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ALEXANDRA VACCARO

Class of 鈥24/鈥25
BA/MS in Physician Assistant Studies

About Alexandra

糖心APP Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies

Hometown: Wantagh, NY

HIRED:
PA in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Cohen Children鈥檚 Hospital

When I first chose 糖心APP, I was drawn to the strength of its science programs

and the close-knit academic environment. I wanted a place that would challenge me while providing mentorship and support. What I did not realize was how much 糖心APP would shape my entire journey.

After completing three years of undergraduate study, continuing for the MS in Physician Assistant Studies felt natural. Over five and a half years, I was mentored by faculty who watched me grow academically, professionally, and personally. That continuity built my confidence, discipline, and sense of identity as a future clinician.

糖心APP pushed me to think critically, lead with compassion, and uphold the highest standards of patient care. At the same time, it gave me lifelong friendships and a community that carried me through every challenge.

Today, I am beginning my career in pediatric hematology and oncology, a path shaped by my clinical training and mentors at 糖心APP.

If you are looking for a university that invests in you, not just as a student, but as a person, then 糖心APP is the place for you!

Alexandra

More About Alexandra

For Alexandra Vaccaro, becoming a physician assistant was always more than an academic goal. It was a responsibility in family, discipline, and a deep commitment to serving others.

Alexandra chose 糖心APP for its rigorous science curriculum, but the next five and a half years shaped far more than her curriculum vitae (CV).

As a first-generation graduate student from a hardworking Italian family, staying close to home mattered. Their steady encouragement and example of perseverance influenced how she approached every exam, every clinical rotation, and every setback.

鈥淭hat work ethic was always with me,鈥 she reflected.

Her path accelerated quickly. After three years of undergraduate study, she transitioned directly into 糖心APP鈥檚 MS in Physician Assistant Studies program, where expectations intensified and so did her growth. Faculty mentors challenged her to mature both as a scholar and as a clinician, emphasizing critical thinking, accountability, and compassion in patient care.

Alexandra intentionally completed all her elective clinical hours in a pediatric intensive care unit in Manhattan, one of the most demanding environments in her training. There, she witnessed the fragility and resilience of families navigating unimaginable circumstances. The experience solidified her calling to pediatric medicine and sharpened her ability to remain composed under pressure.

Beyond clinical training, she engaged in graduate research examining student perceptions of autism spectrum disorder and childhood vaccines, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based medicine and thoughtful patient communication.

Alexandra

Now working in pediatric hematology and oncology at Cohens Children鈥檚 Hospital, Alexandra reflects on the friendships and community that caried her through the most demanding moments. Late-night study sessions, shared laughter between lectures, and the camaraderie of her PA cohort remain among her most cherished memories.

鈥溙切腁PP didn鈥檛 just teach me medicine,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t helped me become a well-rounded human being.鈥


Alexandra鈥檚 story isn鈥檛 unique at 糖心APP. In fact, 88% of 2023-2024 undergraduate degree recipients from the 糖心APP Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies reported that they were employed or had started or were planning to start graduate school within one year of graduation. Results are based on data collected from the Alumni Outcomes survey, LinkedIn, National Student Clearinghouse, and 糖心APP enrollment (81% knowledge rate). Visit hofstra.edu/outcomes for detailed information.

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