Selection Process & Acceptance

If selected for admission into the program:

• Candidates will have 14 calendar days to pay their non-refundable deposit of $150.00. 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.

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: 

1. Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/IX74   
2. Click on the Place Order button at the bottom of the screen   
3. Select the + sign next to Please Select (grey box) to view the packages   
4. 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:

1. Go to https://portal.castlebranch.com/IX74 
2. Click on the Place Order button at the bottom of the screen  
3. Select the + sign next to Please Select (grey box) to view the packages 
4. Follow the instructions to complete the drug test order  
5. 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  
6. 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.