Mercyhurst University Department of Physician Assistant Studies graduates are eligible to pursue licensure in all 50 states across the U.S. once they have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This exam is developed jointly by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the National Commision on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Mercyhurst University does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to Mercyhurst University. View the Mercyhurst University PANCE Pass Rates and the Mercyhurst University Student Attrition of our PA students.