Lawrence Technological University is pleased to announce that it will launch a two-year, master’s degree program in physician assistant studies in Fall 2022, pending achieving Accreditation- Provisional status (see Accreditation tab for details).
Please check back here often for program updates and additional information.
Questions? Contact: 248.204.3587
The LTU Advantage
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.
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. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to email (paprogram@ltu.edu). One of our PA faculty will answer your questions.
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 2022 PA program throughout the 2021 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.
CONTACT :
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
As a candidate for admission to the physician assistant program please see the following:
Academic Requirements
- A bachelor's degree and all prerequisite courses must be from a regionally accredited institution (see below for international applicant criteria)
- A grade of C or higher is required with all prerequisite coursework.
- All Prerequisite courses must be completed within six years of matriculation.
- CLEP credits, AP credits and P/F credits will not be considered for prerequisites.
- Recommended cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Recommended science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Recommended prerequisite course GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Complete prerequisite coursework listed below.
- Last 60 credits of coursework may also be considered in the GPA calculations if requested by the applicant.
Required Courses
Anatomy + Lab – one course in human anatomy with lab is required (or may complete a 2 semester series of anatomy and physiology with labs to meet both the anatomy and physiology prerequisites)
Physiology + Lab – one 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
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 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 very helpful in providing a framework from which to build and integrate this approach.
All Prerequisite courses must be completed within six years of matriculation.
You may have two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application but must successfully complete by the time of matriculation with a course grade of C or higher.
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 may apply to the PA program prior to completing the patient care experience hours but must indicate a plan for completion on your application and have completed at least 500 of the 750 total hours at the time of 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.
Shadowing – Shadowing a physician assistant is required for a minimum of 20 hours and at least two different physician assistants. Please note, completion of PA shadowing hours prior to application is expected for consideration.
COVID Hardship
Please provide a statement or any documents of hardship you may have endured do to the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, as a student trying to complete all academic and professional experiences in applying to PA school.
In light of COVID-19 and the global pandemic Lawrence Technological University recognizes the challenges and struggles facing all applicants. For the application cycle opening April 2021 and closing April 2022 LTU will accept either the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test) to satisfy admission requirements.
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
Step 1: Go to www.PA-CAT.com to register, pay and schedule your exam date for the PA-CAT.
- Ensure Lawrence Technological University is selected in your candidate portal as the institution to receive your score report.
- It is highly recommended you take the PA-CAT before March 1, 2022 for your individual PA-CAT score to be processed and received by Lawrence Technological University PA Program admissions department in time to be included with your application.
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 Study materials provided by Exam Master include:
- 120 Question PA-CAT Practice Exam
- Eight 50-Question Subject Exams
- Candidate PA-CAT Study Guide
- Pre-Matriculation Success Program
PA-CAT Covered Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, General Biology, Biochemistry, General and Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences, Genetics, Statistics.
You may wish to look for additional resources that will help you learn about the topics covered on the PA-CAT.
All applicants applying to the PA Program at Lawrence Tech University are required to complete an online suite of assessments (Altus Suite), to assist with our selection process for the 2021-2022 Application Cycle.
Altus Suite consists of a two-part online assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Altus Suite will complement the other tools that we use for applicant screening. In implementing Altus Suite, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
Altus Suite consists of: (Both CASPer and Snapshot are REQUIRED)
- Casper: a 60-90 minute online situational judgment test (SJT)
- Snapshot: a 10-minute one-way interview with standardized questions
You will register for Altus Suite for the US Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10101).
Access www.TakeAltus.com to create an account and for more information on important dates and requirements, and the Altus Suite assessments.
CASPer must be completed by March 1, 2022 limited exam dates/times are available so last minute bookings are strongly discouraged.
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 are 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.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk for exposure to serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases. If you work directly with patients or handle material that could spread infection, you should get appropriate vaccines to reduce the chance that you will get or spread vaccine-preventable diseases. Protect yourself, your patients, and your family members. Make sure you are up-to-date with recommended vaccines.
| Required | Recommended |
| Hepatitis B – Three Doses OR lab report confirming immunity | Meningitis B – At least 2 doses of the same vaccine |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Two doses OR lab report confirming immunity | Hepatitis A – Two doses |
| Meningococcal Conjugate – One dose received since age 16 | Pneumococcal – (If qualified) |
| Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis Tdap – One dose received within the past ten years | Polio (especially for residents under 18 years of age) – Four doses of IPV or OPV |
| Varicella (Chickenpox) – Two doses OR lab report confirming immunity | COVID-19 Vaccination - Fully immunized at least two weeks prior to matriculation |
| Tuberculosis Test – 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* | |
| Influenza (Flu) – One dose yearly |
*https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/healthcareworkers.htm
The vaccination requirements and recommendations follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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 a degree from an accredited University in any country whose sole national language is English. 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 April 29th 2021.
Special Considerations:
The program will give preference to applicants who are:
- LTU graduate
- LTU student
- Employees of Ascension Health
- Children of Ascension Health employees
The program may give preference to applicants who are:
- Higher cumulative, science or prerequisite GPA
- Prerequisite course grades of 3.5 or better
- Students that have taken the PA-CAT
- Higher number of direct patient care hours
- First-generation college student
- Economically disadvantaged student
- Student from a colleges or university with articulation agreements with LTU (contact our admissions department for the most up to date details)
- Veterans or active military
Factors that our admissions committee value include:
Traits desirable in a future physician assistant such as empathy, compassion and advocacy, previous accomplishments, diverse life experiences, a comprehensive knowledge of the PA profession and significant knowledge of how to deliver health care. Experiences which demonstrate these traits may include: volunteer work, mission work, proficiency in foreign languages, unique life experiences, health training or certification, unique leadership positions, and research experience.
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 |
| PAS5523 | Emergency Medicine | 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 |
| PAS5533 | Special Populations | 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 |
LTU has applied for Accreditation – Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Lawrence Technological University anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2022, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the March 2022 ARC-PA meeting. 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. The program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received. If students have been accepted and paid a deposit this will be fully refunded in the event that provisional accreditation is not achieved.
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 |
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 | |
| Out of pocket expense | $0.00 | |
| Total cost of attendance 2022 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
|
FEES: NO OUT POCKET EXPENSE TO STUDENTS |
|
|
Graduate Application |
$50 |
|
Background Check |
$100 |
|
2nd application fee LTU application |
$50 |
|
Lab Fees |
$120 |
|
IT service & maintenance Fee |
$150/ semester ($150*6=$900) |
|
Graduation Fee |
$90 |
|
Typhon |
$90 |
|
MAPA membership |
$40 (for 2 years) |
|
AAPA membership |
$75 (for 2 years) |
|
Text books & resources |
$1,500 |
|
BLS & ACLS certifications |
$300 |
|
White coats and white coat ceremony |
$300 |
|
Rotation fees |
$500*9 = $4500 |
|
Sim lab fees |
$2,250 |
|
1 LTU PA prog badge holder |
$5 |
|
1 pair of LTU PA prog scrubs |
$150 |
|
**Diagnostic kit and equipment |
$1,150 |
|
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 |
|
1 bandage scissors |
Included in Kit |
|
Case for medical supplies |
Included in Kit |
|
Total included fees |
$11,670 |
|
*Fees and pricing are subject to change |
|
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.
Aimee Lamb PA-C, MMSC - Program Director, Assistant Professor
Aimee lamb is the program director and assistant professor of the LTU inaugural PA program. She graduated with her bachelors in biology with a minor in cultural anthropology from EMU in 1991. She and her husband traveled extensively before attending Emory University and graduating with her MMSC (masters of medical science) in 1998 and has dedicated her practice since to rural and urban underserved populations. She has lectured extensively both here and abroad in a variety of topics and has precepted PA students for almost two decades. She has had several leadership roles including having created and led an inpatient team in glycemic management, was a mentor for the society of hospital medicine, established an infertility service, developed a minor procedures clinic in England and was the advanced practice provider (APP) director at DMC of approximately 70 PAs and NPs of thirteen different specialties. She has published numerous times and is an active member of both AAPA and MAPA. She was one of a group of 12 PAs that established the PA profession in the UK and assisted with the development of the first PA program in England. She has practiced in a myriad of areas including women's health, family practice, rehab medicine, emergency medicine, interventional cardiology and addiction medicine. She has received numerous accolades for innovative projects and her commitment to excellence. She also has a private consulting LLC that specializes in patient and elder empowerment and assists practices in business strategy and novel approaches to health-care delivery. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion and an active community volunteer in providing both medical services and free healthcare education and has led and participated in many fundraising efforts throughout the years.
Outside of the professional arena, Aimee loves to spend time with her husband of over 25 years and three children. They have a small zoo of critters at home, and she is a wildlife rehabilitator and enjoys travel, gardening, sharing what she grows and adventures in general.
Charles Regan, MS, PA-C - 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.
Kenneth Early CPNP-AC - Assistant Professor
Kenneth Early, board certified as an Acute Care – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, became an Assistant Professor at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). He grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan and completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Albion College in 2006. He went on to complete the accelerated nursing program at Oakland University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2008. He furthered his education at Wayne State University where he completed his Masters in Nursing with a focus on acute pediatrics. Kenneth went on to work at Children’s Hospital of Michigan Emergency Department for four year and then transitioned to Vascular surgery at SGH. Before joining LTU he served six years as an adjunct professor within the nursing program at Davenport University. Now he is even more excited to shape and influence future Physician Assistants in the new Graduate Program at LTU.
Kenneth is married to Dr. Rebecca Early who has her PhD in Industrial-organizational psychology and together they have four children.
Dr. Morrissette, Pathophysiology - Professor
Natural Sciences Associate Department Chair, Assistant 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. Andrei Borisov - Adjunct Faculty
Dr. Andrei Borisov has taught human anatomy and physiology at Lawrence Technological University since 2018. He completed an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship in anatomy and cell biology at the University of Michigan where he was a faculty member before accepting an associate professor position at Wayne State University. Dr. Borisov’s research interests are focused on mechanisms of growth, adaptation, and regeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. His teaching expertise is concentrated on human gross anatomy. He has published papers in the official journals of the American Association of Anatomists (Anatomical Record and Developmental Dynamics), European anatomical journals, and is the author of several invited book chapters. Dr. Borisov currently teaches human gross anatomy courses for students in nursing and physician assistant programs.
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.
Elizabeth Porter - Program Coordinator
I am a first-generation born American on my father’s side; born and raised a Michigander. While my five siblings and I dreamed of Walt Disney World, family trips consisted of educational and historical sites around the United States per my Father’s new attained U.S. citizenship and his passion for American history.
In my second year of college, I met my husband and eloped to Honolulu, Hawaii. Upon our return, my husband, a graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology aka LTU, and I continued to develop and expand our business.
Years later, we began a family – we are very blessed to have three wonderful children. Our oldest son has recently graduated from Kettering University. Our daughter is completing her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Madonna University. Our youngest son is attending Michigan State University. As a family, we continually volunteer in our community and schools.
Some family historical notes: my paternal grandmother, a pianist for the Welsh Boys’ Choir performed a concert in the presence of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. My great-great-great maternal grandfather was in the Battle of the Monitor and Merrimack during the American Civil War.
Ben Zimnicki, PharmD, Adjunct faculty
Ben Zimnicki is responsible for the pharmacology courses within the LTU PA program. Michigan born and raised, he completed his Doctor of Pharmacy Practice (PharmD) at Wayne State University in 2009. Following graduation, he began practicing at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital as a Staff/Clinical Pharmacist caring for patients in both General Practice and Intensive Care settings. His job responsibilities include dosing and monitoring antibiotic therapy, dosing of Warfarin and other anticoagulants, providing drug information to providers to optimize patient care, and educating patients about various medications and disease states. In addition to his patient care responsibilities, he serves on various committees aimed at standardizing and improving patient care across Henry Ford Health System.
Unsatisfied with the demands of juggling a full-time job and two small children, Ben went back to school at the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 2014. He completed his Masters in Business Administration in 2016. Using the skills and knowledge gained from his MBA program, he continues to practice pharmacy while looking at ways to maximize the department’s efficiency.
Ben and his wife Jenny have three kids between the ages of seven and eleven who occupy much of his time away from work. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, coaching his daughter’s softball team, reading and camping.
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 deemed vital to PA practice.
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.
