• The Larkin University Physician Assistant Program is a full-time, intensive, and rigorous educational program that spans over 28 months for a total of 128 semester hours and awards a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program prepares students by integrating 15 months of classroom instructions followed by 12 months of supervised clinical practice experiences providing them with a solid foundation. This instruction is provided to the students by highly competent faculty who are experts in their respective fields, state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, and technology. The curriculum integrates problem-based learning in classroom instruction and clinical scenarios that enhance their clinical reasoning and prepare them to enter the medical field. Upon graduation, the student will have the knowledge and clinical skills required to practice medicine in urban, rural, and underserved areas under the supervision of a licensed physician.

The Larkin PA Program is comprised of a Didactic phase, a Clinical phase and a Summative month.  

• The didactic phase is divided into 4 semesters (15 months) of classroom, laboratory instructions in medical sciences and clinical skills. The instruction is conducted primarily on campus. Students are also allowed to have limited patient interaction during their physical diagnosis lab where they are taken in small groups to a local community clinic to learn history-taking skills.
• The clinical phase of 12 months duration is divided into six 5 weeks rotations, one 10 weeks of family medicine rotation and two elective rotations. The supervised clinical rotations are conducted in various medical settings including Hospitals, and community centers, provide specialty medical offices, urgent care, ambulatory care centers, and long-term care facilities.
• Upon completion of the clinical year, students return to campus for a one-month period (1 month) dedicated to final evaluations and presentations. During this time, they complete their end-of-program comprehensive exam and final summative evaluation, which are critical in assessing their overall competencies. Additionally, students present their capstone project, a culmination of their learning that integrates research, evidence-based practice, and clinical experience. To further support their success, students are offered a PANCE board review during this month. Successfully completing these evaluations certifies the students’ competencies for graduation and establishes their eligibility to sit for the national certification examination. This final phase ensures that they are well-prepared to embark on their professional careers.

Required Academic Standards for Larkin University Physician Assistant (PA) program

• Students must maintain a minimum grade of C in all program course work. They are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, to ensure satisfactory academic performance.
• All required coursework must be completed within 28 months, to ensure that knowledge remains current.
• Students must demonstrate competency in clinical skills, assessed through practical examinations and evaluations during clinical rotations.
• Achieving passing scores on key assessments and examinations, such as midterms, finals, and standardized tests like the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) preparation assessments and the Capstone project.
• Adherence to ethical standards and professional behavior is expected throughout the program, including during clinical placements.

Requirements and Deadlines for progression in and completion of the Larkin University PA Program.

• Students must successfully complete all required didactic courses with a minimum of 75%.
• Satisfactory completion of all clinical rotations and related clinical course work.
• Students must pass comprehensive exams and other assessments at designated milestones throughout the program, such as end-of-semester exams, OSCES, and summative evaluations.
• Student must successfully complete and present their capstone project that demonstrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
• Students must participate in professional development activities, such as workshops or conferences, and demonstrate ongoing participation in community service or clinical experiences.
• The specific deadlines for completing course registrations, clinical rotation applications, and submitting assessment materials are outlined in the PA program handbook. Students are responsible for adhering to these deadlines to ensure smooth progression through the program.
• Regular advising and feedback sessions are scheduled with an assigned program advisor to help students stay on track with their requirements and address any concerns about progression and completion.

For specific course listings by semester, Click Here

For a complete listing of courses and course descriptions, see the upcoming 2025/2026 Larkin University Catalog.