Physician Assistant - Next Steps for Admitted Students

Graduate & Professional Admission

Winnie Gerhardt, Graduate Admission
(440) 826-8004, wgerhard@bw.edu

Welcome to the MMS physician assistant program. This page provides instructions on pre-enrollment requirements you must meet prior to beginning your program on May 2026. You should begin these requirements now - some of them, such as the background check and scheduling for immunizations/medical check often require 4-6 weeks to complete.

Finalize Your Enrollment

Pay Tuition Deposits: All new PA students must pay an initial $500 tuition deposit followed by a $1,000 tuition deposit to secure their enrollment in this selective degree program. If you haven't submitted your full $1,500 deposit, view additional details and instructions regarding payment.
Set Up Your BW Network Account: The BW network gives you access to BW email, Canvas and online resources you'll use as a graduate student and member of the BW community.

In order to gain access to your BW network credentials and set your password, please log into your BW admitted student portal. Instructions on accessing this portal were provided in the email with the following subject line: An update to your Baldwin Wallace University application. Please note that you will need the mobile number you detailed in your application to take next steps in setting up your BW account.

If you experience any technical difficulties when setting up your BW network account, please contact our BW IT Support at (440) 826-7000 or helpdesk@bw.edu.
Send Final Transcripts to BW: Students admitted with coursework pending (prerequisites or final degree) need to send a final, official transcript to BW's Office of Admission no later than May 31, 2026.

Transcripts can be sent electronically to admit@bw.edu or to:

Office of Admission
Baldwin Wallace University
275 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
Financing Your PA Degree: Program Costs and Financial Assistance

View PA program costs and financial assistance.

FAFSA

Incoming graduate students are strongly encouraged to file the FAFSA to determine federal direct student loan eligibility. Be sure to submit the 2026-27 FAFSA using BW's Federal ID code: 003014.

Enrollment Worksheet for Independent Students

When completing the enrollment worksheet for independent students, enter your credits per term as follows:

Credits Per Semester

Year 1
Summer: 21 credits
Fall: 22 credits
Spring: 23 credits

Year 2
Summer: 11 credits
Fall: 13 credits
Spring: 13 credits

PA Program Onboarding

Background Check

All PA students are required to complete a comprehensive background check, including finger printing, as part of the initial enrollment process.

The BW PA program has partnered with CastleBranch, a background check and compliance management company. Look for an email from CastleBranch in February 2026 when it is time to begin this process.

The one-time cost for CastleBranch services is approximately $150 (for initial Next Steps) and must be covered by the student; it is not included in the comprehensive cost of the PA program. Payment can be made as a single amount or split over a three-month period.

The following background searches will be conducted: Fingerprint State BCI and Fingerprint FBI. Additional searches will be conducted if any concerns are raised during the standard search process. Students whose background checks reveal a criminal history or arrest record of any sort that cannot be successfully adjudicated will not be allowed to begin the PA program.

Results of your background checks will be mailed directly to the PA program and uploaded to your CastleBranch account for access/review.

Drug Testing

All PA students will be subject to substance abuse testing as part of the pre-enrollment health requirements. Students will order a 10-panel drug screen through CastleBranch; the cost is included in the one-time fee for initial Next Steps services (see Background Check section for details). When ordering the drug screen, submit your current local address so that the most convenient test site can be located.

The PA program at Baldwin Wallace University recognizes its responsibility to maintain a drug-free educational environment and to ensure that students provide safe, high quality healthcare services while engaged in official school educational activities. In keeping with this goal, the PA program supports the policies set forth by the University relative to the use of drugs and alcohol and requires that students pass a drug test prior to enrolling in the PA program. If drug or alcohol usage is detected in the classroom, clinical or other campus settings, students will be referred for appropriate follow-up according to the BW policies outlined in the BW student handbook.

Results of the drug screen will be uploaded to your CastleBranch account for access/review by the PA program.

As a guest of various healthcare facilities in the community, students will be subject to the policies of the healthcare facility, which may include random urine testing. If drug or alcohol usage is detected in the clinical settings, students will be tested at the facility, in accordance with the facility policies. Detection of drug or alcohol usage while in the clinical setting will result in dismissal from the PA program. All students returning to the PA program after an extended absence will be subjected to substance abuse testing.

Immunizations and Health Screening

All PA students must provide personal health documentation, well in advance of the start date for the program in May (use form link provided above), with proof of the following:

MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Adult Diphtheria Tetanus
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Varicella
Influenza
COVID-19
Meningococcal

Physical Examination

Completion of a physical examination within one year prior to admission to the program, confirming a health status that qualifies the person to work directly with patients (refer to technical standards)

Tuberculin Skin Testing

Students must also provide verification of Tuberculin skin testing (2-step Mantoux). See instructions, including date recommendations, provided in the PA Program Immunization and Health Form.

Clinical Experience

As a guest of the healthcare facilities that provide clinical experiences, students are subject to the policies of the facility, which include meeting the above standards for immunizations, a current negative TB test and the ability to work directly with patients (refer to technical standards). Since clinical experience is an essential element of the PA program, the inability to work directly in patient care may result in the student not continuing in the program.

Proof of Insurance

Personal Medical Insurance

Student health insurance is not offered through Baldwin Wallace University. Students wishing to purchase student health insurance must enroll directly with the insurance provider of their choice. Proof of insurance will be required prior to participating in any clinical experience. Neither the University nor clinical affiliates cover student health-related incidents.

Professional Liability Insurance

Baldwin Wallace provides professional liability insurance for physician assistant students while they are at a clinical site at no cost to the student. This policy provides coverage while on site at the clinical setting only. This coverage does not extend beyond the active clinical experience under the auspice of this physician assistant program.

Getting Started at BW

Campus Life and Other Program Items: PA Program Orientation

Thursday, May 8, 2025 — 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (times may vary)

PA Program Start

Monday, May 12, 2025
2025-26 Physician Assistant academic calendar

Books and Supplies

Books are covered in the cost of the program and will be distributed at orientation. A lab coat and a stethoscope will be provided during the didactic year.

Jacket Express

At the beginning of the semester, students will receive a mobile Jacket Express card.

BW has excellent event programming, including nationally-known speakers, concerts, theatre productions, art exhibits and athletic events. Most of these are free or available to students at a reduced charge by presenting your Jacket Express card. The Jacket Express card also provides access to the Lou Higgins Recreation Center and Ritter Library.

Parking

Parking permits are included for all PA students. All students, including commuter and on-campus residents, are required to register their vehicles and follow University parking regulations.

During the first summer semester, a permit is not required. Beginning in fall semester, an academic year parking permit is available with online registration. Students are responsible for any citation fines, which can be paid online through Jacket Payment. Unpaid fines are attached to the student bill after 10 days.

Health Services

All students enrolled in at least one class are eligible for services at BW's Health Center (insurance is not required). Basic clinical care is provided with doctors and nurse practitioners available by appointment for additional services. Teleconference appointments are also available.

Counseling Center

Counseling Services are provided at no charge to students for individual, group or urgent/emergency counseling services. A $25 fee is charged for psychiatry services. Walk-in and telehealth counseling appointments are available.
BW Academic Support Services: BW Office of Accessible Education (OAE)

The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) works with students who have disabilities to provide and/or arrange reasonable accommodations. Students who have or think they may have a disability (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, vision, hearing, physical or systemic) are invited to contact the OAE to arrange a confidential discussion at (440) 826-2147 or disability@bw.edu.

BW Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA)

The BW Center for Academic Success and Achievement (CASA) supports and strengthens the academic experience of BW's diverse community through services and resources designed to empower learners to maximize their educational and professional goals. Students have access to learning resources, tutoring, and reading and writing support. For more information: (440) 826-2425 or casa@bw.edu.