Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Learn about the admissions process for our Physician Assistant program.

---

Admissions Prerequisites

In order to be considered for admission to the M.P.A.S. program, the applicant must provide documented evidence of having successfully completed the following:

Prerequisites

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (4 credits, with lab)
• Chemistry I & II (4 credits, with lab)
• Biology (4 credits, with lab)
• Microbiology (4 credits, with lab)
•  Statistics (3 credits)
• Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry (3 credits)

All prerequisite courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better and be completed prior to matriculation. Applicants must possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants may apply with up to two outstanding prerequisites, which must be completed prior to matriculation.

Application Process

Students must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) online at CASPA.org. The CASPA application cycle opens each spring for the following academic year.

The deadline for submission of applications is November 1. After verifying the minimum requirements for admission are met, the program will evaluate each candidate’s academic achievements, personal attributes and experiences. Factors given specific consideration are:

• Overall GPA or Science GPA of 3.5 and above 
• Research, publications or presentations
• Significant personal experiences, such as work experience and overcoming significant life adversities and struggles
• Franklin Pierce University student or alumni
• Resident of Vermont or New Hampshire
• From an underserved or rural area or extensive experience with populations from underserved/rural areas

Please note that none of these factors, alone or in combination, guarantees admission. However, all else being equal, candidates who demonstrate a greater number of these factors will generally be in a better position for an interview and for admission. The admissions committee will consider these factors, along with the quality of the interview, to make recommendations for admission. Interviews area requirement for admission to the program.