Selection Process & Acceptance

Candidates will be evaluated and based on the following criteria:

The IC PA Program has a holistic approach to admissions. The whole application will be considered in the final admissions process including, but not limited to:

Baccalaureate Degree from a U.S. regionally accredited College or University
Advanced degrees
Veteran, Ithaca College student, or alumni status
Grade Point Average
- Overall GPA (Undergraduate) or Overall Graduate GPA
- Prerequisite GPA (Can include undergraduate and/or graduate level courses)
Direct patient care experiences
Letters of Recommendation
Personal and Supplemental Statements
Health care experience, especially with medically underserved, vulnerable populations (economically disadvantaged, racial and ethnic minorities, the uninsured, low-income children, the elderly, the homeless, those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and those with other chronic health conditions, including severe mental illness) or rural populations
Performance during the interview

Acceptance

If selected for admission into the program:

Candidates will have 14 calendar days to pay their non-refundable deposit of $500.00. This will be applied to tuition and fees.
The following is needed prior to matriculation:
- The criminal background check and drug screening is received. Any liabilities that might jeopardize clinical placements or post-completion licensing may negatively impact final acceptance for admission to the program.
- The Healthcare Provider Attestation Statement is completed by a licensed healthcare provider clearing the candidate for admission to the program.
- A valid CPR (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification is presented.

Candidates who are not accepted will receive either a letter of alternative acceptance (waitlist) or non-acceptance.

Requirements for Acceptance

All Ithaca College MS-PAS learners are required to submit a background check prior to the start of the Didactic and Clinical year. Most of our program’s clinical affiliates require PA learners to undergo a criminal background check prior to beginning a clinical rotation. Based on the results, a learner may not be allowed to participate in a clinical rotation by the clinical affiliate and may not have sufficient clinical experience to complete the program. In addition, as a PA learner progresses in their field, they can expect regular background checks and credential verification as part of the hiring and employment process.

Ithaca College utilizes CastleBranch for the criminal background check and drug screening but you are free to use any testing provider. Results will need to be sent to the Ithaca College PA Program. All searches have a minimum scope of 7 years. To order your background check from CastleBranch:

Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/gq44
Click on the Place Order button at the bottom of the screen
Select the + sign next to Please Select (grey box)
Select the + sign next to Physician Assistant to view the packages (IX74-background check and drug test, or IX74bg-background check)
Fill in the information requested

Once your order is submitted, you will receive a password to view the results of your background check. The results will be available in approximately 48-72 hours. If you encounter any problems or have any questions about the process, you can contact CastleBranch at 888-723-4263 x7196.

All learners must successfully pass an initial chain of custody drug screen.
All matriculated learners must complete and successfully pass a second chain of custody drug screen upon completion of the didactic phase prior to entering the clinical phase of the program.
Additional chain of custody drug screens and "for cause" testing for any learner suspected of being under the influence of unlawful drugs or alcohol during their course of study remains at the discretion of affiliated hospitals or clinics and/or the Ithaca College MS-PAS program.
A learner may be prevented from progressing in the program’s didactic phase, being promoted to the clinical phase of the program, or being recommended for graduation if the learner fails a chain of custody drug screen. Therefore, the Ithaca College MS-PAS program reserves the right to withdraw offers of conditional acceptance if the candidate fails the initial chain of custody drug screen.

To order your 9-panel drug test from CastleBranch, please follow the instructions below:

Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/gq44
Click on the Place Order button at the bottom of the screen
Select the + sign next to Please Select (grey box)
Select the + sign next to Physician Assistant to view the packages (IX74-background check and drug test, or IX74dt-drug test)
Follow the instructions to complete the drug test order
Within 24-48 hours after you place your order, the electronic chain of custody form (e-chain) will be placed directly into your myCB account. This e-chain will explain where you need to go to complete your drug test - you should print and bring the form with you
When you placed your order, you received a password to view the results of your drug test. The results will be available in approximately 48-72 hours after your visit to the drug test facility. You can print out your results and/or provide your affiliation site or clinical coordinator with the password and they will be able to access the results of your background check

Please bring to the drug testing facility:

your Chain of Custody form
your Picture ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport)

If you encounter any problems or have any questions about the process, you can contact CastleBranch at 888-723-4263 x7196

9-panel with EtOH drug test:

AMPHETAMINES (1000 ng/mL SCREEN)
BARBITURATES
BENZODIAZEPINES
COCAINE METABOLITES
METHADONE
METHAQUALONE
OPIATES (2000 NG/ML SCREEN)
PHENCYCLIDINE
PROPOXYPHENE

A comprehensive physical examination by a licensed medical provider (DO, MD, PA or NP) must be completed indicating that the conditionally accepted applicant is appropriately screened for TB, current on all immunization requirements, and has been medically cleared for admission. The Learner Health Packet includes instructions and the following forms:
- Medical History
- Physical Examination
- Immunization Verification*
- Healthcare Provider Attestation Statement
- Chain of Custody Drug screen
- All learners must have a second physical examination conducted by licensed medical provider (DO, MD, PA, or NP) prior to starting the clinical phase of the program indicating that the conditionally accepted applicant is appropriately screened for TB, current on all immunization requirements, and has been medically cleared for admission.

Immunization requirements are based on the most current standards set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for Health Professionals.