M.S. in Physician Assistant Application, Admission & Cost Information
M.S. in Physician Assistant Application, Admission & Cost Information
Application Process & Admission Requirements
Please apply through the .
Helpful Hints for Navigating the Application Process Through CASPA
- All applications and supporting materials (transcripts, references, etc.) must be received by CASPA before processing of your file can begin. It takes 2 - 4 weeks for CASPA processing once your file is complete.
- If English is not your first language, TOEFL or IELTS scores must be submitted with your CASPA application. Instruct the testing agency to use the following code when submitting your scores directly to CASPA: TOEFL designate code 2812. (Scores required for admission noted below.)
- No supplemental application is required for our program.
Deadlines for Application & Admission Interview Dates
Our CASPA cycle will open in late April. The deadline for application through CASPA is January 15 for the subsequent January class. Eligible candidates will be interviewed for admission to the program in February, March and April, with most candidates receiving an admissions notification by May 1.
July 2024 Update: ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University’s Physician Assistant Program has been placed on probation by Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). As a stipulation of probation, we are unable to accept applications at this time. Pending a favorable outcome of the ARC-PA review in March 2025, we hope to reopen CASPA in April of 2025 and resume reviewing applications for the class beginning in the Spring 2026 semester.
Thank you for your interest in ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University’s Physician Assistant Program and your patience.
Admission Requirements
Students who have completed a bachelor's degree and are applying to the Master of Science Program, must:
- Apply online through the .
- Have a minimum 3.2 CASPA evaluated undergraduate GPA or a 3.2 completed Graduate Degree GPA at the time in which your application is submitted.
- Have completed the within the past seven years at a CASPA-verified U.S. institution and with a combined GPA for these courses of at least 3.2 at the time your application is submitted. There is an exception to the seven-year rule for candidates who have been continually enrolled - with a gap of no more than one year - in a health science program since completion of prerequisite coursework.
- Participate in an interview (if invited) with faculty from ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and the Physician Assistant Program.
- Possess strong oral and written language skills (international students are required to have an IELTS score of 8 or TOEFL scores as follows: 650 paper; 114 Internet; 280 computer; 135 Duolingo).
- Demonstrate evidence of ability to complete this intensive program of study and clinical training, personal maturity, and a professional attitude.
Note: Applications that do not meet the initial required 3.2 cumulative GPA or 3.2 prerequisite GPA will be automatically denied. We do not allow submission of additional materials after your application is verified by CASPA if you do not meet the initial criteria.
Prior to beginning study in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ, all prospective students must:
- Have a minimum of 300 hours of health care experience. ()
- Have completed three physician assistant shadowing experiences in different medical or surgical specialties. The length of each shadowing experience must be a minimum of 4 hours. ()
For further admissions information, view our .
We utilize a comprehensive Rubric to evaluate the evidence presented by applicants for our intensive program. This Rubric encompasses various criteria, with extracurricular activities being just one component. It serves as a means to assess a student's ability to manage the minimum GPA requirement while actively participating in diverse settings beyond the traditional classroom environment. Each criterion is carefully evaluated, and applicants are assigned scores accordingly, which are then utilized to rank candidates for potential interview dates.
Furthermore, we are committed to transparency in our admissions process. To clearly outline the necessary skills and competencies expected from our students, we publish a set of Technical Standards. These standards go beyond academic requirements and encompass the physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities essential for successful completion of all aspects of our curriculum. They also encompass the development of professional attributes that are highly valued by our faculty and expected of all students upon graduation. By delineating these Technical Standards, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the expectations and commitments associated with our program.
Extracurricular activities, in the context of a college application, refer to any activities or pursuits that students engage in outside of their regular academic coursework. These activities are typically voluntary and provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop skills, and contribute to their personal and social growth. Extracurricular activities are an important component of a college application as they demonstrate a student's involvement, leadership potential, passion, and commitment beyond the classroom.
Examples of extracurricular activities can include:
- Sports: Participation in varsity or club sports teams, individual sports, or recreational sports activities.
- Clubs and organizations: Membership in student clubs, academic or subject-specific organizations, cultural or diversity clubs, community service groups, or leadership organizations like student government.
- Performing arts: Involvement in theater productions, choir, orchestra, band, dance groups, or other performing arts initiatives.
- Volunteer work: Engaging in community service or volunteer work with organizations or initiatives that address social issues or support a cause.
- Academic competitions: Participation in science fairs, math competitions, debate teams, or other intellectual pursuits outside of regular coursework.
- Student publications: Involvement in school newspapers, literary magazines, or online blogs.
- Internships or work experience: Gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering in professional settings related to a student's interests or career goals.
- Research projects: Conducting independent research or participating in research programs in collaboration with professors or institutions.
- Arts and crafts: Pursuing hobbies or talents in areas such as painting, photography, sculpture, or other artistic endeavors.
- Special interest activities: Engaging in activities related to specific interests like coding clubs, robotics teams, environmental clubs, or entrepreneurship initiatives.
When including extracurricular activities in a college application, it is important to highlight the duration and level of involvement, any leadership roles or responsibilities held, and any notable achievements or impact made through these activities. Colleges value students who demonstrate a well-rounded profile and the ability to manage their time effectively by balancing academics with extracurricular commitments.
Application & Interview Process
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee reviews all applications for the combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Programs. Selected applicants are invited for an interview on campus with program faculty members and alumni. The interview process includes standard interview questions, a communication exercise, and a writing assessment. The interview process takes one-half day to complete.
How to Succeed at the Program Interview
Our program receives hundreds of applications from qualified prospective students for a small number of available seats. To improve your chances of being placed in one of those seats, you must prepare for the interview. Here is a list of items that will prepare you and give you an edge in the interview process:
- Research ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University and read the Physician Assistant Program web pages.
- Attend a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University Physician Assistant Program Information Session - this is especially important for high school applicants.
- Research the profession. (Some websites that will help: , , , )
- Research possible interview questions and think about your responses.
- Talk with physician assistants.
- Think about why you want to be a physician assistant.
- Get adequate sleep the night before your scheduled interview.
- Arrive early for the interview.
Technical Standards
The ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University Physician Assistant Program accepts applicants who we believe have the ability to become highly competent physician assistants. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on prior satisfactory academic achievement but also on non-academic factors outlined in our Technical Standards.
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ is Affordable!
In fact, U.S. News & World Report calls us a Best Value school. Here are some of the reasons why:
- On average, the annual cost of attending ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ is LESS than many local competitors - even some state schools.
- M.S. in Physician Assistant students benefit from all the resources of attending an Apple Distinguished School - including MacBook Air laptops.
Physician Assistant M.S. Estimated Tuition & Associated Costs
Updated 2/27/24
Acceptance Fee (required to enroll but deducted from year one tuition) $1,000
Spring (Year One)
Courses & University Services Fee $17,752
Summer (Year One)
Courses & University Services Fee $17,752
Fall (Year One)
Courses & University Services Fee $17,752
Spring (Year Two)
Courses & University Services Fee $17,752
Summer (Year Two)
Clinical Rotations & University Services Fee $17,752
Fall (Year Two)
Clinical Rotations & University Services Fee $17,752
Spring (Year Three)
Clinical Rotations & University Services Fee $17,752
Total Tuition Cost:
94 credits
$124,264*
*This cost does not include loans or aid. Visit Graduate Program Aid for information on financial assistance, loans, military benefits and more. On average, the annual cost of attending ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ is LESS than some state schools and many local competitors.
Other Possible Estimated Fees/Costs
- PSPA Membership $50
- Textbooks $1,000
- Graduation Fee $100
- Background Clearances, Drug Screens & HIPAA Training $350
- Immunizations/Titers Cost Varies
- TB Tests Cost Varies
- Medical History and Physician Form Cost Varies
- Health Insurance Cost Varies
Please Note: The information above is to be used as an estimate only. Tuition prices are based on projections (rotation fees are included in the grad per semester cost) and are subject to change on a yearly basis. Course fees are not included in the per semester tuition cost above. Course fees will cover your medical equipment and liability insurance costs. Additional fees and courses may be added at the discretion of the program director. Students should consider housing and hospitality costs based on their own preferences and situation. These fees do not include the cost of transportation to and from clinical rotations.
Course Fees
Course fees include:
- Medical Equipment
- White Coats
- BLS/ACLS certification fee
- McGraw Hill textbook packages (Access Medicine)
- Elsevier textbook package (Clinical Key Student)
- UpToDate subscription
- Live patients for history-taking training; male and female reproductive exams, pregnant woman exams
- EhrGo subscription
- Typhon
- Packrat Exam fees
- Live on-campus PANCE review course
- Rosh PANCE review course subscription
- HIPPA for Healthcare Workers Certification fee
- PAEA end of rotation exams and summative exam
- Cadavers for Human Gross Anatomy
- Complete Anatomy study package
- Lab supplies, models and mannequins
- Biomedical hazardous waste disposal
- Grand Rounds guest speakers
- Medical liability insurance
Total Course Fees: $4,350
For More Information
- If you have questions about the application process or the status of your application to the ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ Physician Assistant Program, direct your questions to .
- If you have questions about prerequisites, deadlines, screening, interviews, cost or ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's selection process, or would like to speak to a ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty member, please e-mail gadmit@setonhill.edu.
To contact the Office of Graduate and Online Studies about graduate-level programs, fill out the online Request for Information form. Ready to apply? Apply online now for free! You may also call Graduate Admissions at (724) 838-4208 or email us at gadmit@setonhill.edu.