The application cycle for the PA class entering in January 2025 is open. Applicants who wish to join this cohort must have their CASPA application verified by October 1st and all materials required by Marshall University’s PA program received prior to review.
For more information, like and follow the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program pages on Facebook and Instagram.Physician assistants (PAs) are vital members of a patient’s health care team and are in demand nationwide.
Marshall University’s PA graduates will earn a Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant degree (MMS PA), and will be prepared to evaluate, diagnose, and manage patients in primary and specialty care across all stages of life as well as patients in culturally diverse and rural settings. Additionally, the program will provide its students with the competencies and skills to support lifelong learning, to apply evidence-based medicine in practice, and to work in interprofessional teams. When this team approach of health care professionals is used, a wider range of services can be offered, and more patients will benefit at the regional, state, and national levels.
April 2024 – CASPA cycle opens
May 2024 – First test date for Casper assessment
June 2024 – Interviews with completion of supplemental application, Casper examination, and Technical Standards
September 1, 2024 – Special application deadline for Marshall University graduates for guaranteed interview (must meet minimum requirements to qualify)
October 1, 2024 – Deadline for application to be verified by CASPA
Within 30 days of interview – Admission offers disseminated to applicants
January 2, 2025 – Orientation week begins (students are required to attend)
January 6, 2025 – First day of class
The Physician Assistant program at Marshall University is a non-thesis, 28-month graduate-level program awarding the Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant (MMS PA) degree upon completion.
Applicants will be evaluated using the applicant’s academic record, Casper assessment, recommendations, entrance exam, personal statement and interview. Consistent with our mission, applicants who are West Virginia residents will be given additional points in the admission rubrics.
Marshall University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran status, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or gender expression in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities or with respect to admission or employment.
Admission is selective and operates on a rolling admission cycle. Therefore, it will benefit applicants to complete their applications early. All applications verified (by CASPA) prior to the October 1 deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that although an application may be verified by CASPA, Marshall's PA program has additional requirements as outlined on its website (i.e. three letters of recommendation, Casper scores, and official entrance exam scores). Applications that are not verified by CASPA by Marshall’s Physician Assistant program admission deadline will NOT be considered. Decisions to reject or offer an interview to the applicant will be made using a rubric designed to be objective.
Applicants who are offered an interview will receive notice via email to the email address listed on the CASPA application. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis. Rejection notices will be sent via mail to the applicant's current address listed on the CASPA application. Invited applicants will be given an interview date, provided a Marshall University supplemental application and questionnaire to be completed as well as a technical standards document to review and sign.
No advanced placement is granted in the program. All courses must be taken in the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program.
Applicants who wish to join the cohort in January 2025 must have their CASPA application verified by October 1, 2024.
Baccalaureate degree from an accepted accredited US institution: no specific major is required so long as prerequisites are successfully completed.
Required minimum overall GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) overall, as calculated by CASPA
Required minimum science GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), as calculated by CASPA
Required minimum prerequisite coursework GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale), as calculated by Marshall University’s PA program
(All applicants in consideration for admission to the MUPA program must meet minimum requirements for all GPAs, and preference will be given to applicants with higher GPAs.)
Prerequisite coursework. All prerequisite coursework should have been taken within the last 10 years. No Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) coursework will be accepted in lieu of taking the courses themselves. All courses must be taken for a letter grade and be passed at the C or better level; a C minus is not acceptable. Applicants who are currently enrolled in required undergraduate prerequisite courses, or obtaining their bachelor’s degree, may apply for preliminary admission. Once all required courses are successfully completed, prior to the designated start term of the application and as evidenced by an official transcript from the sending institution, those applicants may be regularly admitted to the program.
The credit hours (cr) of the following prerequisites are considered equivalent to semester hours. Please take this into consideration if you are taking courses using a different system. Quarter hour system prerequisite courses must equal the listed semester hour requirements. To calculate semester credit hours, multiply the number of quarter hour credits by 0.667.
General Chemistry with associated lab | 8 cr |
Statistics | 3 cr |
Human Anatomy with lab | 4 cr |
Human Physiology | 3 cr |
Organic Chemistry I with lab – 4 cr (or Biochemistry – 3 cr) | 4 cr OR 3 cr |
Microbiology with lab | 3 cr |
Medical Terminology | One semester (1 - 3 cr) |
Psychology | 3 cr |
College Algebra – May be replaced with college-level pre-calculus or calculus | 3 cr |
Prerequisite coursework notes:
Recommendations. Three recommendations are required, and these recommendations are used in the application evaluation process. They must be submitted through CASPA and be from recommenders who can attest to the applicant’s abilities to succeed, such as the capacity to learn, work ethic, and/or educational or professional goals. Recommendations should NOT be from family members or friends.
Entrance exam – Graduate Record Exam (GRE). The MCAT may be substituted for the GRE. GRE/MCAT scores must be less than five years old at the time of application. There is no minimum score required, and the GRE/MCAT is not weighted heavily within our application process, but preference is given to applicants who rank in the higher 50% on their entrance exam. Official scores must be submitted electronically to CASPA directly from ETS using Marshall’s CASPA code—4752. Visit the CASPA Official GRE Scores webpage to learn how to submit your official GRE scores. Visit the CASPA Official MCAT Scores webpage to learn how to submit your official MCAT scores.
Personal statement. This statement is required and must be submitted through CASPA. Personal statements are utilized in the application review process, and preference is given based on content and structure. (CASPA has added an optional “Life Experiences Essay” which is NOT required by our program and is therefore not utilized within the application review process.)
Official transcripts. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended are required and are to be submitted through CASPA.
CASPA and supplemental application. Complete both the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application and Marshall’s PA program’s supplemental application; this includes the non-refundable supplemental application fee ($40 for domestic applicants and $150 for international). The supplemental application will be completed only by applicants who are invited for and accept an interview. Interviewees will be expected to complete and submit their supplemental application at the time of their interview.
Casper assessment. All applicants applying to the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program are required to complete the Acuity Insights (Casper test only) for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
Casper, through Acuity Insights Assessments, is a standardized, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The Casper assessment will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. By implementing the Casper assessment, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
Acuity Insights Assessments consists of:
NOTE: Duet is not required to apply to our program.
You will register for the Casper assessment using code CSP-10101-U.S. Professional Health Sciences. Visit https://acuityinsights.app/ to create an account, access the Acuity Insights assessments, and for test dates and requirements.
Marshall University’s PA program strongly encourages applicants to take the assessment early as there is a limited number of slots for each day the exam is offered, and their application cannot be considered complete until the exam is taken and scores are received.
An applicant does not need to wait until their CASPA application is completed and/or verified to take the Casper assessment. Since our program utilizes a rolling admissions cycle, it is advantageous to complete your application as early as possible. Casper scores are utilized in the application review process, and preference is given to those with higher scores on this assessment.
Casper assessment results are only valid for a single admissions cycle and must be taken again if an applicant is reapplying. Since there is a cost associated with Casper, if there is a financial hardship that would otherwise prevent an applicant from taking the test, please reach out to the program at paprogram@marshall.edu.
PA shadowing. Shadowing a current physician assistant in the field is encouraged, but not required. Shadowing can help an applicant better understand the role of a physician assistant. If invited for an interview, the applicant will be expected to briefly discuss the role of a physician assistant.
Basic computer skills. Skills must include the use of email and web-based and electronic searches.
Patient care experience. Not required.
April 2024 – CASPA cycle opens
May 2024 – First test date for Casper assessment
June 2024 – The interview process begins
September 1, 2024 – Special application deadline for Marshall University graduates for guaranteed interview (must meet minimum requirements to qualify)
October 1, 2024 – Deadline for application to be verified by CASPA
Within 30 days of interview – Admission offers disseminated to applicants
January 2, 2025 – Orientation week begins (students are required to attend)
January 6, 2025 – First day of class
First Semester | ||
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
PAS 500 | Foundations of Medicine | 7 |
PAS 520 | Gross Anatomy for the PA | 4 (with lab) |
PAS 530 | Pharmacology Principles | 3 |
PAS 550 | History and Physical Exam | 3 (with lab) |
Second Semester | ||
PAS 600 | Clinical Medicine I | 6 |
PAS 601 | Pharmacology for the PA I | 2 |
PAS 602 | Clinical Concepts I | 2 |
PAS 603 | Clinical Assessment I | 2 |
PAS 604 | Testing and Procedures I | 2 |
PAS 605 | PAs in Health Care | 2 |
PAS 606 | PA Evidence Based Prac | 2 |
Third Semester | ||
PAS 610 | Clinical Medicine II | 6 |
PAS 611 | Pharmacology for the PA II | 2 |
PAS 612 | Clinical Concepts II | 2 |
PAS 613 | Clinical Assessment II | 2 |
PAS 614 | Testing and Procedures II | 2 |
PAS 615 | Health Policy for the PA | 2 |
PAS 616 | Clinical Specialties I | 3 |
Fourth Semester | ||
PAS 620 | Clinical Medicine III | 6 |
PAS 621 | Pharmacology for the PA III | 2 |
PAS 622 | Clinical Concepts III | 2 |
PAS 623 | Clinical Assessment III | 2 |
PAS 624 | Testing and Procedures III | 2 |
PAS 625 | PA Professional Practice | 2 |
PAS 626 | Clinical Specialties II | 3 |
PAS 627 | Psychiatry for the PA | 2 |
Clinical Year | ||
PAS 650 | PA Primary Care I | 4 |
PAS 651 | PA Primary Care II | 4 |
PAS 652 | PA Psychiatry I | 4 |
PAS 653 | PA Internal Medicine I | 4 |
PAS 654 | PA Internal Med Sub | 4 |
PAS 655 | PA Women’s Health | 4 |
PAS 656 | PA Pediatrics | 4 |
PAS 657 | PA General Surgery | 4 |
PAS 658 | PA Emergency Medicine | 4 |
PAS 659 | PA Orthopedics | 4 |
PAS 660 | PA Clinical Elective | 4 |
PAS 690 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
Applicants who have obtained, or will obtain by matriculation, an undergraduate degree from Marshall University, who meet the minimum admissions requirements, and who have their applications submitted and verified (by CASPA) by September 1st will be offered an interview. Note: The application requirement, process, and other deadlines still apply to all Marshall students.
Applicants who are West Virginia residents will receive additional points in the admission rubrics.
These technical standards for admission are set forth by the Marshall University Physician Assistant (PA) Program to establish the expectations and requisite abilities considered essential for students admitted to its educational and training programs. These standards are intended to achieve the levels of competency stipulated by the PA Program, its accrediting agency (the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant – ARC-PA), and the Higher Educational Policy Commission of the State of West Virginia.
A practicing physician assistant must possess the physical, mental, behavioral, and social competencies to function in a variety of clinical situations and to render a broad spectrum of patient care in multiple and varied settings.
Accepted students must be able to perform the academic and clinical competencies to meet the full requirements of the school’s curriculum.
The academic and clinical competencies of the school’s curriculum include the capacity to observe and communicate and demonstrate sufficient motor ability to perform physical examinations and basic laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Students must demonstrate emotional stability, exercise sound judgment, work effectively in stressful situations, and have the intellectual ability to synthesize data and solve problems.
Applicants for admission to the PA Program at Marshall University who are invited for an interview are required to certify prior to their interview that they understand and can meet the Technical Standards described herein with or without reasonable accommodations. A description of the actual disability and the need for accommodations should not be disclosed at this time.
Reasonable accommodations can be made for accepted students with appropriately documented disabilities. An accommodation is not reasonable if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of self and/or others, if making it requires a substantial modification in an essential element of the curriculum, if it lowers academic standards, or poses an undue administrative or financial burden. Except in rare circumstances, the use by the candidate of a third party (e.g., an intermediary) to perform any of the functions described in the Technical Standards set forth would constitute an unacceptable modification.
An accepted student who has a disability and needs accommodations should initiate the appropriate steps to register with the Marshall University Office of Disability Services. The Office of Disability Services will notify the PA Program Director as soon as the accepted student is to receive services. Once the accepted student is approved for disability services, the student should contact the PA Program Director regarding the approved accommodations. Accepted students with disabilities which may compromise their educational process and their ability to practice medicine or which might compromise the educational process of their classmates may be required to undergo appropriate evaluation to assess their ability to meet the school’s competencies and/or continue in the program.
Candidates for admission to the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program must meet the following Technical Standards:
Approved by Marshall University Associate General Counsel April 3, 2019
Approved by Curriculum Committee PA Program Marshall University April 4, 2019
Applicants who are accepted to the Marshall University Physician Assistant Program will receive a packet of information to complete by a specified date prior to matriculation. The packet will provide the date and outline the following requirements:
|
Tuition Per Semester |
Fees Per Semester |
Total Per Semester |
WV Resident |
$9,143.00 |
$936.00 |
$10,079.00 |
Non-resident |
$14,191.00 |
$1,525.00 |
$15,716.00 |
WV Resident – for total of seven (7) semesters |
$70,553.00 |
Non-resident – for total of seven (7) semesters |
$110,012.00 |
Unless indicated below, students will be given specific order/purchase instructions for required items.
|
$60.00 lab coat |
Books and Equipment (includes stethoscope and any needed medical equipment) |
$1,700.00 (program estimate) ** |
|
Prior to matriculation, cost will vary depending on student insurance and area. After students matriculate into the program for year two, costs are covered. |
Immunizations |
Prior to matriculation, cost will vary depending on previous student immunizations. |
Background Check |
$139.60 – this will be performed two times at $69.80 each – once prior to matriculation and once prior to beginning clinical rotations. Various health care sites may require additional testing (to be at student expense). |
Drug Screen |
$45.00 prior to matriculation (if done locally at Huntington site; if not done in Huntington, then $60.00) $45.00 prior to going on rotations (random drug screens are paid by the program) |
AAPA Dues |
$75.00 (one-time fee) |
WVAPA Dues |
$10.00 (one-time fee) |
Marshall PA Program Student Society Dues |
$10.00 (one-time fee) |
Certification Exam |
$550.00 |
Health Insurance |
Cost to be determined by health insurance carrier chosen by the student |
Computer (student preference of laptop or desktop) |
$2,000.00 |
BLS/ACLS Trainings |
$35.00/$175.00 |
Graduation Fee |
$50.00 paid in last semester |
**Cost for books and equipment above reflects the purchase of texts not available via our online database. Many of our required texts are available as e-texts at no additional cost to students resulting in significant savings.
|
$17,100.00 per year |
Loan Fees |
|