thomas Jefferson University). Since that time, Rachel has worked primarily in hospital based internal medicine; including working in numerous Detroit based hospitals. In her free time, Rachel enjoys running, reading, and travelling.
If you are interested in helping us train the next generation of Physician Assistants, then you could become a student model volunteer. Our volunteers come from all walks of life – from those who want to give something back, to students looking to broaden their work experience, gain volunteer or community service hours and future applicants who want to get to know the faculty and program. What all our volunteers have in common is they wish to give their time to help us train compassionate and competent Physician Assistants.
Here at Lawrence Technological University, we want to give our Physician Assistant students opportunities to develop their practical skills in supervised conditions, before putting what they have learned into practice. As part of this training, we need volunteers to take part in hands on examinations where our students carry out basic, non-invasive physical examinations. As a volunteer you will experience basic physical examinations (such as blood pressure and pulse oximeter monitoring) performed by Physician Assistant students. A Certified Physician Assistant will be present during every exam to supervise.
You do not need to undertake any formal training. You will be fully briefed prior to each exam. You can travel to and from the exam dressed as you wish, but for the exam you will need to wear your own shorts, and if applicable a sports bra, you will be given a hospital style gown upon arrival.
Volunteering dates would be from 8am-12pm, multiple times a semester. You can volunteer for as few or as many dates that fit into your schedule. Dates student model volunteers needed are:
February 9
March 23
April 6
If you are interested in becoming a student model volunteer, please click the link below and complete the form.
CONTACT :
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
ADMISSIONS
FINANCIAL AID
As a candidate for admission to the Physician Assistant Program (2023-2024 Application Cycle), please see the following:
- You may have 2 outstanding prerequisites at the time of application submission/completion but must successfully complete all by June 15, 2024 with a course grade of B- or higher
- Required minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (either original or last 60; whichever is better*)
- Required minimum prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Recommended minimum science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- All degrees and prerequisites conferred in the U.S. must be from regionally accredited institutions and completed by June 15, 2024
- A grade of "B-" or higher is required with all prerequisite coursework.
- Prerequisite courses (Except Anatomy and Physiology courses) must be completed within 10 years of matriculation. (taken before Summer 2014 = expired, may need to be repeated unless higher level coursework in same course subjects - contact pa-admissions@ltu.edu for questions on this matter).
- *Anatomy & *Physiology prerequisites must be completed within *5 years of matriculation (taken before Summer 2019 = expired)
- CLEP credits, AP credits, and P/F credits will not be considered for prerequisites. Credit/No Credit will be reviewed on a case by case basis but must have a calculated grade determined by the course director/instructor.
- * Last 60 credits of coursework will be calculated in an attempt to improve your cumulative GPA; LTU will consider whichever GPA is higher for your application. This is calculated automatically
- Anatomy + Lab – one full course in human anatomy with lab is required (or may complete a 2-semester series of anatomy and physiology with a minimum of one lab to meet both the anatomy and physiology prerequisites)
- Physiology + Lab – one full course with lab in human physiology is required (see above)
- Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – one course is required
- Microbiology + Lab – one course with lab is required
- Statistics or Biostatistics – one course is required
- Developmental Psychology - one course in required
- You are strongly encouraged to verify your prerequisite equivalencies (those you have already taken and those you plan to take) by going to our "Transfer Equivalency System" and searching for your school.
- If you are unable to verify your courses or still have additional questions about course equivalencies please contact our admissions office at pa-admissions@ltu.edu.
Other Encouraged Courses:
Medical terminology is not required but strongly encouraged as you will be testing on your medical terminology knowledge the first week of classes. This course is available in a variety of settings including online courses that would prepare you for the exam.
Genetics is strongly encouraged as a foundational class for the PA curriculum and the understanding of new treatments targeted at the genetics of individuals.
Ethics or Medical Ethics – The LTU PA program is committed to the ethical considerations of medicine and a foundation in ethics is invaluable in providing a framework from which to build and integrate this approach.
Waivers
1. If the applicant has been continuously employed in a field that demonstrates ongoing knowledge and application of the materials covered then a waiver may be considered for one specific prerequisite course. (Example - a professor in Microbiology could apply a waiver towards the Microbiology prerequisite)
2. The applicant has completed a higher-level course(s) in the subject of the prerequisite requirement with a minimum of a B average within the past three years.
Direct Patient Care Experience – As an applicant, you must have completed at least 750 hours of direct patient care experience* as an employee in a medical office, hospital, or extended-care facility. Acceptable roles include CNA (certified nursing assistant), medical assistant, EMT (emergency medical technician) or paramedic, radiology technician, ECG technician, LPN or RN, phlebotomist, medical scribe**, physical therapy assistant, surgical tech, respiratory therapist, chiropractor, athletic trainer and others. Patient care experiences obtained through the military (combat medic, field medical tech, etc.) are also competitive. Please contact the program with any questions regarding qualifying patient care experience. You must have a minimum of 500 hours completed in order for your application to be reviewed and a plan to reach the required 750 by August 1, 2024. Please make timely updates in your CASPA application.
*This is defined as direct, hands on care of patients and the most competitive candidates will have 1000+ hours of direct patient care experience with the required hours completed at the time of application.
**Medical scribe experience can account for up to 500 hours of the total hours required but must be combined with actual hands on experience of at least 250 hours.
PA Shadowing
- Shadow a physician assistant (must include name, title, address, email, and phone number of each provider listed)
- Minimum of 20 hours, in person shadowing strongly preferred, maximum virtual shadowing of 10 hrs allowed
Lawrence Technological University PA program strongly encourages all applicants to take the PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test). The PA-CAT is a specialized test designed to measure applicant knowledge in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school. The PA-CAT will highlight an applicant’s areas of weakness and provide materials prior to matriculation to assist the applicants to be better prepared to start LTUs PA program.
For information about the PA-CAT and to schedule your exam, visit their website at www.PA-CAT.com.
For PA-CAT Fee Assistance Program information visit their website at exammaster.aweb.page/feeassistance.
PA-CAT OR GRE Test (Only one is needed to Apply, However, the PA-CAT is STRONGLY recommended)
Deadline to complete exam(s): December 1, 2023
Register early to ensure site availability & receipt of results, which can take up to 6 weeks.
LTU's GRE Designated Code: 2863
LTU's PA-CAT Designated Institution Code: MI2205
Step 1: Go to PA-CAT, click here! to register, pay and schedule your exam date for the PA-CAT.
Step 2: Study for the PA-CAT with resources provided on their website: www.PA-CAT.com. Instructions on how to access the resources are included in your registration confirmation email.
PA-CAT format:
- 240 multiple-choice test items
- 9 prerequisite science subjects presented randomly
- 4.5-hour total exam window
- Electronically administered by Prometric
Deadline to take test: November 14, 2023 (by 5pm EST)
ACUITY INSIGHTS - CASPER (supports the holistic approach of applicants, going beyond GPA's and test scores)
- Provides a standardized evaluation of social intelligence and professionalism
- Is an open-response format that elicits authentic answers, with less chance of “gaming” the system
- Gives a single score which is easily integrated into your admissions process
- Video and word-based scenarios, each with open-ended questions that need timed response
- Applicants respond to questions using video and written formats
- Each applicant is scored by multiple human raters, who go through extensive training
- Single z-score provided to programs, applicants receive quartile score
- 90-110 minutes for applicants to complete
To take the Casper test, click here! (create an account and register to complete the following assessment):
You will register for Acuity Insights (Casper) for the US Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10101).
NOTE: Snapshot & Duet (part of Acuity Insights) are NOT required to apply.
Technical Standards for Admission, Academic Promotion and Graduation
The purpose of this document is to specify the technical standards the University deems necessary for a student to matriculate, remain in good standing and ultimately achieve all the competencies/outcomes necessary for graduation within the PA program. The University, therefore, requires candidates to confirm their ability to comply with these standards, with or without accommodation, as a condition of admission and on an annual basis thereafter.
Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific residency program or employment settings.
Accepted students must complete a criminal background check, which may include a drug screen, through the LTU preferred vendor. Results must be released to LTU prior to matriculation. Students are required to disclose all past or present charges, convictions, dismissals, deferred judgments and expunged records as related to a misdemeanor or felony. They are also obligated to disclose any additional charges and convictions which occur following completion of the initial criminal background check. Admission to the program may be revoked if misrepresentations or omissions from the application are noted in the background check. LTU students may be required to complete annual criminal background checks, which may include drug screening, while enrolled in the LTU PA Program.
Three (3) letters of reference are required. Additional letters will not be considered by the program. Reference letters should not be from personal friends or family members. Letters of reference must be submitted directly to CASPA and postmarked prior to the application deadline. Letters of reference will only be accepted through CASPA. No exceptions. Examples include physician assistant, science professor, physician, nurse, previous employer (preferred in healthcare) and mentors.
The program does not accept transfer credits or advanced placement into the program.
The LTU PA Program requires all incoming students to demonstrate a history of all required vaccinations and immunizations being up to date. Students are not permitted to register for classes or begin clinical rotations until all required immunizations and vaccinations are complete. This policy is based on the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for health professionals found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
Vaccine Requirements
| COVID-19 Vaccination |
All accepted LTU PA students must be fully immunized by May 15, 2024 to matriculate in August. All students must remain in compliance and will follow the CDCs recommendations for boosters throughout the PA program. |
| Hepatitis B |
If you don’t have documented evidence of a complete hepB vaccine series, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to hepatitis B (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination) then you should
|
| Flu (Influenza) | Get 1 dose of influenza vaccine annually. |
| MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) |
If you were born in 1957 or later and have not had the MMR vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to measles or mumps (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination), get 2 doses of MMR (1 dose now and the 2nd dose at least 28 days later). If you were born in 1957 or later and have not had the MMR vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to rubella, only 1 dose of MMR is recommended. However, you may end up receiving 2 doses, because the rubella component is in the combination vaccine with measles and mumps. For HCWs born before 1957, see the MMR ACIP vaccine recommendations. |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) | If you have not had chickenpox (varicella), if you haven’t had varicella vaccine, or if you don’t have a blood test that shows you are immune to varicella (i.e., no serologic evidence of immunity or prior vaccination) get 2 doses of varicella vaccine, 4 weeks apart. |
| Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) |
Get a one-time dose of Tdap as soon as possible if you have not received Tdap previously (regardless of when previous dose of Td was received). Get either a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years thereafter. Pregnant HCWs need to get a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy. |
Tuberculosis Requirement
A tuberculin skin test OR Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test must be completed no more than three months prior to matriculation. Students with latent TB please follow CDC guidelines: www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/
Because of the academic demands of the program, the program strongly discourages students from working while enrolled in the program.
Students are not required to obtain clinical sites or preceptors for their clinical rotations. If a student wants to be placed at a specific clinical site, a request may be made to the Clinical Coordinator. Not all requests will be granted because the program must appropriately vet each clinical site and preceptor before student placement is allowed.
Permanent Residents
Applicants who are legal permanent residents of the U.S. will be required to provide a copy of their permanent resident card ("green card") prior to admission. Permanent residents will apply through the standard application process. If admitted to LTU, a notarized copy of your permanent resident card (green card) will be required as part of your conditions of enrollment. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide appropriate documentation with valid expiration date which covers the duration of your degree program.
NOTE: Applicants with permanent residency status “pending” are not eligible for admission.
Transcripts for degrees earned outside of the U.S.
Applicants with degrees earned outside the U.S. should plan to fulfill all standard application requirements, and additionally are required to submit a course-by-course Foreign Transcript Evaluation per one of the services listed below:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
- SpanTran
Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. equivalence by one of these evaluation services and an official copy must be sent from the service directly to CASPA and LTU. Your application will not be complete and cannot be verified without an official course-by-course evaluation. ECFMG certification does not waive this requirement. In addition, please follow the instructions provided by CASPA regarding transcript or evaluation submission.
TOEFL iBT Score
TOEFL iBT is required of all international applicants unless the applicant has earned all credits from courses needed to earn their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited University within the United States. Results from the IELTS or USMLE are not accepted in lieu of TOEFL iBT. There is no waiver for this requirement. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 95.
LTU school code is 1399
When you have completed the requirements listed above, and are ready to build your future with LTU as a Physician Assistant, please use the CASPA portal to apply. The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application opens June 1, 2023.
The program will give preference to applicants who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater and are:
- LTU graduates
- Current full-time LTU students
- Employees of LTU
- Children or spouse of LTU employees
- Employees of Ascension Health
- Children or spouse of Ascension Health employees
The program will give preference to applicants who have:
- Students that have taken the PA-CAT prior to application review
- Higher number of direct patient care hours
- First-generation college student
- Economically disadvantaged student
- Underserved area (urban or rural)
- Underrepresented (in the PA profession)
- Veterans or active military
- Volunteer service
- Leadership/Research experience
- Advanced Healthcare Training (PT, OT, Paramedic, Rad Tech, Exercise Physiologist, etc.)
Factors that our admissions committee value include:
Traits desirable in a future physician assistant such as empathy, compassion advocacy, previous accomplishments, diverse life experiences, a comprehensive knowledge of the PA profession and significant knowledge of how to deliver health care. Additional experiences not listed above which demonstrate these traits may include: mission work, unique life experiences and unique leadership positions.
The LTU PA program focuses on patient-centered care. Compassion towards all patients across the lifespan is paramount to your success. A culture of humility will be present throughout, with a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion of our patients, colleagues and community. You will learn to address barriers to providing optimal care related to personal bias, vulnerable and special populations. The ethical care of patients will be foundational to the program curriculum. The commitment to interprofessional collaboration will allow for a deeper understanding of the healthcare team which leads to better outcomes and more cost-effective and patient-centered care.
One of the teaching methods employed in our program is the flipped classroom, where students are given the opportunity to preview key concepts in advance so that class time can be spent on problem-solving and in-depth exploration of the content. This approach significantly enhances learning as compared to a more traditional lecture-only approach and transforms the classroom into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where your professors can guide you in applying concepts and engaging creatively in the subject matter.
First Semester
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS5016 | Clinical Medicine I | 6 |
| PAS5114 | Physical Assessment & Exploration (PAE) I | 4 |
| PAS5212 | Health Care Issues I | 2 |
| PAS5312 | Pharmacology I | 2 |
| PAS5413 | Anatomy | 3 |
| PAS5513 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 20 |
Second Semester
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS5027 | Clinical Medicine II | 7 |
| PAS5124 | Physical Assessment & Exploration (PAE) II | 4 |
| PAS5222 | Health Care Issues II | 2 |
| PAS5322 | Pharmacology II | 2 |
| PAS5423 | Behavioral Medicine | 3 |
| PAS5533 | Special Populations | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 21 |
Third Semester
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS5035 | Clinical Medicine III | 5 |
| PAS5134 | Physical Assessment & Exploration (PAE) III | 4 |
| PAS5232 | Health Care Issues III | 2 |
| PAS5332 | Pharmacology III | 2 |
| PAS5433 | Medical Diagnostics & Procedures | 3 |
| PAS5523 | Emergency Medicine | 3 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 19 | |
| Total Didactic Year Credit Hours | 60 |
The majority of clinical rotations are within the Ascension Healthcare System, a nationally recognized and highly respected system (largest in the Nation and one of the largest employers in Michigan). Rotations are located in the greater Detroit and surrounding areas with preceptors committed to supporting the LTU Ascension partnership and vision. Your clinical experiences will be both outpatient and within the hospital setting and will be arranged by LTU.
End of Rotation days "EOR-days"
Each rotation will be 5 weeks. Students will spend on average 4 weeks and 2 days at the clinical site and the last three days of every rotation will be spent on campus or at the SIM lab. You will take an EOR (End Of Rotation) exam for all core rotations. You will spend the last three days of every rotation “EOR-days” having review sessions in both clinical medicine and physical exam skills as preparation for the PANCE, learning topics related to your future practice, covering other didactic year topics in greater depth and having the opportunities to practice skills you will potentially be utilizing during your next rotation. There will be professional topics such as CV building and interview strategies. There will also be an opportunity to meet with your advisor, participate in stress management and group activities in these three days. Your repeat PACKRAT and summative exams will give you insight into your PANCE preparedness and will also be part of this time during your summer semester.
First Semester*
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS6015 | Family Medicine Rotation I | 5 |
| PAS6025 | Internal Medicine Rotation II | 5 |
| PAS6035 | Surgery Rotation III | 5 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
Second Semester*
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS6045 | Pediatric Rotation IV | 5 |
| PAS6055 | Women's Health Rotation V | 5 |
| PAS6065 | Behavioral Medicine Rotation VI | 5 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
Third Semester*
| CRN | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| PAS6075 | Emergency Medicine Rotation VII | 5 |
| PAS6085 | Elective Medicine Rotation VIII | 5 |
| PAS6095 | Preceptorship Rotation IX | 5 |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Clinical Year Credit Hours | 45 | |
| Total Program Credit Hours |
105 |
Accreditation Status
The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Lawrence Technological University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Lawrence Technological University. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Physician Assistant program at LTU is to train exceptional, compassionate healthcare professionals in a supportive academic and clinical environment. To prepare future PA’s to provide outstanding holistic patient centered care throughout the healthcare continuum, embrace diversity, invite interprofessional collaboration and approach the complex and ever changing face of technology in healthcare with confidence. To inspire a generation of clinicians who will be lifelong learners, advocates of evidence based medical practice and who are passionate advocates of their patients, profession and community.
Vision
The physician assistant program will be a cutting edge program based on two guiding principles of LTU. The first, the Theory and Practice mode of education, which takes abstract ideas and brings them into the real world to solve tomorrow’s problems and to confidently and effectively integrate healthcare technology into their future practice.
1. To achieve first-time PANCE pass rates that are at or above the national average and student confidence in their ability to succeed.
Criteria #1 PANCE Performance
Measures/Benchmark
- PANCE Performance 1st time test takers at or above national average
Success
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Nat’l Ave 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Nat’l Ave 2024 | Cohort 2025 | Nat’l Ave 2025 | ||
| PANCE Performance 1st time test takers |
Criteria #2 – Student Confidence
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Student Confidence)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
Success
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Student Confidence) |
2. To prepare students to actively and effectively participate in interprofessional healthcare teams and the care of diverse patient populations across the lifespan.
Criteria #1 Interprofessional Healthcare
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Interprofessional Healthcare)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Interprofessional Healthcare) | |||
| Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare) | |||
| Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Interprofessional Healthcare) |
Criteria #2 Care for Diverse Patients
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Care for Diverse Patients)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Care for Diverse Patients) | |||
| Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients) | |||
| Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Care for Diverse Patients) |
3. To prepare students to provide compassionate, ethical and patient centered care to patients across the lifespan.
Criteria #1 Compassionate care
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Compassionate care)/>3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Compassionate care)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Compassionate care)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
Success
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Compassionate care) | |||
| Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Compassionate care) | |||
| Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Compassionate care) |
Criteria #2 Patient-centered Care
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Patient-centered Care)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Patient-centered Care)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Patient-centered Care)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Patient-centered Care) | |||
| Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in Patient-centered Care) | |||
| Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in Patient-centered Care) |
4. To create a culture of advocacy for the PA profession.
Criteria #1 Advocacy for PA Profession
Measures/Benchmarks
- Membership in the AAPA/ 100% of cohort
- Membership in the MAPA/ 100% of cohort
- Attendance at the state conference - MAPA/ >50% of cohort
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Membership in the AAPA | |||
| Membership in the MAPA | |||
| Attendance at MAPA conference |
5. To promote service to the university and surrounding community on behalf of faculty and students.
Criteria #1 Advocacy for Community
Measures/Benchmarks
- PA student community service in PA Program/ >30 hrs ave per cohort
- PA faculty service to university and or community/ 80% of principal faculty
Success
| Criteria | Year 2022 | Year 2023 | Year 2024 |
| PA student community service hrs in PA Program | |||
| Principal faculty service to University/community |
6. To prepare students to effectively utilize available healthcare technology in order to enhance patient care and better prepare them for future practice.
Criteria #1 Use of healthcare technology
Measures/Benchmarks
- Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Use of healthcare technology)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in healthcare technology)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
- Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in healthcare technology)/ >3.5 out of 5 for cohort average
Success
| Criteria | Cohort 2023 | Cohort 2024 | Cohort 2025 |
| Preceptor Evaluation of Student (Use of healthcare technology) | |||
| Student End of Didactic Phase evaluation (Preparation in healthcare technology) | |||
| Faculty Evaluation of Curriculum (Student Preparation in healthcare technology) |
- Utilize medical knowledge of acute and chronic medical/behavioral health conditions including etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategies to effectively manage a patient across the life span.
- Elicit a patient-centered problem-focused and comprehensive history taking into account cultural awareness.
- Perform a problem focused and comprehensive physical examination recognizing normal and abnormal health states.
- Order and interpret appropriate lab and diagnostic studies taking into account the financial implications for patients.
- Using the history and physical exam findings, develop a differential diagnosis for both acute and chronic medical conditions of a patient.
- Possess knowledge of commonly used pharmaceutical agents including indications, contraindications, dosing, side effects, drug interactions and costs to patients.
- Formulate a diagnosis which integrates clinical presentation, results of diagnostic tests and cultural and environmental aspects.
- Perform clinical procedures common for a practicing PA and educate patients regarding procedure, side effects, follow-up care, and informed consent.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families by utilizing patient centered interpersonal skills that incorporate mutual respect with the patient.
- Accurately document SOAP notes, orders and referrals to other specialty care providers using the Electronic Medical Record.
- Effectively present patient information to supervising physicians and other health care providers.
- Embrace professionalism in all aspects of clinical practice incorporating accountability, altruism, and patient confidentiality.
- Develop management strategies for acute & chronic conditions for patients across the life span while encouraging goal setting.
- Embrace cultural diversity including gender identity while providing compassionate medical care.
- Appropriately coordinate patient care while fostering patient advocacy.
- Embrace the role of a physician assistant and recognize personal limitations and personal bias while practicing.
- Recognize the signs of abuse and neglect in patients across the life span.
- Practice interprofessional team care and embrace the value of a collaborative physician/PA relationship.
- Apply critical thinking and medical decision-making strategies to all aspects of patient care.
- Practice evidence-based medicine which incorporates life-long learning and current clinical guidelines.
- Incorporate patient safety strategies, reduce medical errors and practice quality improvement in medical care.
- Foster preventive care including age-appropriate screening, immunization recommendations, patient education, behavioral modifications
- Perform patient education which considers health literacy and other social determinants and encourages treatment adherence and lifestyle modification.
- Recognize emergent medical/surgical conditions versus non-emergent medical conditions by appropriately triaging patients.
- Possess a thorough understanding of medical ethics and the legal aspects of health care.
LTU PA student attrition and graduation rates
| Graduated Classes | |||
| Class of 2022 | Class of 2023 | Class of 2024 | |
| Maximum entering class size (as approved by ARC-PA) | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Entering class size | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Graduates | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| *Attrition rate | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| **Graduation rate | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attritted from cohort divided by the entering class size
**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size
This inaugural cohort will begin on August 29th, 2022. Information on attrition will be updated to this table if any changes occur. Information on graduation rate will not be available until after graduation, September 2024
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report
Definitions of the report headings are provided at the end of the report. All information is current as of the date the report was generated unless otherwise specified.
| Class | Class Graduation Year | Number of candidates who took the PANCE | Number of Exams Passed | Program Exam Pass Rate | National Exam Pass Rate for the Class Graduation Year | % of Candidates Who Ultimately Passed PANCE |
| August 2022 | 2024 | |||||
| August 2023 | 2025 | |||||
| August 2024 | 2026 | |||||
| August 2025 | 2027 | |||||
| August 2026 | 2028 |
**Report update date: 06.16.2021
**All data will be reported prior to April 1st of each year as required by ARC-PA standard A3.12c
Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination Exam Performance Summary Report
| Definitions of Report Headings | |
| Class | Class nomenclature and the individuals included in each class are determined by LTUs PA program when assigning students to a particular class |
| Class Graduation Year | Graduation year for the majority of the individuals in the specific class based on the confirmed graduation date provided by LTU |
| Number of candidates who took the PANCE | Number of individuals from the class who have taken the PANCE |
| Number of Exams Passed | Number of exams administered that resulted in a passing score |
| Program Exam Pass Rate | Percent of exams that were passed as compared to the number of exams that were administered to this class, including multiple exams taken by individual candidates if applicable |
| National Exam Pass Rate for the Class Graduation Year | Percent of exams that were passed at the national level as compared to the number of exams that were administered. The calculation is based on the total number exams administered and passed, not the number of individual candidates. The reporting period is based on the calendar year corresponding with the class graduation year and will only be provided after the end of the current calendar year |
| % of Candidates in the Class Who Ultimately Passed the PANCE exam | Percent of candidates from the specified class that have passed PANCE as of the date the report was generated, regardless of the number of attempts or the calendar year in which the PANCE was passed |
As a part of the NC-Sara Reciprocity agreement, Lawrence Technological University is required to disclose publicly, the educational requirements for professions that require a license or certification to practice in that field*. This disclosure is not affected by the method of delivery of the program: online, on ground or hybrid. The full list of programs and certificates and their satisfaction of requirements can be found in the table listed below and on each individual college website.
Current and prospective students are encouraged to contact the licensing board of the state or territory in which they wish to practice post-graduation for further information and possible additional requirements. State board links may be accessed through the link provided in the table to the various professional associations. The table below is a good faith effort to provide the most current information on Lawrence Technological University programs and their status with regards to individual state requirements. This table should not be viewed as a guarantee of licensure in a particular state as requirements subject to change by each individual state and territory.
*“Professional Licensure” or “Licensure” means: A process of state or other governmental entities that establishes standards of practice and gives legal permission to practice a profession by providing licenses or certifications to individuals who meet those standards. “NC-Sara Policy Manual, June 27, 2022. Volume 22.1
Total tuition cost for the 24-month Physician Assistant program: $106,000
Program Cost
| Didactic Year (60 credits) | $53,903 | |
| Clinical Year (45 Credits) |
$40,427 | |
| Tuition | $94,330 | |
| Internalized mandatory Fees | $11,670 | |
| Mandatory out of pocket expenses | $0.00 | |
| Total cost of attendance 2024 cohort | $106,000 |
Compare to other programs
| LTU’s PA program: | ||
| Tuition | Mandatory fees/out of pocket expenses | Total Cost |
| $106,000 | $0 | $106,000 |
| Example PA Program: | ||
| Tuition | Mandatory fees/out of pocket expenses | Total Cost |
| $95,000 | $11,000 | $106,000 |
This is historically how tuition and fees are structured at other PA programs. The average fees charged by other institutions in Michigan are over $11,000 for a two-year program. This means you would only be eligible to use educational loans for $95,000 and that you the student would be responsible to pay $11,000 dollars out-of-pocket throughout the two years. Our tuition at LTU is structured to reduce the burden on every student by incorporating program fees into the total cost of tuition. This allows all students to utilize educational loans to cover the total cost which means NO mandatory out-of-pocket expenses for the entire two-year program.
LTU attempts to anticipate every expense associated with the program, however there may be other unanticipated expenses that each student needs to consider, examples are.
- MAPA conference – attendance is strongly encouraged
- Additional educational resource purchases
- Stethoscope engraving
- Medical kit upgrades
- Additional scrub sets
- Additional white coats
Seat Deposit:
Students who are accepted into Lawrence Technological University’s Physician Assistant program are responsible for a non-refundable deposit of $1000 to secure their seat two weeks after an offer is extended. The seat deposit will be applied towards the cost of tuition for those students who matriculate into the PA program.
Refund Policy
A full 100% tuition refund will be granted for all drops completed within the Drop/Withdrawal period, typically two weeks after the start of the semester. After the Drop/Withdrawal period there will be a 0% tuition refund.
Official Drop/Add period dates for each semester are available at the Registrar's office site.
Although expenses have increased nationwide we have made a conscious decision in the interest of our commitment to a student centered program not to increase tuition for the 2024 cohort.
|
FEES THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF TUITION |
|
|
Graduate Application |
$50 |
|
Lab Fees |
$120 |
|
Platform Fee |
$470 per year = $940 |
|
Graduation Fee |
$150 |
|
Canvas |
Included |
|
Vehicle / Parking Permit - On campus |
Included |
|
Student ID |
Included |
|
MAPA membership |
$40 (for 2 years) |
|
AAPA membership |
$75 (for 2 years) |
|
Text books & resources |
$1,500 |
|
BLS & ACLS certifications |
$245 |
|
White coats and white coat ceremony |
$300 |
|
Rotation fees |
$4500 |
|
Background Cost |
$100 |
|
Sim lab fees |
$2,250 |
|
LTU program garments |
$150 |
|
**Diagnostic kit and equipment |
$1,135 |
|
1 BP cuff |
Included in Kit |
|
1 stethoscope |
Included in Kit |
|
1 tape measure |
Included in Kit |
|
1 snellen vision chart (handheld) |
Included in Kit |
|
1 neurological set (monofilament, sharp) |
Included in Kit |
|
1 reflex hammer |
Included in Kit |
|
(2) Tuning forks (Weber & Rinne) |
Included in Kit |
|
1 penlight |
Included in Kit |
|
Case for medical supplies |
Included in Kit |
|
Total included fees |
$11,670 |
|
*Fees and pricing are subject to change |
|
Ascension Simulation Lab
This lab allows students to acquire procedural skills with the most advanced models, cadaver specimens, and superior equipment used by Ascension medical professionals. Take advantage of ultrasound and robotic surgery simulators, access to an impressive library of radiologic images from actual studies performed, and an extensive exposure and education on a wide range of diagnostics and procedures.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Physician Assistant program at LTU is dedicated to educating all potential students about the importance of understanding diversity across all populations. This link will feature articles related to diversity equity and inclusion to help facilitate a deeper understanding of cultural differences.
