Admissions

There are two routes of entry into the PA Program. The majority of applicants have earned a Bachelor’s prior to entry. These individuals apply directly through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).  We also offer articulated degree programs (also referred to as “3+3”) with several local universities which afford undergraduate students the opportunity to apply to the PA Program at the end of the Sophomore year. Please see Articulated Degree Programs for more information. It is highly advisable that all applicants thoroughly review the Admission Requirements for either route prior to applying.

Admission Requirements for those with a 4-year degree prior to enrollment

General Information: Admission to the program is extremely competitive with over one thousand applications for the class of 50. Our admissions committee thoroughly reviews each application and only the most competitive applicants are invited for an interview. The committee looks for evidence of the following: ability to handle a rigorous science course load as demonstrated by the applicants previous coursework and GPA; prior health care experience; and familiarity with the PA profession as evidenced by exposure to PAs though programs such as PA shadowing.  It is important to understand that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation for an interview. Interviews are conducted from September through February. The interview will serve to identify qualities such as communication skills, motivation, and general interpersonal skills. The applicant should be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the PA role and how this fits into the applicant's career goals. Once the interview process is complete and the class is selected, some applicants may be offered a place on our waiting list, which we frequently utilize when applicants decline our offer of acceptance.

Applications: Applications, which are submitted via CASPA at www.CASPAonline.org, are available on April 18, 2012. The application cycle closes on October 1.  Please note: Preference is given to applicants whose applications have been received by the PA Program by Oct 1st, including supplemental application, $20 fee, and all supporting documents. Once the application is considered complete with CASPA, it may take up to 4 weeks to process and mail the application to the PA Program. Applicants should keep this in mind to ensure that the application is submitted and completed well before our October 1st deadline. For best consideration, prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

GPA: Applicants must have an overall and science grade point average (GPA) of no less than 3.2 (on a scale where 4.0 equals A.)  In cases where individuals show high potential by improved performance, exceptions to this requirement may be considered.

Course Prerequisites: (For a list of acceptable courses, click here)

General Psychology (3 credits)

English Composition (3 credits)

Mathematics: Pre Calculus-level math or higher (3-4 credits)

General Chemistry with lab (8 credits)

Organic Chemistry  (3-4 credits)

Biological Sciences with lab (8 credits)

Applicants with incomplete prerequisites may apply; however, they must state how they will satisfy the prerequisites by the end of the spring semester prior to the start of the program.

If any of the prerequisite courses have been satisfied by taking a CLEP exam, the scores should be submitted directly to the PA Program. The CLEP Designated Institution Code is 2145.

Health Care Experience: Prior patient contact experience is highly desirable and applicants with such experience will be given priority consideration. The program does not require a particular number of hours of health care experience. However, the majority of accepted applicants are able to demonstrate that they have experience in a healthcare setting.

International Students: Applicants who received their degrees outside the United States are required to take the TOEFL exam. TOEFL is currently administering the internet-based (IB) and paper-based (PB) testing. A minimum score of 115 (IB) or 650 (PB) must be achieved. TOEFL scores should be submitted directly to CASPA. The TOEFL Designated Institution Code is 3709.

All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an evaluation agency and submitted to CASPA with your application. Two recommended agencies are: World Education Services, Inc. and International Education Evaluations, Inc.

Admission Requirements for those who are seeking admission from one of our 3+3 articulated institutions

Applications:  Applications are submitted directly to the PA Program by June 1 of the calendar year prior to matriculation. 

GPA:The applicant must have an overall and science grade point average of no less than 3.0 (on a scale where 4.0 equals A.)

SAT/GRE: SAT scores should be submitted directly to the PA Program. The SAT Designated Institution Code is 2829. GRE scores are not required unless you are interested in the MS/MPH program. The GRE scores must be submitted to the School of Public Health with your MPH application.

Prerequisite coursework: If any of the prerequisite courses have been satisfied by taking a CLEP exam, the scores should be submitted directly to the PA Program. The CLEP Designated Institution Code is 2145. All foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an evaluation agency. Two recommended agencies are: World Education Services, Inc. and International Education Evaluations, Inc.

Recommendations: Three completed Recommendation Forms (provided in Application package) are required. It is preferable that one recommendation be prepared by a college instructor, one by an employment supervisor, and one by an individual who is thoroughly familiar with the applicant's general characteristics. He/she may be an instructor, counselor, community leader, etc.  Please note that the Waiver of Access statement on the recommendation form must be signed by the applicant.

Healthcare experience: Prior patient contact experience is considered desirable and applicants with such experience will be given priority consideration.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted in July. Only the most competitive applicants will be interviewed. The determination is made following an initial screening by the Admissions Committee.  The interview will serve to identify qualities, such as communication skills, motivation, and general interpersonal skills. The applicant should demonstrate a clear understanding of the PA role and how this fits into the applicant's career goals. The applicant is reminded that competition is very keen for the available spaces.

Acceptances: Final notices of acceptance will be made by August 1st of the year prior to enrollment. Commencement of studies at the PA Program is contingent upon completion of all required coursework and maintaining a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.

Download Application

If you have difficulty downloading the application below, please call the PA Program Office at 732-235-4445 and request that an application packet be mailed out to you.