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List of 13 PA Programs That Accept Low GPA Applicants
Metro Area | Annual Mean Salary | Employment |
---|---|---|
Olympia-Tumwater, WA | $141,920 | 0 |
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $139,500 | 70 |
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $134,660 | 60 |
Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $128,190 | 50 |
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | $126,260 | 270 |
What Is Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants or CASPA?
3 Ways to Apply to PA Programs That Accept Low GPA Applicants
1. Gain High Score on GRE
2. Apply to PA Programs That Accept Low GPA Because They Look at Applications “Holistically”
3. Direct Patient Experience
PA Programs that Accept Low GPA
1. Marquette University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (As calculated by CASPA) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
Tip for Applying
Marquette also takes into consideration the total and science GPA. It also looks at the quantity and performance in science coursework. Other selection factors include a personal interview and a knowledge of the PA profession and its role in health care.
PA Programs at Marquette University:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- Submission of completed application to the CASPA
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Minimum of 200 hours of patient contact and other health care experience
2. The George Washington University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
It was designed to teach a superior academic foundation. It offers an abundance of clinical experience to the student.
Difference Maker
PA Programs at GWU:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
Required Prerequisite Coursework:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Statistics
3. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.50 (Overall and PA Program) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The courses and curriculum of the Advanced Masters in Physician Assistant Studies are designed to broaden the clinical knowledge and skill level of practicing physician assistants. Key topics include ethical issues, health care delivery systems, and evidence-based medicine and clinical research design.
Difference Maker
There is a coursework and assignment requirement here. These may be completed online. The Clinical Medicine concentration requires 400 hours of direct patient care. This may be completed at your place of employment.
PA Programs at A.T. Still:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- Graduation from ARC-PA accredited PA program
- Physician Assistant License or Certification
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s Degree from a Regionally Accredited College or University
4. South University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (Overall and Science) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The Physician Assistant (MS) at South University offers courses that focus on the fundamental medical concepts and theories in the key functions of physician assistants. This may include:
Tip for Applying
PA Programs at South:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
5. Barry University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (Overall and Science) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
Difference Maker
This liberal arts emphasis integrates the Catholic tradition of combining study, reflection, and action to foster individual and communal transformations.
PA Programs at Barry:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- GRE scores
- Official transcripts
- Evidence of experience in health care is highly recommended
Required Prerequisite Coursework:
- General / Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
6. Midwestern University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
Physician Assistant Program is taught by caring faculty experts who prepare you to apply evidence-based medicine and compassionate decision making to benefit a diverse community of patients. It is designed to teach the skills you need to become a vital member of the health care team. The student-centered curriculum and clinical experiences teach how you may become a competent, caring physician assistant.
Tip for Applying
Midwestern also looks at your previous work, volunteer work, or life experiences that show motivation for and commitment to healthcare. It also looks at demonstration of service and leadership through community service or extracurricular activities.
PA Programs at Midwestern:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- GRE scores
- Completion of prerequisite courses
7. Missouri State University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
This course is designed for full-time students to complete in as little as two years. The Physician Assistant Studies at Missouri State strives to full prepare you for success on the national certification exam through:
- Clinical experiences at every stage of the program
- Small student-faculty ratio
- Individualized attention
- State-of-the-art facilities
It features a rigorous curriculum and mentorship with experienced faculty. The program teaches the intellectual and interpersonal skills needed by physician assistants.
PA Programs at Missouri State:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE / MCAT scores
8. Loma Linda University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (Overall and Science) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
Difference Maker
PA Programs at Loma Linda:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Prerequisite courses in science and general education (C- grades are not accepted)
- 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to enrollment
- Three letters of recommendation
9. University of Utah
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (2.7 GPAs may be considered) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
It is one of the oldest PA programs in the country. The Physician Assistant Program at Utah is committed to training PAs to meet the challenges of providing high quality care to patients in medically underserved and rural communities. The program has refined its curriculum and format to provide a combination of didactic and clinical training. This provides hands-on experience in the field.
Difference Maker
One of the key aspects of the PA program at Utah is that they do not require any standardized test, such as the GRE or MCAT.
PA Programs at University of Utah:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 GPA (though 2.7 GPAs are considered)
- 2,000 hours of health care experience, with at least one year of full-time equivalent
- Prerequisite courses (such as Human Anatomy and Human Physiology)
10. Western University of Health Sciences
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (Overall, Science, and Prerequisites) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The Physician Assistant Studies Program is designed to meet the increasing need of PAs as valued and vital members of the health care team. The two year program prepares students to demonstrate:
- Competency in established and evolving medical and clinical sciences
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Effective, patient-centered, and compassionate care
- Critical analysis, evaluation, and improved patient care to a diverse patient population
Tip for Applying
You may be required to have a 3.0 GPA. This includes cumulative, science, and prerequisite. Clinical experience is preferred, it is not required.
PA Programs at University of Western University of Health Sciences:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 (Overall, Science, and Prerequisites)
11. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Minimum GPA Requirements: 2.75 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The 24-month Physician Assistant Program at Rosalind Franklin was created in 1991. The faculty takes pride in teaching its students to provide competent, compassionate, and ethical medical care. It does this by teaching with dynamic lectures and innovative labs. The program’s mission is to educate and prepare PAs who to be integral members of the inter professional health care team. It aims to ensure students provide quality, patient-centered care.
Difference Maker
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is named after Dr. Rosalind Franklin. Dr. Franklin captured the photograph revealing the structure of DNA in 1952.
PA Programs at Rosalind Franklin University:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 2.75 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Special consideration will be given to the last 60 hours of completed coursework
- All prerequisite grades must be a “C” or higher
- GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
PA Program Prerequisite Coursework
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Microbiology
12. Thomas Jefferson University
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
This program is designed to prepare you as a leader in health care. The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies strives to translate your knowledge and skills into evidence-based, innovative medical practice. The school relies on Philadelphia’s rich culture of medical education and its long-established history of educating outstanding healthcare providers. Jefferson has collaborated to create curriculum to ensure that students are prepared to be successful clinicians. These are students who may be able to influence healthcare and impact public health.
Tip for Applying
The school only requires a 3.0 GPA. They do make it clear that a 3.3 GPA is more competitive. They do not require that applicants take or submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE or MCAT.
PA Programs at Rosalind Franklin University:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Direct patient care (no minimum hours, though the school recommends at least 200 hours)
13. University of New England
Minimum GPA Requirements: 3.0 (Overall and Science) meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The Master of Science Physician Assistant prepares you to work as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver care to patients through coursework and clinical experiences. It does this by pulling from faculty experience. The full-time program takes 24 months. It is built on a foundation in science and pathophysiology. It aims to foster understanding of disease processes and clinical medicine.
About the Application Process
Note that, for UNE and other schools, meeting the minimum requirement is just that. It does not mean the school is required to review your application. It does not mean acceptance. It does not mean an interview is provided.
PA Programs at UNE:
PA Program Admissions Requirements:
UNE does not require a GRE score. It does not require any other standardized test score as part of your application. Some of the other admissions requirements include:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- 500 hours of direct patient care
- PA shadowing for a minimum of 20 hours
- Three letters of recommendation
14. Brenau University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.75 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
PA Programs at Brenau:
PA Program Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor Degree
- GRE scores
- Completed all prerequisite courses
- Prior healthcare experience
- Three letters of recommendation
15. Christian Brothers University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The program focuses on evidence based primary care. The program also focuses on caring for the medically underserved.
PA Programs at Christian Brothers University:
- MS in Physician Assistant Studies
PA Program Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor Degree
- Official transcripts
- Completed all prerequisite courses
- Interview
- CASPer test results
16. Hardin-Simmons University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The program offers a number of benefits to those who participate:
- Provide education in rural settings
- Prepare students for National Certifying exam
- Provide opportunities for employment
PA Programs at Hardin-Simmons:
- MS in Physician Assistant Studies
PA Program Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Complete prerequisite courses
- Bachelor’s degree form an accredited school
- GRE
- CASPer test scores
17. Harding University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
This is the first Physician’s Assistant program in the state of Arkansas. The program may be finished in 28 months.
PA Programs at Harding:
- MS in Physician Assistant Studies
PA Program Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor Degree
- GRE scores
- Completed all prerequisite courses
- Prior healthcare experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Application
18. Keiser University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.75 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
The PA program at Keiser uses a lot of hands on experience to teach the students. The program occurs in classrooms, labs, and clinics.
PA Programs at Keiser:
- MS in Physician Assistant Studies
PA Program Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor Degree
- GRE scores
- Completed all prerequisite courses
- Prior healthcare experience
- Three letters of recommendation
- Shadowing
- Three letters of recommendation
- CASPA application
- Registration fee
18. Mercer University
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
Mercer University offers a Physician Assistant program that may be completed in two years. The program is fully accredited.
PA Programs at Mercer:
- MS in Physician Assistant Studies
PA Program Admission Requirements:
19. University of Dubuque
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 meets criteria of PA programs that accept low GPA
PA Programs at Dubuque:
PA Program Admission Requirements:

State | Employment | Annual Mean Wage |
---|---|---|
New York | 12,150 | $112,020 |
California | 11,110 | $115,720 |
Texas | 7,150 | $104,080 |
Pennsylvania | 6,080 | $94,420 |
Florida | 5,740 | $99,960 |
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