Physician Assistant

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FAQs

1. What degree does the ATSU PA program offer?
Graduating students receive a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

2. How long is the ASHS PA program, and when does it start?
The ASHS PA program is 26 months in length, with a new class beginning annually in June. The first component of the program is divided into five quarters of didactic and laboratory work, while the second component consists of clinical rotations. The second component is also devoted to the completion of a Capstone project.

3. Must I have a bachelor’s degree to enter the program?
Yes.

4. How do I apply to the PA Program?
Completed applications must be submitted to the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (www.casponine.org). Please refer to the CASPA application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time. CASPA applications are typically available beginning in Mid-April of the academic year preceding the year in which the applicant plans to matriculate. Program enrollment is based on a rolling admissions policy. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received, thus applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation from professionals to CASPA. It is preferred that one letter be written by a pre-health advisor, Science faculty member, or employer. The second letter should be from a healthcare professional (PA or Physician) who knows the applicant well. Please refer to the CASPA application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.

Once ATSU-ASHS receives a completed CASPA application and determines that minimum requirements are met, the applicant will be notified by email to submit a secondary fee of $60 for final processing. Upon receipt of this fee, the application then receives full consideration by the PA program.

NOTE: Applicants are responsible for notifying the Office of Admissions of any changes in their mailing address or email address. All requests for withdrawing an application must be done in writing via email, fax, or letter. Applicants are encouraged to check all their email folders in the rare event our email is filtered into a Spam or Junk Mail folder.

5. Do all of my pre-requisite courses need to be completed by the time I apply to the ASHS PA program through CASPA?
No. It is common for many of our candidates to still be finishing one or two pre-requisite courses at the time of application. All pre-requisites must be successfully completed before the ASHS PA program begins in June.

6. Do you have a distance learning option for the entry level program?
No.

7. What is the profile of a successful applicant to the ATSU PA Program?
The successful applicant to the Program will have combination of life, educational and work experience that shows a commitment to patient care, an understanding of the PA profession and the ability to perform in a demanding academic and professional setting. Competition is strong for entry into this program.

Although not required, healthcare experience is highly recommended.

Past educational performance, while not necessarily indicative of current abilities, can predict performance in the program. Every attempt should be made to enhance overall and science course GPA prior to application. The didactic training phase is extremely demanding and the applicant will benefit by taking courses that simulate this type of education.

8. My undergraduate institution does not offer combined human anatomy & physiology courses. Would a separate anatomy and a separate physiology course suffice?
Yes, as long as both courses include a laboratory.

9. Can a course in “exercise physiology” satisfy the human anatomy & physiology pre-requisite?
No.

10. Can I take pre-requisites at a community college?
Yes, you may take your pre-requisites at an accredited community college.

11. Can I take pre-requisites at your institution?
No. ASHS does not offer any undergraduate courses.

12. Does it make a difference for admission if I am from out-of-state?
No. Your state of residence does not impact your chances for admission.

13. Do you require the GRE or MCAT for acceptance into your program?
No, we do not require any entrance exam for entrance to the program.

14. How will I be notified if I’m being invited for an interview?
The “informal” invitation will be made by email; therefore, it is important that you provide us with current contact information. A formal letter will be sent to you after notification by mail.

15. What is the average GPA of students accepted to your program?
For the Class of 2011, the average overall GPA was 3.4. The average science GPA was 3.3.

16. How do graduates of your program perform on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) compared to national averages?

17. Will I be able to work while I am in school?
Because the rigorous nature of the physician assistant course work, the PA faculty strongly discourage students from working. Typically, PA students are in class from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with an occasional required weekend or evening hours.

18. Does ASHS offer financial aid? Where can I find scholarship information?
Yes, we offer financial aid and scholarships to our students.   Please click here for more information.

19. How many people apply to the ATSU PA program each year?
In recent years, the program has received over 1,500 applications each year. We traditionally interview approximately 200+ persons. There is no guaranteed number of applications or interviews in any given year.

20. How many open positions are available in the ATSU PA program each year?
We anticipate 65-70 positions will be available each year with classes starting in June.

21. How many hours of clinical experience do I need?
There is no set number.  It is important that one is very familiar with the career in which he/she is planning to make a commitment. We value the type of experience more than total number of hours. Clinical experience is not required for admissions, but will enhance your application substantially when compared to others that apply to the program.

22. Is there housing convenient to the University?
Yes. Students find housing in many of the neighboring communities. There is no ATSU student housing.

23. Can I send my application directly to ATSU?
No. You must apply through the centralized application service called CASPA.

24. I do not work in the medical field. What type of experience should I get to accumulate hours for "Clinical Experience"?
Keep in mind that your goal is to become a physician assistant; therefore, your experience should provide you with as much exposure/experience as possible to the roles and responsibilities of physicians, PA's and or other medical professionals, whose primary responsibility is patient care. Familiarity with the "tools of the trade," hospital, and various medical procedures are valuable.

25. Can pre-requisite courses be substituted with something else?
No. See the pre-requisites on the Program website.

26. Can someone review my application, transcripts, reference forms, resume and personal statement before I turn them in?
No. Read the PA program's brochure, catalog and online material very carefully. Everything you need to know is explained in these documents.

27. Who's on the PA Admission Committee?
Committee members change from year to year and may consist of representatives from the PA Program, practicing Physician Assistants and other practitioners. 

28. What are the costs in the PA program?
Please consult the ATSU website for the current tuition and costs of the PA program.  Please note PA program costs are subject to change upon approval of the University Board of Trustees.

29. Any further questions? 
Contact the admissions office at admissions@atsu.edu or call 480.219.6000.