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Graduate Admissions Policies - Degree Seeking Status (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies)

At minimum, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standing is required for admission. Each applicant is admitted on the presumption that a bachelor’s degree or a foreign institution degree equivalent will be earned by the time of graduate matriculation, or the student’s admission is void.

For admission into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program, applicant must demonstrate a high promise of success.

  1. To apply to the PA Program, submit an application through The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The PA Program accepts applications only through CASPA starting April 30, 2020 for a January 11, 2021 matriculation date. Applications must be verified by CASPA no later than October 1, 2020. The program accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis. The applicant is responsible for the cost to apply through CASPA. Fees are payable to CASPA, for CASPA.  No supplemental graduate application or application fee is required by the program.
  2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to CASPA. If you are an international applicant, you must have your international transcripts evaluated through World Education Services (WES), which is a university requirement, with results sent to CASPA.
  3. Two references will be requested through CASPA.
  4. (Foreign Applicants Only) Proof of English proficiency can be required if English is not the applicant’s native language, or was not the language of instruction for the applicant’s baccalaureate degree, or if the applicant does not hold a graduate degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher learning. Proof of English proficiency may be demonstrated by means of the TOEFL exams or IELTS: For the MSPAS program, the following minimum scores are required for admission: TOEFL (577 paper version; 230 for the computer-based test; and 90 for the internet-based test); or IELTS (6.5). Additional paperwork and documentation will be required by the University as noted on the University's International webpage. 
  5. All applicants are required to take the online CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test. Successful completion of CASPer is mandatory in order to maintain admission eligibility. The applicant is responsible for the cost. Fees are payable to CASPer, for CASPer. 
  6. Applicants must be able to meet the technical standards as published on the program's webpage. 
  7. No GRE or MCAT is required by the program.
  8. Prior healthcare experience, exposure, or shadowing is not required by the program, but students with these will be given additional consideration. Prior work experience is not required.
  9. Qualified applicants must successfully complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade or grade equivalent of "C" or better, earn a cumulative CASPA-calculated undergraduate/graduate GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or higher, and earn a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) or higher to be considered for the program. If an applicant repeats a prerequisite course, the repeat grade will be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA. The program can conditionally accept an applicant if the applicant is able to show the ability to complete all admission requirements prior to the date of matriculation.
  10. Prerequisite courses include: general biology I & II with labs (may substitute botany and zoology with labs in lieu of general biology I & II with labs), anatomy and physiology I & II with labs (will accept 1 semester of anatomy and one semester of physiology with labs in lieu of anatomy and physiology I & II with labs), microbiology with lab, general chemistry I & II with labs, organic chemistry I & II (labs recommended but not required), a statistics course, a psychology course, and a medical terminology course.
  11. On-line courses and labs can satisfy prerequisite course requirements.
  12. AP & CLEP credits can satisfy prerequisite course requirements, but these will not be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA.
  13. Additional consideration will be given to: Metro-Memphis residents or those living in the mid-south, Christian Brothers University students and graduates, those who take advanced natural science courses and labs, those who take organic chemistry I and II labs, those with healthcare experience or exposure, and those who have served in the armed forces.
  14. Interviews will be extended to the most highly-qualified applicants. An interview is required for admission into the program.
  15. The following attributes make an ideal candidate: has a positive realistic outlook, is highly motivated, has a strong academic background, is mature in conversation, is a good decision maker, has good interpersonal skills, wears appropriate attire to the interview, is able to function in a demanding academic environment, is knowledgeable of the PA profession, is able to relate well to others, and has a yearning to serve others.
  16. The program admissions committee will base all decisions upon the applicant's overall application and interview.
  17. The program will not grant advanced standing.
  18. If offered a seat in the program, a seat deposit will be required within two weeks of the seat offer. A background check, child abuse clearance, drug screen, and medical clearance are required prior to the start of the program at the cost of the student, and each student must provide evidence of health insurance and have their own mode of transportation while in the program.
  19. Specific questions regarding the program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
  20. The PA Program accreditation status is published on its webpage.
  21. Articulations with other colleges or universities for reserved seats in the program, if any, will be published on the PA program's website.