Admission 

Minimum requirements for application to the PA program:

1. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university is required prior to matriculation with additional prerequisite coursework below if not included in the bachelor’s degree. Acceptance of foreign bachelor’s degrees is decided on an individual basis after evaluation by a transcript evaluation service and the WSU Graduate School.
   1. Core Science Prerequisites (must be complete at the time Central Application Service for PA [CASPA] application is submitted)
      • Three semesters of chemistry to include:
        • Two semesters of chemistry with lab (excluding introductory chemistry), and
        • One semester of either organic chemistry or biochemistry;
      • One semester of general biology;
      • One semester of microbiology with lab;
      • One semester of genetics; and
      • Five (5) credit hours of human anatomy and human physiology with lab. All anatomy and physiology prerequisite coursework must be less than 10 years old.
   2. Other Prerequisites (must be completed before the start of the program)
      • One semester of statistics;
      • One semester of medical terminology; and
      • One semester of general psychology or higher level psychology.
   3. Recommended Courses
      The following courses are not required for admission, but are recommended. These and courses like these provide valuable background to prepare students for admission to the program and allow applicants to demonstrate their ability to succeed in rigorous science/medical courses similar to what they will encounter in the program.
      • Pharmacology - strongly recommended;
      • Pathophysiology - strongly recommended;
      • Organic chemistry or biochemistry in addition to required prerequisite - strongly recommended;
      • Additional courses in anatomy and/or physiology beyond the required 5 credit hours - strongly recommended;
      • Human nutrition;
      • Epidemiology;
      • Gerontology;
      • Medical ethics;
      • Health care policy; and/or
      • Abnormal psychology.
2. Ideally, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and all prerequisite coursework completed at the time of application. Those who have not completed all coursework can apply if outstanding coursework is within two semesters of completion, however all core science prerequisites must be completed at the time of application and only graded components will be counted toward prerequisite coursework. (Other prerequisites can be outstanding at the time of application.) Applicants whose native (first) language is not English must submit their TOEFL, IELTS or PTE-Academic score by August 1. If no TOEFL, IELTS or PTE-Academic score is received by August 1, the applicant will not be considered for admission. The bachelor’s degree and prerequisite coursework in progress must be completed before starting the program. Successful completion of degree and coursework must be verified if accepted and before acceptance is finalized. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a C- grade or higher.
3. GPA requirements (on a 4.000 scale) apply to both the degree and core science prerequisites: 3.000.
4. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, leadership and service.
5. Completion of on-site interview with program faculty, which will include (but not be limited to) an assessment of academic potential, motivation and commitment to the PA profession, and interpersonal and communication skills. Not all applicants will be offered an interview.
6. Health care experience (direct patient care) is strongly preferred, but not required.
7. To be considered for the PA program the following three steps must be completed:
   1. Primary CASPA (national) application, including all transcripts and letters of recommendation (deadline Sept. 1);
   2. University Graduate School application, including unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (deadline Sept. 1). Official transcripts will be required for students offered admission into the PA program; and
   3. Supplemental application — a supplemental application is emailed to the qualified applicant to be returned by the assigned deadline.

Notes:

1. The ability to meet the academic and technical standards for PA students is required (contact the program for more information).
2. Application to the program is competitive, which means there are more applications than positions offered each year.
3. Refer to the department’s website¹ for complete information.
4. Due to the lock-step nature of the curriculum, senior rule admission is not applicable to the PA program.
5. Applicants with foreign coursework must apply to the WSU Graduate School and be determined admissible prior to submitting their CASPA application.

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Financial Assistance

Many MPA students seek the assistance of WSU’s Office of Financial Aid in applying for loans and grants available for graduate students. In addition, the College of Health Professions awards several fellowships each academic year, and the department of physician associate has several fellowships available to MPA students once enrolled in the program. Furthermore, there are several national scholarship programs supported by the federal government and national PA associations. Information about such programs is distributed to students during interviews.

Special Requirements

Students will be required to purchase lab coats, medical equipment, professional and general liability insurance, and health insurance coverage. Each year while enrolled in the program, students are required to have an annual health history and physical examination (with documentation of appropriate immunizations and screening tests). Students, at their own expense, must pass a background check prior to entering the program. Clinical sites may also require students to undergo random serum or urine drug testing, as well as subsequent background checks, at the expense of the student. Refer to the WSU PA website for additional information regarding additional fees and expenses.

Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from the health care facilities used for clinical experiences (located throughout Kansas and beyond). During clinical assignments outside Wichita, students may be required to pay all living expenses.

Students are referred to the PA Student Handbook for more details on special departmental policies and procedures.

Program Requirements

The following courses are required of all students for program completion:

Applied Learning

Students in the Master of Physician Associate program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. The requirement can be met with successful completion of PA 801, PA 802, PA 803, PA 804, PA 805, PA 806, PA 807, PA 808 and PA 809.