Admissions Requirements

The processing to apply to the PA Program begins in April, 16 months prior to the year of desired enrollment. Applications must be verified by CASPA by March 1st of the year of desired enrollment.

Note: Due to the implications of Covid-19 on a student’s ability to meet the requirements listed below, WCU will accept pass/fail notations on transcripts for prerequisite courses if a letter documenting that the institution of record only offered pass/fail grading options during the Spring 2020 semester. 

  • Students will submit an application through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants at https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.
  • Applicant reviews begin in August or when after a significant number of applications are verified by CASPA.
  • It is to an applicant’s advantage to apply as early as possible to ensure priority consideration for admission.
  • Admission to the Physician Assistant Program is competitive. Applicants are selected based on the Admissions Committee's assessment of their ability to successfully complete the training and competently function in the role of the profession.
  • An application is considered holistically and is based a cumulative review of academic performance and rigor, personal statement, healthcare experience, letters of recommendation, and alignment of application with program mission.
  • Students must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for invitation for an interview.
    • Have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application
    • Have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 science GPA at time of application
    • Have completed a significant number of pre-requisite courses and have a plan for completion of remaining courses
    • Have obtained a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses
    • Have completed 400 hours of direct patient care experience in a paid or volunteer capacity
    • Have completed a minimum of 4 hours of physician assistant shadowing
  • Interviews are scheduled to begin in September of 2020.
  • Candidates are offered admission on a rolling basis until class capacity of 27 students is reached.
  • A student who is offered admission must be able to:
    • Meet the program technical standards
    • Demonstrate completion of a baccalaureate degree and all required pre-requisite courses from a regionally accredited college or institution by providing official transcripts to West Chester University
    • Successfully complete a criminal background check, drug screen, child abuse clearance, physical examination, and immunization requirements for healthcare providers as published by the CDC and PA Program
  • A non-refundable deposit is required to secure the applicant’s seat in the class.  This deposit will be applied to the first semester’s tuition.
  • Should an accepted student desire a one-year deferral for extenuating circumstances, they must request this in writing by May 1st. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are not universally granted.