Physician Assistant Practice Program FAQs

Where is the OHIO PA Program located?

The OHIO PA program is located at the Dublin Integrated Education Center in Dublin, Ohio. Our building was constructed in 2015 and has 28,000 square feet dedicated exclusively to the education of PA students. You can find pictures of the building and facilities on our Facebook page.

When does the program begin?

The program begins in January (Spring semester) of every year.

Is there a supplemental application?

Yes. The OHIO PA admissions committee will review all applications after the CASPA application deadline (August 1st of each year). Our supplemental application is by invitation only. Please see our Application Process page for more information.

How long is the PA program?

The program is a 27-month (seven semester) full-time program. The first four semesters are considered the didactic phase of the program and will have courses from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. The final three semesters are considered the clinical phase of the program. Days and times will vary by clinical rotation and the requirements of the clinical site.

How many students will be accepted to the OHIO DPAP?

Our program can accept a maximum of 45 students per cohort.

Will there be any special selection preferences?

In keeping with the mission of Ohio University, OHIO’s PA program gives special consideration to candidates who are:

  • Permanent residents of Appalachia or medically underserved areas as indicated in the CASPA application.
  • U.S. Military members – defined as active duty, reserves or veteran status from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard. 
  • OHIO University graduates
Where will clinicals be located?

Currently the majority of clinical sites are throughout Ohio; however, some sites are in neighboring states. Clinical rotations will require travel, so reliable transportation is required.

Is there housing at the Dublin Integrated Education Center?

No. There is no university housing at the Dublin Integrated Education Center. Students are responsible for securing their own housing within the area.

Does your program offer scholarships?

No. Our program does not currently have any additional scholarship opportunities.

Can I apply to the PA program before I graduate with my undergraduate degree?

Yes. Potential candidates can apply to OHIO's PA program in the year in which they will graduate. Candidates must have a conferred bachelor's degree by December of the application year in order to be considered for acceptance. Candidates must complete and submit a “Verification of Intent to Graduate Form” to CASPA in the documents section of your application portal. The form and link can be found within your CASPA portal.

What is the best undergraduate degree to get?

The program does not have a specific undergraduate degree requirement or preference.

Do you accept transfer credit for courses within the OHIO DPAP curriculum?

No. Students must successfully complete all of the courses within the curriculum in the established sequence in order to meet degree requirements.

Can I work while I am in the PA program?

The PA curriculum is extremely rigorous and considered a 27-month, full time commitment. The OHIO PA strongly discourages students to continue employment during the program. Students who chose to work during the program put themselves at risk for poor academic performance.

What types of experiences will qualify as health care / patient care experience?

Clinical experiences will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of the experience. OHIO’s PA program does not require a minimum number of hours. Some examples of acceptable non-certified and certified roles are listed below (others are accepted):

Non-Certified Roles:

· Assisted Living Technician

· Home Health Aide

· Medical Assistant

· Multi-skilled Technician

· Nursing Assistant 

· Occupational Therapy Aide

· Patient Care Associate

· Patient Care Technician

· Patient Support Associate

· Physical Therapy Aide

· Psychiatric Aide

· Registered Pharmacy Technician

· Student Clinical Experiences

· Surgical Technician

Certified Roles:

· Athletic Trainer

· Cath lab Technician

· CNA

· EKG/ECG Technician

· Medical Laboratory Assistant

· Military Medic, Corpsman or Technician

· Nurse (LPN or RN)

· Occupational Therapist

· Paramedic / EMT

· Pharmacist

· Pharmacy Technician

· Phlebotomist

· Physical Therapist

· Radiologic Technician

· Respiratory Therapist

· STNA

· Surgical Technologist

· Telemetry Technician

· Ultrasound Technician / Sonographer