By Dave DeFusco
The Katz School’s M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies has achieved a 100% pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) for the second straight year, recognizing the program’s rigorous curriculum, outstanding faculty and highly capable students who demonstrated their readiness for clinical practice by passing the exam on their first attempt.
“A 100% PANCE pass rate for the Physician Assistant Studies program is a major achievement,” said Katz School Dean Paul Russo. “This remarkable success speaks volumes about the strength of the program’s curriculum, faculty and students.”
To become a certified physician assistant (PA), candidates must pass the rigorous 300-question, five-hour multiple-choice PANCE exam, which tests medical and surgical competency, as well as critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills, ensuring that PAs are fully prepared for clinical practice and patient care.
The Katz School’s M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies is an intensive 28-month program, structured to ensure graduates are fully equipped for clinical excellence. The first year focuses on classroom instruction, while the second year consists of clinical rotations that provide real-world experience in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program follows a medical model, emphasizing data gathering, diagnosis and treatment. Preceptors, who play a central role in the clinical education of students, have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on the quality of Katz School PA students. With the national first-time PANCE pass rate averaging between 92% and 94%, the Katz School’s 100% achievement demonstrates that its graduates are not just meeting but exceeding national standards.
“The Katz School Physician Assistant Studies Program is unique in its dedication and execution of its mission,” said Dr. Lorraine Cashin, director of the M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. "Educating highly competent students focuses not only the acquisition of skills but on our moral and social obligation to provide healthcare for local and global communities with limited-to-no access to medical care."
The PANCE pass rate is one of the most important indicators of a PA program’s quality, effectiveness and selectivity. A perfect pass rate signals that:
- The curriculum is rigorous and well-structured, preparing students thoroughly for clinical practice.
- Faculty are exceptional educators, equipping students with deep medical knowledge and clinical reasoning skills.
- Students receive robust support, benefiting from a program that prioritizes their success at every stage.
A perfect PANCE pass rate is more than just a statistic—it has real-world benefits for students. Employers prioritize graduates from top-performing programs, ensuring Katz School PA students will have a competitive edge, enter the workforce with a proven foundation of knowledge and skills, and are recognized for maximizing their potential for success.
“Hospitals and healthcare organizations can rely on Katz School graduates to provide exceptional patient care,” said Dr. Cashin. “The 100% pass rate is a testament to effective faculty mentorship, rigorous exam preparation and comprehensive student support systems. By upholding this level of achievement, it solidifies our status as a highly competitive PA program.”
