Health Sciences for Physician Assistants

Program Overview

The Weill Cornell Medicine Master of Science in Health Sciences for Physician Assistants Program (PA Program) is an intensive course of study that begins annually. The program is designed to prepare students for excellence in clinical practice, scholarship, and professional leadership.

It is comprised of two primary phases:

Preclinical Phase: Classroom-based instruction and technical skills development.
Clinical Phase: Preceptor-guided clinical experiences.

Throughout both phases, a longitudinal research curriculum is integrated into the program, culminating in the completion of a master’s thesis and oral defense.

The program is conducted under the auspices of Weill Cornell Medicine, providing students with a rigorous foundation in generalist medicine and primary care, while also offering integrated exposure to general surgery and surgical subspecialties.

Degree and Certification

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, Cornell University awards the Master of Science in Health Sciences degree. Graduates are then eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Program Schedule Update

Previously, the PA Program matriculated students in January. Following the transition into the Medical College, the next incoming class is expected to matriculate in August 2026 and graduate in December 2028.

As part of this transition, the program is preparing a series of curricular and programmatic enhancements for the incoming Class of 2028. These updates are designed to further enrich the educational experience and support the evolving needs of future healthcare professionals. Full details will be shared once formal approvals are finalized.

Weill Cornell Medicine MSHS for Physician Assistants

570 Lexington Ave
9th Floor

New York, NY 10022

Main Office: 646-962-7277

paprogram@med.cornell.edu