Leslie Mean, a 26-year-old white single woman, applies to PA school for the first time and makes a presentation to the admissions committee.
She has a 3. 6 overall GPA and a 3. 5 science GPA. She has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, a SAT score between 1000 and 1100, and a 300 on the GRE.
She has worked as a CNA for two years and has a long history of volunteer work, demonstrating her desire to support her community.
She has reference letters that attest to her maturity and excellent people skills, and she is considerate and kind.
What is a PA School and How Do You Get into One?
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, are healthcare providers who are supervised by doctors. In order to become a physician assistant (PA), you must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and complete a master’s program at a graduate PA school. Physician assistants also need advanced training and knowledge of the medical field.
Like many medical graduate programs, many PA programs demand a Bachelor’s degree with a science or biology emphasis. Anatomy, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology are among the most popular prerequisite courses. Before submitting an application to a PA program, you should research whether any other courses are required by some PA programs. As you can see, having a solid background in science is highly recommended.
A thorough physician assistant program is provided by registered and accredited PA schools and lasts for several weeks and covers subjects like clinical radiology, medical ethics, and introductions to various specialties. Learners in the PA program will complete several eight-week rotations in a variety of medical specialties following the coursework phase.
After completing an accredited PA program, students in PA schools can register for the national certifying exam, which enables them to practice in the state. Before taking the test, you must obtain information specific to your location because the licensing requirements differ by state.
Students can submit one application to numerous PA programs using the web-based Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The website allows students to sign up using their email address and upload all of their credentials, including GRE scores, transcripts, and supporting documentation, which is then assembled into a thorough PA school application.
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the top organization in PA education, is a member of all PA schools on the CASPA system.
Are There Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs?
Yes, several universities offer online PA programs. However, the only part of a physician assistant program that is covered by these entry-level programs is the coursework. They are the simplest PA schools to get into because they do not provide the clinical and care experience required to become a state-licensed PA.
The following schools offer online entry-level PA courses:
· University of North Dakota
· University of Nebraska Medical Center
· University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
· The Touro College and University System
What is the Typical PA School Acceptance Rate?
Like many other medical schools, physician assistant programs are notoriously difficult to get into for most students. According to the PAEA, the average acceptance rate into a PA school is around 20%. But this acceptance rate can vary by state.
Are There PA Schools with Low GPA Requirements?
For admission, almost all physician assistant programs have a GPA requirement. Even students with a low GPA can apply to some schools, though, as long as their personal statement and application to PA school are otherwise strong.
The schools with low GPA requirements include:
One of Utah’s top PA schools is University of Utah.
· A.T. Still University, Central Coast
· Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Can I Get into a PA Program Without a GRE?
PA schools require potential applicants to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test, just like many other graduate programs. Although most graduate schools require this standardized test, some physician assistant programs don’t require applicants to submit their GRE scores. These schools include:
Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (view the state’s top PA programs)
· Bethel University in Minnesota
· Loma Linda University
· University of La Verne
Three Ways to Overcome a Low GPA When Applying to a PA Program
Even with a low GPA, you can still enroll in a PA program. Although applicants with higher GPAs may face greater competition, you can still improve your PA school application despite your low GPA. Here are three things you can still do to increase your chances of admission to PA school before submitting your application.
The majority of recognized PA programs demand GRE, MCAT, or other formal standardized test results. Even if you received C grades in high school, achieving a high score on these exams can demonstrate that you are a well-rounded PA student with potential that goes beyond your GPA.
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Get Direct Healthcare Experience With Patients
In primary care or specialty care, having 200–2,000 hours of direct patient care under the supervision of healthcare professionals can significantly lessen the impact of a low GPA in the eyes of PA school admission committees. A lot of medical assistant programs with low GPA requirements demand some sort of patient interaction. If you want to play a crucial role on any medical team, you must have experience working with patients.
Apply to Programs That Look at Applications Holistically
Usually, PA schools that demand a low GPA are aware that the GPA only partially reflects a PA applicant’s capacity. In addition to your GPA, these PA schools will also consider your letters of recommendation, GRE results, and other aspects.
What are the Easiest PA Schools to Get Into in 2022?
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A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
CENTRAL COAST CAMPUS
Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 2.50
This PA program offers an advanced master’s degree in physician assistant studies that combines coursework on moral issues, health care delivery systems, and evidence-based medicine with more than 400 hours of hands-on patient care.
Students who want to advance their skills and become licensed PAs should enroll in this PA program.
The admissions requirements for the Advanced Masters program at A. T. Still University Of Health Sciences include:
Completion of a physician assistant program with a minimum GPA of 2 and ARC-PA accreditation. 50.
· Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited institution
Barry University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The PA program at Barry University combines coursework with hands-on clinical training to promote professional growth and lifelong learning. The evidence-based medical program at Barry University, a Catholic institution, incorporates Catholic teachings of reflection and action for students aspiring to become physician assistants.
Admissions requirements for this PA program include:
· Bachelor’s degree with several prerequisite subjects
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
Evidence of your work in the healthcare industry, though not strictly necessary, can enhance your application.
Loma Linda University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Private healthcare institution Loma Linda collaborates with nearby hospitals to give students practical training throughout the program. Students who enroll in the Physician Assistant program learn how to collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team that prioritizes a patient’s overall health.
For students with a low GPA, Loma Linda’s healthcare-focused campus makes it one of the best and simplest physician assistant programs to get into.
Admissions requirements for this program include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
· Bachelor’s degree with courses in science and general education
· Three letters of recommendation
· 2,000 hours of patient care experience
Marquette University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The physician assistant program at Marquette University, which has a strong Jesuit tradition, incorporates the elements of compassion and care. The university takes a holistic approach to each student, so the application process includes a personal interview where candidates can demonstrate their expertise and enthusiasm for the PA profession.
Admissions requirements include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
· Three letters of recommendation
· At least 200 hours of health care experience
Midwestern University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The PA program at Midwestern University combines a small faculty-to-student ratio with a student-led curriculum to promote a culture of learning, commitment, and development. Students develop into compassionate and caring PAs who are assets to their healthcare teams by learning how to apply their skills to a diverse range of patients from all demographics.
This PA school is among the easiest to get into thanks to the comprehensive application process. The school will take into account any prior work you have done in addition to your GPA and GRE scores when evaluating your application. Low GPA may not be a barrier for you if you can demonstrate a talent for leadership and volunteer work.
Admissions requirements for this PA school include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
Successful completion with a grade of C or higher of some prerequisite courses
Demonstrated leadership, service, or volunteerism, as well as life experiences that demonstrate a commitment to and love of the healthcare industry
Missouri State University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Small student-to-faculty ratios in Missouri’s PA program ensure that each student receives the individualized attention they require. Missouri’s two-year PA program offers clinical experience throughout the entire program, in contrast to other PA programs that frequently divide coursework and clinical rotations.
The programs admissions requirements include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
· Three letters of recommendation
After the initial screening, applicants may be invited to an interview with the admissions committee members so they can present their personal statement.
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 2.75
Due to its low GPA requirement, the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is one of the easiest schools on our list to get into. To be eligible for the physician assistant program, students still need to pass a number of prerequisite courses with a C or higher.
The PA program places a strong emphasis on offering engaging, practical clinical experiences that promote learning and compassion. Students who successfully complete the program frequently contribute significantly to their interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Other admissions requirements include:
· Minimum GPA of 2.75
A 50th percentile or higher minimum GRE score
· Two letters of recommendation
South University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The goal of South University’s PA program is to instruct students in the foundations of medicine as well as how to work as a team in the healthcare industry. Students receive specialized instruction in many different medical disciplines, such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and many others.
Admissions requirements for the program include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
Attained a minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
GRE scores, with a preference for those in the top 50% of scores.
One recommendation from a healthcare professional the applicant has previously worked with or shadowed.
The George Washington University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
This PA school has one of the nation’s top PA programs despite having a low GPA requirement, according to the U S. News and World Report. Since there are so many hours of direct patient care required, the program might not be the easiest for graduates to get into (search for another top PA school in WA).
Additionally, students need to pass a number of prerequisite courses with a minimum C grade, including Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Statistics.
The course itself consists of coursework and clinical rotations. It also has a component for community service, which introduces students to the social side of healthcare.
The admissions requirements for the program include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
· Two recommendation letters
· 1,000 hours of direct patient care
Thomas Jefferson University Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Including physician assistants, Thomas Jefferson University has a long history of producing top-notch healthcare professionals. Thomas Jefferson University provides a top-notch PA program that integrates practice with evidence-based medical theory despite the low GPA requirements. Students will graduate from the course prepared to practice medicine successfully and improve public health.
The admissions requirements for the program include:
· Minimum GPA of 3. 0, with a strong preference for at least 3. 3.
· Personal essay or statement
Documentation of direct patient care experience, with a minimum of 200 hours advised.
1 University of New England Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
The PA program at the University of New England is a two-year full-time program that combines coursework and clinical experiences. Students will comprehend disease processes and clinical medicine by the end of the two years, and they will then put their knowledge to use as a member of a healthcare team.
Contrary to many other PA programs, the New England institution waives the GRE requirement. Instead, they rely on GPA and evidence of hands-on experience. With a low GPA, admission to this PA program may not be the simplest, but if you have any clinical experience, that will be to your advantage.
Admissions requirements include:
· A minimum GPA of 3.0
· 500 hours of direct patient care
· 20 hours of shadowing
· Three recommendation letters
1 University of Utah
Minimum GPA: 2.7
One of the nation’s oldest PA programs is located at the University of Utah, which has maintained its accreditation since 1971. The U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked this PA school among the top 10 universities in the nation. S News and World Report.
The school prepares PAs to provide healthcare in underserved and rural areas where there is a shortage of medical care. The MEDEX model is used in the curriculum, which emphasizes the value of PAs in the medical field.
Admissions requirements to get into this school include:
· A Bachelors degree with several prerequisite courses
· A 2.7 GPA, though 3.0 is strongly preferred
2,000 hours of healthcare experience, including at least a year of full-time work in the field.
1 Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant School
Minimum GPA: 3.0
A small university with a health focus that teaches future medical professionals how to collaborate is Western University. Students from the PA program consistently achieve high first-time PANCE pass rates.
The same prerequisite courses required for admission to many other PA programs, including:
· Human Anatomy and Human Physiology
· Human or General Genetics
· General or Inorganic Chemistry
Other admissions requirements include:
· Minimum GPA of 3.0
· Prerequisite courses completed with a C or better
· Two letters of recommendation
What’s the easiest program to get into for low GPA students?
Currently, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s offered the most straightforward PA program to enter, which only requires a 2 75 GPA to apply.
Is the PA program hard?
Yes. With difficult coursework and demanding clinical rotations, PA programs are just as difficult as conventional medical school programs.
What’s the hardest course in PA programs?
Physiology, Anatomy, and Medical Terminology are typically the subjects that cause students the most difficulty because they all call for extensive memorization.
What’s the best major to take before PA school?
There is no one ideal major to choose for PA school because each institution will have its own requirements. However, students should have a basic understanding of Chemistry, Physiology, and Anatomy. You might need to take additional courses at some schools before you can apply to the PA program.
Next steps for low gpa students
If your GPA is low, you might be concerned about being accepted into a PA program. Schools prefer applicants who have a demonstrated history of academic success because the majority of PA programs have a challenging coursework component.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enroll in a program if your GPA is low. Many schools place more emphasis on factors other than GPA, such as GRE scores, the number of hours of healthcare experience, and even community service.
Speak with PA Resource if you need assistance obtaining admission to the program of your choice. We are aware that your GPA is only a small component of your program application, and we can assist you in polishing the other components. Start your PA journey right away by contacting us at our email address or on social media.
My Stats For Getting Accepted Into Multiple PA Schools!
FAQ
Is PA school harder to get into than med school?
Acceptance rates for medical school are higher than those for PA school, but which is harder to get into? Only 33% of applicants were accepted to PA schools in 2016-17, whereas 41% of applicants were accepted to MD schools in 2018-19 and 35% of applicants were accepted to DO medical schools in 2016-17
Which PA school is the easiest to get into?
- A.T. Still University, Central Coast. …
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education. …
- Barry University Physician Assistant. …
- Bethel University in Minnesota. …
- John’s University. …
- Loma Linda University. …
- Marquette University Physician Assistant School. …
- Missouri State University PA School.
What GPA will get you into PA school?
Most PA schools require a minimum GPA of 3. 0, but a GPA of at least 3 is required to be seriously considered as a candidate. 5 for most top-ranked schools. Even institutions without a specified minimum GPA or one that is less than 3 In the applicant pool, 0 will search for the top applicants.
How hard is it to get into PA school?
The average acceptance rate into a PA school is close to only 20% Because they will be giving their patients complex and sometimes critical medical care during their professional careers, students training to become physician assistants need to receive exceptional training.