Physician Assistant

Request Information  Contact a Representative  Apply Now  Request a Tour

Admission Requirements : Native American Physician Assistant Track (NAPA) : Curriculum Guide/Student Handbook : Tuition and Expenses : Financial Assistance : FAQs : Accreditation

FAQs

1. 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 year is divided into five quarters of didactic and laboratory work, while the second year consists of eight separate clinical rotations each six weeks in length. The second year is also devoted to the completion of a master’s project.

2. Do all of my prerequisite courses and direct patient contact experience 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 prerequisite courses at the time of application. All prerequisites must be successfully completed by the time you begin the ASHS PA program in June.

3. What are some examples of courses that satisfy the social sciences prerequisites?

General Psychology will fulfill one requirement. The other course can be any other social science course. The most common types of courses our applicants have taken include psychology, sociology, anthropology, geography, geology, and political science.

4. 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 and add to a combined 8 semester or 12 quarter hours.

5. Can a course in “exercise physiology” satisfy the human anatomy & physiology prerequisite?

No.

6. If the microbiology class I took was less than 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours, how can I satisfy the microbiology prerequisite?

We allow applicants to combine their microbiology course with a second course to reach 4 semester hours or 6 quarter hours. This second course should be in an area closely associated with microbiology. Examples include immunology, virology, parasitology or cell/molecular biology. Realize that these courses do not substitute for microbiology.

7. Can I take prerequisites at a community college? Is there a preference?

You may take your prerequisites at any accredited community college or baccalaureate-granting institution. There is no preference.

8. Can I take prerequisites at your institution?

No. ASHS does not offer any undergraduate courses.

9. 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.

10. Do you require the GRE or MCAT for acceptance into your program?

No.

11. Will I be notified when my application reaches A.T. Still University?

Yes. You will be notified by mail or email.

12. How many applicants does the ASHS PA program typically interview for a new class?

For the past two years, we’ve interviewed between 175-230 applicants.

13. 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 email.

14. How long does an interview last?

The interview process typically lasts approximately four to five hours. During this time, you will meet with several PA faculty and students. You will also have the opportunity to tour the ASHS campus and learn more about our PA program.

15. What is the average GPA of students accepted to your program?

For the Class of 2009, the average overall GPA was 3.45. The science GPA was 3.36.

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 discourages 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. I have a question about a prerequisite course, what should I do?

You may contact the Admissions Department in Mesa at 480.219.6000 to make an academic advising appointment, or simply fax us your transcripts at .480.219.6188 for an academic advisor to review. Please include you name, contact information, and your questions. Please note that open advisement is available from April 1–October 1.

19. 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.

20. Is housing is available to ASHS PA students?

We do not have on-campus housing; however, we do assist students in finding local housing and offer roommate matching. Please click here for more information.

21. I’d like to visit the ASHS campus. Whom should I contact?

Contact the admissions office at admissions@atsu.edu to set up a visit to campus, or call 480.219.6000. Campus tours are usually available on Fridays, so please call 480.219.6000 to RSVP. We look forward to sharing information with you about our PA program!