Program Overview

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program is a full-time endeavor that requires students to devote the maximum time possible to their studies. The curriculum is intense, demanding, and time-consuming, and students are discouraged from working while enrolled in the program.

Application Evaluation

The admissions committee evaluates applications holistically, considering a range of factors including academic success, service to the community, motivation to be a PA, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal skills. A minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are required for eligibility of review.

Admission Requirements

• A minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better
• Higher GPAs make a more competitive candidate

Characteristics of Competitive Candidates

• A history of academic success
• Service to the community and/or to others
• Strong motivation to be a PA
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Interpersonal skills

Average Statistics of Admitted Students

• Number of applicants: 841
• Class size: 45
• Average number of PA shadowing hours: 249
• Average direct patient care hours: 3049
• Average number of community service hours: 549
• Average overall GPA: 3.45 (range: 3.03 - 3.95)
• Average science GPA: 3.38 (range: 3.05 - 3.97)
• Average age of incoming class: 25.6 years (range: 21 - 36)

Strengthening Your Application

• Get to know as much as you can about the Physician Assistant profession
• Review the program website and become familiar with the program
• Be able to tell us how you would be a good match for our program
• Take additional science courses in college and earn high marks in all classes
• Learn a second language, if you already know a second language, improve your language skills
• Hands-on health care experience, PA shadowing, community service, and volunteer activities are considered application enhancing

Program Details

The program is designed to prepare students for a career as a Physician Assistant. The curriculum includes coursework, clinical experience, and hands-on training. Students are expected to devote a significant amount of time to their studies and are discouraged from working while enrolled in the program.