Pennsylvania College of Technology Affiliation Agreement
Lycoming College’s affiliation agreement with Pennsylvania College of Technology provides a clear and competitive pathway for qualified Lycoming students to gain admission to Penn College’s master of science in physician assistant studies (MSPAS) program.
Penn College will reserve up to three seats annually in its physician assistant program for Lycoming students who meet rigorous academic and experiential criteria. The agreement establishes a structured opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in the rapidly growing healthcare field.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lycoming students will complete their undergraduate degrees while preparing for application to the MSPAS program through Penn College’s established admissions process. Interested students will be identified as early as their sophomore year, allowing for coordinated advising and communication between both institutions.
To be considered for the reserved seats, candidates must meet or exceed Penn College’s competitive benchmarks, including the following:
- Achieve a minimum science prerequisite GPA of 3.7
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.8
- Achieve a PA-CAT score of 521 or higher
- Achieve a CASPER score of -1.0 or higher
- Complete and log a minimum of 500 patient care experience or healthcare experience hours in CASPA within the past five years
- Complete and log a minimum of 16 shadowing hours with a practicing healthcare provider (PA, NP, MD, DO) in CASPA within the past five years (can be part of the total 500 hours listed above)
- Complete all prerequisite coursework required by the PCT PA Program prior to matriculation.
- Complete their bachelor’s degree at Lycoming College within the same calendar year that they will begin the PA Program at Penn College
Students who meet the affiliation criteria but are not selected for one of the reserved seats will automatically be considered within the general applicant pool, ensuring broad access to the program.
For more information about this affiliation and its requirements, please contact David Andrew, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, at andrew@lycoming.edu.