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FAQs - Physician Assistant Program

Admission Questions

When is the application deadline?

Candidates apply for admission to the MMS physician assistant program using the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The application cycle for the PA cohort beginning May 2025 will open in late April 2024 and close November 1, 2024.

What are the GRE and GPA requirements?

Strong candidates have GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile in all categories. Minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA must be at least 3.0 for initial admission consideration. The average GPA of students selected for admission to the BW PA program is above 3.7.

When are interviews held?

The PA program selects candidates to interview throughout the fall semester. Admission decisions are made on a semi-rolling basis, with some offers being made soon after the interview or after all interview dates have been completed.

Do I need to complete all of the prerequisites before applying?

No, it is not unusual for candidates to be finishing prerequisite coursework during the fall and spring semesters prior to the program's start in May. All prerequisites do not need to be completed at the time of your CASPA application. However, they must be successfully completed before the program's start in May. Learn more about prerequisite coursework.

Can the MCAT substitute for the GRE?

No, the MCAT cannot be substituted for the GRE.

How many students are accepted to the program each year?

The PA program receives more than 700 applications each cycle for an average cohort size of 35. Hallmark to the Baldwin Wallace education is a commitment to small classes, faculty mentoring, and a strong sense of community shared by students, faculty and staff.

I am an M.D. from another country. Do I have to go through the entire PA training program?

Yes. There is no advanced standing in the PA program and the entire 24-month program must be completed. Clinical training and experience from another country brings depth to a candidate's application but it does not satisfy or waive program coursework nor other prerequisite and application requirements.

I have significant healthcare experience. Will this help me during the admission process?

BW's physician assistant program does not require direct patient care experience. However direct patient care experience is considered when evaluating candidates. All patient care related experience, whether paid or volunteer, should be included in your CASPA application.

Do you require shadowing hours?

BW's PA program does not require shadowing hours as part of the admission process. Candidates who have completed shadowing or any other direct patient care experience should enter that information in the appropriate section of the CASPA application. No further documentation is required.

Program Questions

What is the length of the PA program?

The PA program is 24 months and only offered full-time with new cohorts beginning each May. The curriculum is divided into 13 months of didactic coursework and 11 months of clinical rotations.

Can I work while attending the PA program?

The PA program does not encourage nor is it recommended that students work while in this full-time program.

How much direct patient care will I receive in the PA program?

PA students complete more than 2,000 hours of clinical experience within the program through 11 clinical rotations - eight are standard clinical placements and three are electives. BW PA students will gain exposure in a variety of settings, from major research hospitals to clinics and extended care facilities throughout Northeast Ohio. Students may also work with their clinical advisors on finding other clinical placements for specialties of interest.