Physician Assistant Practice Program Admission Standards & Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Ohio University’s Physician Assistant Program is committed to attracting a diverse student body with a commitment to professional and community service. The program is seeking students who possess a well-rounded background that includes a strong academic history, quality health care experience, strong interpersonal communication skills, emotional maturity and dedication to leadership and community service.

The following requirements must be met to apply to OHIO’s PA Program:

Bachelor's Degree

  • Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U. S. institution.
  • Candidates may apply if a Bachelor's degree will be conferred by matriculation.
  • Ohio University only accepts course credit from institutions that hold the following regional accreditations:
    • Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
    • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    • New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
    • North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)
    • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
    • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
    • Commission on Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)
    • Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and University (WASC-ACSC)

A Minimum Cumulative CASPA Calculated GPA of 3.0

  • Ohio University will use CASPA's cumulative GPA calculations based on each institution attended. The cumulative GPA must be 3.0 in order to meet minimum application standards.

A Minimum Prerequisite Math and Science Calculated GPA of 3.0

  • The math and science GPA is based upon the program prerequisite courses. If an applicant retakes prerequisite courses or takes a higher-level course, the OHIO PA admissions committee may take the most recent grade into consideration.

GRE

  • The GRE General Test is required for admission. Official GRE General Test scores must be submitted with the CASPA application and received by August 1. GRE General Test scores are valid within five years of matriculation as of the test date. 
  • The most recent GRE General Test scores will be considered for admission. Students must submit official GRE General Test scores directly to CASPA from ETS. Do not send GRE scores to Ohio University’s campus.
  • OHIO's CASPA-specific GRE code is: 0957

Previous Healthcare Experience

  • Students are required to have patient care experience acquired within five years of matriculation. Experiences can be full-time, part-time, or volunteer. Clinical experiences will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of the experience. The program does not require a minimum number of hours. See the FAQ page for examples of roles that are accepted. 
  • Proof of accumulated non-shadowing health care and/or patient care hours reported in CASPA is required. Proof must be on official letterhead from the employer(s) and must contain the following information: your name, dates of employment, job title, job status (full-time, part-time, or volunteer), and the number of hours worked. The letter must be signed by an HR official or immediate supervisor. Hours accumulated within the past 5 years will be accepted.
  • For Ohio University students, PA 2100 Introduction to the PA Profession can be substituted for the health care experience requirement, however additional hands-on patient care experience is highly recommended.

Letters of Recommendation

  • Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation. At least one letter of recommendation must be from a non-related, practicing PA or Physician (MD or DO). The other reference must be from someone who has observed the applicant in an academic or professional setting.

Community Service & Leadership Experience

  • Candidates may report community service and leadership experience acquired within five years of matriculation. Experiences will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of the experience.

International Applicants

  • Ohio University’s PA program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.
  • Applicants to Ohio University’s PA program must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident; and must also hold a bachelor’s degree and complete the prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.  

Other Considerations

  • In keeping with the mission of Ohio University, the PA program gives special consideration to candidates who are: 
    • Permanent residents of Appalachia (Appalachian Region Map) 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
  • Applicants who have two or more misdemeanors or a felony will not be considered for admission.
  • Applicants who have been dismissed from a College, University, and/or professional degree program will not be considered for admission.
  • OHIO’s PA program does not accept transfer students from accredited/non-accredited PA programs. 
  • Students who were enrolled in a PA program that lost their accreditation status may apply to OHIO’s PA program as a new applicant during an open CASPA application cycle. All admission standards must be met to be considered for admission. Previous PA coursework is not transferable.
  • A CASPA application can be closed for any reason at the program’s discretion.

For additional questions, please visit our FAQ page.