Physician Assistant Program Admission Requirements
The Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA) program is designed to embody the diverse culture at Agnes Scott College and educate students to provide community-based healthcare. Committed to educating inclusive leaders to serve diverse patients and their communities, Agnes Scott College’s PA program will train students to practice evidence-based medicine through a rigorous, cohort-based 24-month curriculum.
The PA program seeks to admit students who complete a competitive CASPA application, demonstrate professionalism, dedication, and commitment to patient care. No GRE required for the admission review process.
The CASPA application is now open and closes December 1, 2024.
- Early application submission is highly encouraged.
- Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early application submission is encouraged for this competitive program.
Admission Requirements
GPA Requirement
3.0 minimum cumulative overall grade point average - AND -3.0 minimum BCP grade point average.
Cumulative overall GPA and BCP GPA are calculated based on all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed from all post-secondary institutions, whether or not a degree was received from a given institution as verified and calculated by CASPA.Prerequisite Course Requirements
Competitive applicants will have successfully completed the following courses within the last ten years. All courses with a laboratory component must have been completed in-person.- Human Anatomy and Physiology w/laboratory (2 course series)
- General Biology w/laboratory (2 course series)
- General Chemistry w/laboratory (2 course series)
- Organic Chemistry w/laboratory (1 course)
- Additional chemistry or biochemistry (1 course)
- Statistics or biostatistics (1 course)
- Recommended, not required: Microbiology
- Applicants may apply with no more than TWO outstanding prerequisite courses. Exceptions to this requirement include currently enrolled Agnes Scott students applying as part of an Agnes Scott linkage program. Visit our website for linkage program details.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed by June 15, 2025 for admitted applicants to matriculate into this program.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of “C” or better (not C minus).
- Courses for which credit was awarded by examination, such as AP courses, are not accepted toward any of the prerequisite courses.
- Advanced placement, IB, or transfer credit from previous healthcare coursework will not be accepted towards this program's degree requirements.
- All prerequisite courses with a laboratory component must have been completed in-person. Completion through online course instruction will not meet the prerequisite requirement.
Residency Requirements
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident to qualify for admission to the program.
- If baccalaureate degree is obtained from an institution outside of the United States, then applicants must complete at least one year (30 semester hours) of additional undergraduate or graduate course work at a regionally accredited U.S. institution prior to application.
Recommendation for Experience
Although not required for admission, more competitive applicants will meet the recommended minimum of 1,000 hours of direct “hands-on” patient care experience, completed as either paid or volunteer experience.- Experiences considered do not include observation or shadowing, non-clinical research experience, CPR or ACLS instructor, student intern hours, patient transporter, pharmaceutical or medical device representatives, lifeguard, medical secretary, insurance secretary, medical clerical positions, aerobics or yoga instructors, or personal trainers.
- Applicants with completed experiences should update the "Experiences" section within the"Supporting Information" portion of the application and upload proof of patient care/clinical experience hours to the "Program Materials - Documents" section of the CASPA application.
- Documentation may include the type of contact and/or clinical experience, the location, dates, number of hours, and the supervisor's signature with contact information.
Required Admission Materials:
Submit a complete, verified CASPA application for the 2025 cohort by December 1, 2024. The application is now open, as of May 1, 2024.
- A review of an application will occur only after the application has been submitted, and all materials received and verified by CASPA.
- Incomplete files will not be reviewed by the Admission Committee. It takes approximately 2-4 weeks for applications to be processed and verified by the CASPA.
- See section below for Application Deadlines and Review Process.
Submit to CASPA:
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended, whether you completed a degree at that institution or not, must be submitted to CASPA. Details about how to submit transcripts to CASPA can be found here.
- Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university is required to enroll in the program.
Transcripts from institutions outside of the U.S.:
- If transcripts are from a non-U.S. institution, an official Evaluation of Foreign Credentials from is required along with copies of transcripts.
- All applicants that attended a non-U.S. institution must be able to document their degree as being equivalent to that of a four-year bachelor’s degree awarded by an accredited United States college or university. Applicants must have their foreign credentials evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (naces.org).
- The evaluation must include: course by course description, documenting equivalence to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree (or the number of years toward completion and grade point average).
- If baccalaureate degree is obtained from an institution outside of the U.S., then applicants must complete at least one year (30 semester hours) of additional undergraduate or graduate course work at a regionally accredited U.S. institution prior to application.
Two page single-spaced personal statement (or statement of purpose)
- Use this as an opportunity to explain why you are interested in Agnes Scott’s PA program, why Agnes Scott should admit you, and provide explanation for any gaps or dips in your academic credentials.
- Include a response to the following:
- What unique skills or attributes do you possess that will contribute to you becoming a collaborative, socially responsible Physician Assistant? Please provide real-world examples to support your answers.
- Describe the meaning of equity and diversity to your professional and personal life.
- Upload your Personal Statement in the "Program Materials - Documents" section of the CASPA application.
Three Letters of Recommendation
- Only academic or professional recommendations will be allowed.
- Academic recommendations are encouraged. If you have been out of school for 2+ years, professional recommendations are accepted.
- Letters must be current and no older than one year old at the time of CASPA submission.
- Recommended: One letter of reference from a healthcare professional (i.e., practicing PA, physician, nurse practitioner, healthcare supervisor).
Application Deadlines and Review Process:
The CASPA application is now open as of May 1, 2024 and closes December 1, 2024.
- Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, so early application submission is encouraged for this competitive program.
- Applications are reviewed after the application is submitted, and materials are received and verified by CASPA. This verification process can take 2-4 weeks before received by Agnes Scott.
Final Deadline: December 1, 2024
The following must be received by CASPA by the final deadline for an applicant to be considered during this cycle: CASPA application; all final, official transcripts; and a minimum of two recommendations
Application Review Process
The Admission Committee employs a holistic approach, recognizes diversity, and a strong preference to those who align with our mission.
- Applications and application materials will only be considered once submitted, completed and verified through CASPA.
- Qualified candidates may be invited for a personal interview.
- Admitted students are required to submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit and undergo a criminal background check* to fully enroll.
*Admitted applicants will be responsible for the cost of the criminal background check.