PA Program Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for entrance into the PA Program?

Please visit the Requirements page for full details.

What are the minimum academic recommendations and clinical experience requirements for admission?

  • 3.0 or higher overall GPA. Competitive applicants exceed this recommendation.
  • 3.0 or higher science GPA. Competitive applicants exceed this recommendation.
  • 3.2 or higher prerequisite (medical core) GPA. Competitive applicants exceed this recommendation.
  • 1,000 hours of clinical experience completed at the time of application

Does the program require a standardized test for admission?

No, we do not require a standardized test and will not consider scores if submitted with the application.

What non-academic factors does the program consider?

In addition to reviewing academic performance (overall, science, and prerequisite GPAs), the program values applicants who bring diverse backgrounds and experiences. The following characteristics strengthen an application:

  • Economically and/or environmentally disadvantaged background (HRSA indicators noted by the applicant on the application)
  • Military affiliation (active duty, veteran, reserves)
  • Student-athlete
  • Club or organization involvement or leadership
  • Volunteer experience (25+ hours)
  • Completion of an honors program
  • Completion of a master’s-level science program (3.0+ GPA)
  • Rigorous post-baccalaureate coursework (25+ semester hours with 3.0+ GPA)
  • Residency in the Cape Fear region

Where do I apply?

All applicants must apply through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for PAs). MUPAP does not require a supplemental application and does not charge an application fee.

When does the application open and what is the deadline?

  • CASPA opens in late April each year—16 months before the program’s August start date.
  • Admission deadlines are listed on the program’s Application Process page.
  • The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
  • Interviews begin one year before the program start date.

Is there a time limit on prerequisites or clinical experience?

  • No. MUPAP does not have time limits on prerequisite coursework or clinical experience hours.
  • Recommended: Retake prerequisite courses completed 5+ years ago to refresh content knowledge.
  • Coursework cannot be waived or substituted regardless of prior education or experience.

Do all prerequisite courses need to be complete when I apply?

No. Applicants may apply with up to three outstanding prerequisite courses and still be considered for an interview and acceptance. Outstanding courses must be completed by the mid-August start date.

Where do I list planned or in-progress coursework?

CASPA includes a designated section to enter all planned or currently in-progress courses.

How does the program view courses taken at community colleges or online? What about online degrees?

  • Prerequisites taken at a regionally accredited community college or online are accepted.
  • However, for optimal preparation, applicants are encouraged to complete most coursework in person at a university.
  • Online bachelor’s degrees are not recommended, as they may not adequately prepare students for the rigor of PA training.

How does the program evaluate repeated coursework?

  • MUPAP calculates the prerequisite GPA and uses the higher grade for repeated courses.
  • CASPA calculates the overall GPA and science GPA, and includes all attempts of repeated coursework. See CASPA’s GPA policy for more details.

Do experienced medical professionals still need to take Medical Terminology?

Yes. All applicants must complete a Medical Terminology course with a letter grade or pass/fail. Not accepted: CME credit or certificates of completion.

Only exception:

  • Graduates of the Special Operations Combat Medic program at Ft. Bragg (Special Warfare Medical Group).

What are Direct Patient Contact Hours and how do I obtain them?

Please visit the program’s Health Care Experience page for examples.

What can I expect during the interview process?

  • The most competitive applicants are invited to on-campus only interviews. No virtual interviews are granted.
  • Interviews begin in the summer and continue monthly until all seats and alternate slots are filled.
  • MUPAP uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format assessing non-cognitive skills, including:
    • Communication
    • Professionalism
    • Ethical reasoning
    • Problem solving
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Compatibility with the profession
    • Critical thinking
    • Teachability

How many students apply vs. how many are accepted?

  • The program receives over 2,000 applications annually.
  • Approximately 120 applicants are interviewed.
  • 40 seats are available in each cohort.
  • An alternate list is maintained but applies only to the current cycle and does not carry over to future classes.

Do you give preference to North Carolina residents?

No. Methodist University is a private institution and does not give preference based on residency.

Is tuition different for in-state and out-of-state students?

No. Tuition and fees are the same for all students, regardless of state residency.

Where can I view class averages?

Class profile information is available on the Class Profile page.

I completed medical school in another country. Do I still need U.S. prerequisite coursework?

Yes. All prerequisite courses must be taken within the United States, with no exceptions, regardless of prior education or experience. Transcript evaluations (WES) are used only to verify degree equivalency and overall GPA in the medical program, if applicable, (which must be a 3.0 or higher GPA to be eligible for admission). Please review the program’s policies for international graduates for more information.

Do I need to provide transcripts if I previously attended a U.S. medical school or PA program and withdrew (not dismissed)?

Yes. Applicants who previously attended a domestic medical school or PA program and withdrew must submit official transcripts from that institution. These transcripts must clearly support that the applicant withdrew rather than was dismissed.

Additional notes:

  • Former medical school students must have had a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of withdrawal to remain eligible for consideration.
  • Applicants who have been dismissed from any PA program or medical school are not eligible for admission to the MUPAP.

My undergraduate grades were weak. Would retaking classes help?

Possibly. Applicants with older degrees or GPAs below recommendations may benefit from:

  • Post-baccalaureate programs focused on science prerequisites
  • Master’s programs in fields such as physiology, anatomy, biomedical sciences, or biology
  • Completing rigorous university-level science coursework with heavy course loads

It is not usually advised to redo an entire bachelor’s degree.

Do hours spent training for a certification count toward clinical experience?

No. Only hours completed after certification are counted.

When determining which hours are counted towards the 1,000 hours of clinical experience, are paid hours counted differently from volunteer?

  • Paid experience does not receive extra weight during the review process.
  • Volunteer hours will count towards the 1,000 hours of clinical experience only if they involve direct patient contact.
  • Tasks such as room stocking, prepping rooms, or entertaining patients do not count towards the requirement.

Do I need to show documentation for my clinical hours?

Not at the time of application. However, applicants should keep the following to assist with completing the application:

  • Pay stubs
  • Logs of hours
  • Supervisor contact details

Do I need to major in nursing to be a competitive applicant?

No. The program does not require or prefer any specific major.

How can I visit the program or request a transcript review?

Email the Admissions Director at [email protected] to request a campus visit, virtual meeting, or transcript review.

Does taking prerequisites at Methodist University guarantee an interview?

Review the MU Preference Program requirements for details.

How long is the program? How many start dates are offered? Is it is a full-time program? Are there any online components of the curriculum?

All program curriculum details can be viewed on the program’s Curriculum page.

Can I work while enrolled in the PA program?

Students are strongly discouraged from working due to the program’s rigor and time commitments.

What is the program’s PANCE pass rate?

PANCE performance data can be viewed on the PANCE Pass Rates page.