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MU Home » Academics » School of Graduate Studies » Physician Assistant Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are your requirements for entrance into the PA Program?

Successful completion (with a letter grade of “C” or better) of the following classes through an accredited college/university, or college transfer program:

  • A Bachelor's degree from a four year regionally accredited college or university
  • Anatomy and Physiology w/ lab
  • Microbiology w/ lab
  • 8 semester hours of any other human and/or animal life sciences
  • General Chemistry I and II w/labs
  • Organic Chemistry I and II w/labs
  • Biochemistry
  • College Algebra or higher
  • Applied Statistics
  • 6 semester hours of Psychology
  • Medical Terminology
  • 500 Direct Patient Contact Hours
  • Completion of the General Record Exam (GRE)
  • Recommended overall GPA of 3.00, prerequisite GPA of 3.20, and GRE score of 1050.

2. Is there a time limit on the prerequisite coursework?

No, we do not have a time limit on courses. However, it is strongly recommended any prerequisite courses that were taken 6-10 years ago should be retaken as a refresher.

3. Why is it suggested and stressed prerequisite coursework be taken at a 4-year institution?

It is one thing to be admitted, but another thing to be prepared to be successful once in the program. Preparation for the demanding curriculum is highly stressed throughout the admissions process. Applicants who have demonstrated their ability to succeed in upper level (300 and 400 level vs.100 and 200 level) prerequisite coursework tend to adjust better to the curriculum in PA school and have proven to be successful on the PANCE on the first attempt. Applicants who take the majority of prerequisite coursework (specifically the Biology and Chemistry requirements), will be more competitive than those who take coursework at the community college level.

4. I have been in the medical field for several years. Do I still have to take Medical Terminology?

Yes, regardless of your past or present experience you must complete a medical terminology class.

5. What are Direct Patient Contact hours and how can I obtain them?

Please see our page on Direct Patient Contact hours.

6. What are your selection factors?

Please see our page on Program Selection Factors.

7. How many people apply and how many are selected?

The MUPAP averages over 400 applications per year. Beginning in August 2011 there will be a total of 40 seats available for the entering class. On average the program extends interviews to about 100 applicants.

8. I am a Foreign Medical Doctor and have completed all coursework requirements in medical school, but in another country. Will I have to retake the prerequisite coursework requirements for the program although I have already completed them in a foreign medical program?

Yes, you will have to retake all coursework requirements for the program in the U.S. regardless if you have already completed them within a foreign medical program. The program will not make exceptions to this policy regardless of experience. Although transcript evaluations will have coursework evaluated we will not consider any courses taken outside the U.S. The only item of importance the program is looking for on the WES evaluation is the degree equivalency (typically located on page 2 or 3 of an evaluation). It will not benefit the applicant to request the program to make an exception because no exception will be made to this policy.

9. My undergraduate grades are not very strong. Would retaking some classes help my chances of being more competitive?

In some instances, yes; and in some instances, no. Retaking courses may be beneficial depending on how high the overall GPA is. The applicant must demonstrate in their overall GPA, medical core GPA, GRE scores, and through patient contact that they are competitive in each category. Applicants who are typically below an overall GPA of 2.7-2.8 are, in most cases, not competitive with the applicant pool and will not be extended an interview. Applicants should note it is very difficult to raise an overall GPA regardless if he/she attempts to retake prerequisites. Even applicants who have enrolled in a Masters program with a low undergrad GPA are not always competitive. Both the Masters and undergrad GPAs are averaged together and should be at or above a 3.0 to be strongly considered.
Further, the GRE test is also an important factor in our selection. The GRE demonstrates your ability to perform on a standardized test, which is strong predictor of how the student will perform on tests within the program and ultimately the national certifying exam. Applicants should review his/her transcripts prior to making application to ensure the GPA is close to meeting the recommended GPA.

10. I have no clinical experience and have plans to apply to the program. I do have a plan in place to complete my experience hours by July 15th, am I still competitive?

In most instances, no, you would not be as competitive with the applicants whose other factors (GPA, GRE) are equal. The purpose of clinical experience is to allow for exposure to the PA profession and medical field. Having direct patient contact is also critical in helping applicants establish a comfort level when working with patients and other members of the medical team.

The program looks favorably upon applicants that have invested time to seek the understanding of the PA profession and medical field prior to applying. We strongly encourage applicants to have at least half of their hours completed prior to applying. If the applicant has no patient contact he or she is strongly encouraged to wait until the next application cycle to apply; thus allowing ample time to obtain direct patient contact.

11. Do student hours towards a certification count for clinical experience?

No, only hours after you have been certified will count.

12. What certifications do most entering applicants have? Is there one field preferred over another for obtaining direct patient contact?

The majority of matriculated students who have a certification, have it in the areas of a Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) or an EMT. However, as it clearly states on our direct patient contact page, applicants are allowed to shadow and perform similar duties of a C.N.A. without having to be certified (i.e. Medical Assisting). The program does not have a preference over which way to obtain hours. However, being certified in an area will be beneficial in securing a job to gain valuable clinical experience and will allow the applicant to have more exposure to the role of the PA within the medical setting.

13. How does the program consider volunteering for the direct patient contact requirement?

The program accepts volunteering hours in a clinical setting IF he/she is performing duties that are similar to medical assisting. Hours that contain prepping exam rooms, stocking rooms, comforting patients by reading or playing games, etc. will not count.

14. Do I have to provide documentation of my hours to the program?

No. Hours completed are documented on the CASPA application with the dates of employment, number of hours completed, description of duties, and a contact person. However, the applicant should keep pay stubs (if applicable) and/or a log of the number of hours completed each day and have the supervisor sign off on the hours. This way, if the program has any doubt, documentation can be easily provided by the applicant and the supervisor will be called.

15. Do I have to major in nursing to get into the program?

No. This is a major misassumption on the part of many applicants. The program does not have a specific major required for applicants, and many nursing classes do not fulfill the prerequisite coursework requirements.
If an applicant has not completed their bachelor's degree we recommend majoring in Biology or Chemistry because these majors will help cover prerequisite coursework within the major without having to take many classes outside of your course of study. It is important we reemphasize if an applicant does not major in Biology or Chemistry it will not hurt an applicant's chances of being considered.

16. I would like to visit the program and have someone look over my transcripts, what do I need to do?

The program strongly encourages prospective students to attend one of our weekly information sessions. Sessions are listed on a monthly basis and applicants must confirm their attendance via email. The Director of Admissions will cover prerequisites, application process, program curriculum, and reserves time at the end of the session to look over transcripts and answer individual questions.

Students who are unable to attend the session may send an electronic copy of their transcripts to the Director of Admission via or by fax (910) 630-7643. If faxed, please make sure to include an email address so a response can be sent. Further, if prospective students call and no one is available to answer your questions at that moment you are encouraged to leave a voicemail and your phone call is always returned promptly. If the Admissions Director is out of the office applicants are encouraged to send an with their question. In most instances emails will be returned on days that the Admissions Director is out.

17. Will the program make exceptions based on amount of experience?

No, every applicant is required to have the same requirements regardless of his or her academic and/or healthcare experience.

18. I have already obtained a Masters or Ph.D. degree. Do I still have to take the GRE?

Yes.

19. Does attending Methodist University to take my prerequisites guarantee me an interview even if I have an unsatisfactory GPA and/or unsatisfactory GRE scores?

No. Completing prerequisites or your bachelor's degree at MU does not guarantee your spot in the program if you have not met the selection factors for GPA, GRE, and direct patient contact. However, MU students who do meet the selection criteria will be given first consideration when their application is received.

20. How long is your program? Do you have 1 or 2 start dates? Do I have to have all prerequisites completed at the time I apply?

The program is a full-time, 27 months curriculum. There are no night time classes, part-time tracks, or online version of the program. Classes are typically Monday through Friday from 8 am-5 pm and clinical rotation (phase 2 of the program) schedules are based on the hours of the PA or Physician in which the student is assigned.

The program has one start date a year, which is usually mid- to late- August.

No, you do not have to have all prerequisites completed at the time of application. However, applicants must have a plan in place to complete all coursework prior to the start date and clinical hours by July 15th, and must submit GRE scores in a timely manner to be considered for an interview. Applicants may make application to program if he/she has a plan to meet the previously mentioned deadlines. It is important to note, students should not "rush" to complete classes, hours, or the GRE. Sufficient planning and test preparation is beneficial to the application. Remember, it's a marathon, not a race.

21. Is there housing available for students?

Most students live off campus in apartments close to campus. It is rare that our students stay on campus. For apartment information please click here.

22. Can I work during my enrollment in the PA Program?

Due to the demands of the program, through academics and clinical rotations, students will not be able to and are highly discouraged to find outside employment while enrolled in the program.

23. Where can I access an application for admission to the MUPAP?

The Methodist University PA Program does not offer a supplemental application for admission. Students interested in applying must apply through CASPA, the centralized application service, at www.caspaonline.org. You will provide CASPA with official transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and descriptions of you direct patient contact hours. GRE scores must be sent directly to Methodist University.

24. What is the program's passing rate on the PANCE?

Please click here to view the PANCE pass rates.

25. If I fail a class in the one semester, can I still move on to the next semester?

No, each semester must be successfully completed prior to moving forward.

26. If I fail a class in one semester, can I retake the class?

No, each semester must be successfully completed before moving on. Our classes are in a lockstep program, meaning there is not an option to retake the class without being granted permission from the program to re-enter the following year.

27. What happens if I fail a class?

Students who fail a class are offered a chance to remediate the class within the guidelines of the program.