M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies

Academics:

• Obtain a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university no later than matriculation.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (overall and science).
• Demonstrate acceptable academic performance.
• Complete all prerequisite coursework listed below.
• All prerequisite courses must be taken at an accredited institution with a grade of C or higher and completed prior to matriculation.
• One year (two courses) of general biology with laboratory (minimum 4 credits each);
• One year (two courses) of general chemistry with laboratory (minimum 4 credits each);
• One semester of human anatomy with laboratory (minimum 4 credits);
• One semester of human physiology (minimum 3 credits);
• One semester of microbiology (minimum 3 credits);
• One semester of statistics (minimum 3 credits);

All prerequisite coursework must be college-level (AP courses are not accepted). Courses completed more than 10 years prior to matriculation will not be accepted.

Direct Care Experience:

Applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience prior to matriculation, with at least 400 hours completed at the time of CASPA application submission.

Acceptable types of direct patient care experience include:

• Medical assistant;
• Surgical technologist;
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN);
• Dental assistant or dental hygienist;
• Certified nursing assistant (CNA);
• Home health aide;
• Residential aide;
• Emergency medical technician (EMT);
• Paramedic;
• Physical therapist or physical therapy assistant/aide;
• Occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant/aide;
• Respiratory therapist;
• Perfusionist;
• Electrocardiographic (EKG) technician;
• Phlebotomist;
• Ophthalmologic technician;
• Volunteer work involving direct patient care;
• Shadowing a physician, physician assistant, or dentist;
• Athletic trainer;
• Scribe.

The application to the Division of Physician Assistant Studies is evaluated on the following criteria:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Science GPA of 3.0 or higher;
• Personal statement demonstrating motivation for becoming a physician assistant;
• Breadth and depth of patient care experience;
• Three satisfactory recommendations submitted through CASPA;
• Completion of prerequisite coursework within 10 years;
• Completion of the GRE by the CASPA deadline (January 15). No minimum score required. GRE Code: 2831.

Interview recommendations are made by the Admissions Committee based on a holistic review of all application components. Candidates selected for interviews are evaluated using a standardized rubric that considers personal statements, academic performance, recommendations, and patient care experience.