Pre-Physician Assistant Status — Prepare for Master's Level PAS Studies
College of Saint Mary’s unique, five-year pre-PA/Physician Assistant Studies track combines pre-PA coursework that will academically prepare you for graduate professional programs and master of science in physician assistant studies.
The majority of students with pre-PA status are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology because the pre-requisite courses for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program align with the Human Biology curriculum. However, additional programs and majors at College of Saint Mary are available to you with the pre-Physician Assistant status, depending on your past academic experiences. The admissions committee will work with you to determine what program of study is most beneficial to you and your future career goals.
Length of Program
Students accepted into the pre-PAS status are assigned a level (1 – 3) according to the extent to which they have completed prerequisite courses necessary to start the graduate Physician Assistant program. Levels 4 and 5 are the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Levels 1-3 are for students accepted into pre-PAS status. Qualified applicants’ transcripts will be reviewed and recommended for acceptance at the appropriate level to the PAS Admissions Committee. Due to the limited number of available seats (40) in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, seats may not be available at all levels. Students will be admitted to the program at the highest level for which they are qualified AND in which seats exist.
High School Graduates: You can become a physician assistant in five years instead of the traditional six to seven years it takes elsewhere with the comfort of knowing you will be admitted into our physician assistant program if you are accepted to our pre-physician assistant program and meet our progression requirements.
Transfer Students: You can transfer to College of Saint Mary and take missing prerequisites by joining us as a pre-physician assistant student during your second or third year of undergraduate study. You’ll have the security of knowing you will be admitted into College of Saint Mary’s master of science degree in physician assistant studies program if you are accepted as a pre-physician assistant student and meet the progression requirements.
Student Deferral Policy
Student athletes in good standing who wish to compete in sports for four years, can receive an automatic deferral to the next cohort and start the MSPAS program one year later (4+2 years). Students cannot participate in athletics while enrolled in the graduate level MSPAS program. Students in good standing who wish to extend their college education for personal reasons or other student activities can submit a request for a deferral to be considered.
Required Courses in Your Major
Level 1 Courses
BIO 110/111 General Cellular Biology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of biology. Course topics will focus on cellular principles, metabolism and genetics. The lab component will provide a hands-on investigation of topics discussed in the lecture.
BIO 330/331 Genetics Lecture/Lab
This course will provide an introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. The lab component will provide a study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises.
CHM 110/111 General Chemistry I/Lab
This course will provide a detailed, problem-oriented study of the fundamental principles that govern chemical processes and reactions. Topics include (but are not limited to): atomic structure, Periodic Table, chemical bonding, molecular structure and intermolecular attractions, nomenclature of inorganic compounds, stoichiometry, gases and properties of solutions. The lab component will provide basic lab skills and techniques, along with hands-on investigation of the topics discussed in the lecture.
CHM 112/113 General Chemistry II/Lab
This course will provide a continuation of the problem-oriented study of chemical principles, theory and phenomena begun in CHM 110. Topics include (but are not limited to): electrochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, spontaneity and entropy, orbital hybridization and molecular structure, solution chemistry, acids, bases and buffers. The lab component will provide a series of experiments designed to complement the material covered in lecture.
Level 2 Courses
BIO 310/311 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and endocrine system. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization.
BIO 312/313 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture/Lab
This course will cover the application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections and laboratory exercises to develop your understanding of the body systems covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I.
CHM 230/231 Organic Chemistry I/Lab
This course will introduce some of the basic concepts in organic chemistry – nomenclature, structures, properties, reactions of organic molecules and their relevance our day to day life. In addition students will analyze spectroscopic (FT-IR, NMR, UV-Vis and Mass-Spec) and other analytical data (Melting/Boiling points, Molecular Weight, Percent Elemental Composition) to determine the structure of unknown compound. The lab component will provide an introduction to the techniques of separation, isolation and purification of organic compounds. Use of various techniques for identification of organic compounds will be introduced. Techniques applied through the preparation of various organic compounds.
CHM 232/233 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
This course is the second semester of a comprehensive and somewhat rigorous survey of aliphatic and aromatic organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on reactions from both a synthetic as well as a mechanistic viewpoint. The topics include: Reactions of alkenes and alkynes, aromatic compounds, Alcohols and phenols, Ethers, Carboxylic acids and their derivatives. In addition, chemistry of important biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids will be discussed. The lab component will reflect a continuation of CHM 231.
PSY 220 Lifespan Development
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of a person from conception through old age and death.
Level 3 Courses
BIO 300 General Microbiology Lecture
In this course, you will study the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism and genetics of microbes.
BIO 301 General Microbiology Lab
The lab component of General Microbiology will provide an introduction to microbiological techniques, as well as a hands-on investigation of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics and basic biotechnology.
BIO 340/341 Biochemistry Lecture/Lab
This course will provide you with a discussion of the structure and function of proteins (and enzymes), nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Energetics of biochemical reactions and enzyme kinetics will also be discussed. The lab component of this course will be an application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry.
BIO 366 Pathophysiology
This course deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings.
MTH 242 Statistics
In this course, you’ll learn collection and tabulation of data, averages and measures of disbursement, correlation and regression analysis, probability and sampling and hypothesis testing.
PSY 410 Abnormal Psychology
This course assesses the origins, treatments, and effects of abnormal psychological disorders.
Medical Terminology
Either MDI 130 Medical Terminology (3 hours) at CSM, a different course from another institution, or a certificate course.
Progression Requirements and Evaluation
To progress from one Level of the Pre-PA program to the next Level, students must successfully meet the following criteria. Some criteria will be evaluated after each semester and some criteria will be evaluated after the academic year of each Level. The academic year will be defined as August 1st to July 31st.
Level 1 to Level 2
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 50 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
Level 2 to Level 3
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 100 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
Level 3 to Level 4 PAS first-year status
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 150 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
- Possess or have the capability to earn a bachelor’s degree by the start of the second semester of Level 4 of the MSPAS program
- Complete all MSPAS matriculation requirements within 6 months of entry into Level 4. This includes requirements for immunizations, tuberculosis screening, physical examination, criminal background check, urine drug screening, and health insurance requirements.
- Meet the minimum technical standards for the MSPAS program
- Present Portfolio to the Admissions Committee for final progression evaluation from Level 3 to Level 4
For more information, visit the CSM Academic Catalog.
*Pre-PA prerequisite GPA -Cumulative GPA of all pre-PA prerequisite courses including transfer credit.
Any student not meeting the posted requirements at any time during the evaluation will not be allowed to continue in the pre-PA program. The student's advisor will then meet with the student to determine the best plan of study to complete a degree. The student may apply to the PAS program through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) once admission requirements are completed or planned.
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the College of St. Mary - NE Physician Assistant Program sponsored by College of St. Mary - NE. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2031. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-college-of-st-mary.
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary's Pre-Physician Assistant Status
Admission for Pre-PA status will occur through a rolling admissions process. If minimum requirements are met, the PAS Admissions Committee will review the application and decide if an interview will be offered to you. Due to the competitive nature of the MSPAS program, meeting minimum requirements does not ensure an invitation for an interview or acceptance as a Pre-PA status student. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee will determine acceptance as a Pre-PAS status student. Applicants will be notified of the decision via letter.
Pre-Physician Assistant Status Admissions Requirements
First-time / Full-time Freshman (High School Seniors)
- High school cumulative GPA: 3.5 or above
- Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher
- Ready to begin General Chemistry (CHM 110)
- Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
- Résumé
- Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
- Names and contact information for three references
- Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.
- Submit Physician Assistant Studies application
Transfer or Current CSM Student Admission
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (12 or more credits) and minimum GPA of 3.25 in PAS prerequisite classes (see CSM Academic Catalog)
- Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher;
- Ready to begin or have completed General Chemistry (CHM 110);
- Names and contact information for three references
- Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
- Résumé
- Participation in extra-and-co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
- Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.
- Submit Physician Assistant Studies application
Application Process for Non-CSM Students and Transfers
- Apply online
- Submit required official transcripts
- high school and college transcripts if applicable
- Submit names, phones and email addresses of 3 references
- Submit any previous medical and clinical experiences and extra- and co-curricular activities (form attached to electronic application)
- Submit essay (attach to electronic application)
- Submit résumé
- Review of application by the Admissions Committee
- If selected, participate in an on-campus interview with the Admissions Committee. Video conferencing interviews will be considered under certain circumstances. The PA program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
- Acceptance decision by the Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
Admission Process and Decisions
Admission to the program is competitive with a limited number of seats in each cohort. Admission decisions are made by the Admissions and Progression Committee and will be made based on the following:
- Past academic performance (GPA and completed courses, particularly science and math courses)
- Documented academic aptitude (ACT/SAT or collegiate GPA if more than 12 credit hours of collegiate work has been completed)
- Extra- and co-curricular activities
- Medical and/or clinical experiences (shadowing, volunteering, etc.)
- Recommendations from qualified individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s character and performance
- Communication and interpersonal skills (via essay, interview and/or review of letters of reference)
Application Process for CSM Students
- Apply using the Internal Application for PA (PAS Internal Application for Accelerated Entry Pathway) located in Dynamic Forms on MyCSM under PA Forms.
- Submit names, phones and email addresses of 3 references
- Submit any previous medical and clinical experience and extra- and co-curricular activities
- Submit essay
- Submit résumé
- Review of application by the Admissions Committee
- If selected, participate in an interview the Admissions Committee. The PAS program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
- Acceptance decision by the Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
The Pre-PA Pathway Progression Requirements and Evaluation can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Academic Description
Pre-Physician Assistant Status — Prepare for Master's Level PAS Studies
College of Saint Mary’s unique, five-year pre-PA/Physician Assistant Studies track combines pre-PA coursework that will academically prepare you for graduate professional programs and master of science in physician assistant studies.
The majority of students with pre-PA status are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology because the pre-requisite courses for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program align with the Human Biology curriculum. However, additional programs and majors at College of Saint Mary are available to you with the pre-Physician Assistant status, depending on your past academic experiences. The admissions committee will work with you to determine what program of study is most beneficial to you and your future career goals.
Length of Program
Students accepted into the pre-PAS status are assigned a level (1 – 3) according to the extent to which they have completed prerequisite courses necessary to start the graduate Physician Assistant program. Levels 4 and 5 are the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Levels 1-3 are for students accepted into pre-PAS status. Qualified applicants’ transcripts will be reviewed and recommended for acceptance at the appropriate level to the PAS Admissions Committee. Due to the limited number of available seats (40) in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, seats may not be available at all levels. Students will be admitted to the program at the highest level for which they are qualified AND in which seats exist.
High School Graduates: You can become a physician assistant in five years instead of the traditional six to seven years it takes elsewhere with the comfort of knowing you will be admitted into our physician assistant program if you are accepted to our pre-physician assistant program and meet our progression requirements.
Transfer Students: You can transfer to College of Saint Mary and take missing prerequisites by joining us as a pre-physician assistant student during your second or third year of undergraduate study. You’ll have the security of knowing you will be admitted into College of Saint Mary’s master of science degree in physician assistant studies program if you are accepted as a pre-physician assistant student and meet the progression requirements.
Student Deferral Policy
Student athletes in good standing who wish to compete in sports for four years, can receive an automatic deferral to the next cohort and start the MSPAS program one year later (4+2 years). Students cannot participate in athletics while enrolled in the graduate level MSPAS program. Students in good standing who wish to extend their college education for personal reasons or other student activities can submit a request for a deferral to be considered.
Accreditation
Accreditation Status
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the College of St. Mary - NE Physician Assistant Program sponsored by College of St. Mary - NE. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2031. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-college-of-st-mary.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements for Admission to College of Saint Mary's Pre-Physician Assistant Status
Admission for Pre-PA status will occur through a rolling admissions process. If minimum requirements are met, the PAS Admissions Committee will review the application and decide if an interview will be offered to you. Due to the competitive nature of the MSPAS program, meeting minimum requirements does not ensure an invitation for an interview or acceptance as a Pre-PA status student. Following the interview, the Admissions Committee will determine acceptance as a Pre-PAS status student. Applicants will be notified of the decision via letter.
Pre-Physician Assistant Status Admissions Requirements
First-time / Full-time Freshman (High School Seniors)
- High school cumulative GPA: 3.5 or above
- Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher
- Ready to begin General Chemistry (CHM 110)
- Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
- Résumé
- Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
- Names and contact information for three references
- Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.
- Submit Physician Assistant Studies application
Transfer or Current CSM Student Admission
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (12 or more credits) and minimum GPA of 3.25 in PAS prerequisite classes (see CSM Academic Catalog)
- Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher;
- Ready to begin or have completed General Chemistry (CHM 110);
- Names and contact information for three references
- Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
- Résumé
- Participation in extra-and-co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
- Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.
- Submit Physician Assistant Studies application
Application Process for Non-CSM Students and Transfers
- Apply online
- Submit required official transcripts
- high school and college transcripts if applicable
- Submit names, phones and email addresses of 3 references
- Submit any previous medical and clinical experiences and extra- and co-curricular activities (form attached to electronic application)
- Submit essay (attach to electronic application)
- Submit résumé
- Review of application by the Admissions Committee
- If selected, participate in an on-campus interview with the Admissions Committee. Video conferencing interviews will be considered under certain circumstances. The PA program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
- Acceptance decision by the Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
Admission Process and Decisions
Admission to the program is competitive with a limited number of seats in each cohort. Admission decisions are made by the Admissions and Progression Committee and will be made based on the following:
- Past academic performance (GPA and completed courses, particularly science and math courses)
- Documented academic aptitude (ACT/SAT or collegiate GPA if more than 12 credit hours of collegiate work has been completed)
- Extra- and co-curricular activities
- Medical and/or clinical experiences (shadowing, volunteering, etc.)
- Recommendations from qualified individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s character and performance
- Communication and interpersonal skills (via essay, interview and/or review of letters of reference)
Application Process for CSM Students
- Apply using the Internal Application for PA (PAS Internal Application for Accelerated Entry Pathway) located in Dynamic Forms on MyCSM under PA Forms.
- Submit names, phones and email addresses of 3 references
- Submit any previous medical and clinical experience and extra- and co-curricular activities
- Submit essay
- Submit résumé
- Review of application by the Admissions Committee
- If selected, participate in an interview the Admissions Committee. The PAS program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
- Acceptance decision by the Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.
The Pre-PA Pathway Progression Requirements and Evaluation can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Curriculum
Required Courses in Your Major
Level 1 Courses
BIO 110/111 General Cellular Biology Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will study the basic principles of biology. Course topics will focus on cellular principles, metabolism and genetics. The lab component will provide a hands-on investigation of topics discussed in the lecture.
BIO 330/331 Genetics Lecture/Lab
This course will provide an introduction to the basis of inheritance from molecular to organismal level with emphasis on the role of genetics in evolution and adaptation to the environment, as well as considerable human application. The lab component will provide a study of basic genetic principles with the aid of a variety of organisms and online lab exercises.
CHM 110/111 General Chemistry I/Lab
This course will provide a detailed, problem-oriented study of the fundamental principles that govern chemical processes and reactions. Topics include (but are not limited to): atomic structure, Periodic Table, chemical bonding, molecular structure and intermolecular attractions, nomenclature of inorganic compounds, stoichiometry, gases and properties of solutions. The lab component will provide basic lab skills and techniques, along with hands-on investigation of the topics discussed in the lecture.
CHM 112/113 General Chemistry II/Lab
This course will provide a continuation of the problem-oriented study of chemical principles, theory and phenomena begun in CHM 110. Topics include (but are not limited to): electrochemistry, kinetics and equilibrium, spontaneity and entropy, orbital hybridization and molecular structure, solution chemistry, acids, bases and buffers. The lab component will provide a series of experiments designed to complement the material covered in lecture.
Level 2 Courses
BIO 310/311 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture/Lab
In this course, you will cover the chemical organization, cellular organization and tissue organization of the body. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and endocrine system. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the physiology of osseous tissue, muscle contraction and nerve function and conduction, as well as familiarity with the anatomy of neural pathways and CNS regional specialization.
BIO 312/313 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture/Lab
This course will cover the application of advanced anatomical and physiological concepts in a laboratory setting. Microscopic analysis of select tissues will be coupled with cadaver inspection, models, dissections and laboratory exercises to develop your understanding of the body systems covered in Advanced Anatomy and Physiology I.
CHM 230/231 Organic Chemistry I/Lab
This course will introduce some of the basic concepts in organic chemistry – nomenclature, structures, properties, reactions of organic molecules and their relevance our day to day life. In addition students will analyze spectroscopic (FT-IR, NMR, UV-Vis and Mass-Spec) and other analytical data (Melting/Boiling points, Molecular Weight, Percent Elemental Composition) to determine the structure of unknown compound. The lab component will provide an introduction to the techniques of separation, isolation and purification of organic compounds. Use of various techniques for identification of organic compounds will be introduced. Techniques applied through the preparation of various organic compounds.
CHM 232/233 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
This course is the second semester of a comprehensive and somewhat rigorous survey of aliphatic and aromatic organic chemistry, with particular emphasis on reactions from both a synthetic as well as a mechanistic viewpoint. The topics include: Reactions of alkenes and alkynes, aromatic compounds, Alcohols and phenols, Ethers, Carboxylic acids and their derivatives. In addition, chemistry of important biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids will be discussed. The lab component will reflect a continuation of CHM 231.
PSY 220 Lifespan Development
This course examines the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of a person from conception through old age and death.
Level 3 Courses
BIO 300 General Microbiology Lecture
In this course, you will study the basic principles of microbiology. Topics covered will include the history of microbiology including classic experiments, microbial structure and function, nutrition, growth, control, metabolism and genetics of microbes.
BIO 301 General Microbiology Lab
The lab component of General Microbiology will provide an introduction to microbiological techniques, as well as a hands-on investigation of bacterial anatomy and physiology, growth conditions, genetics and basic biotechnology.
BIO 340/341 Biochemistry Lecture/Lab
This course will provide you with a discussion of the structure and function of proteins (and enzymes), nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Energetics of biochemical reactions and enzyme kinetics will also be discussed. The lab component of this course will be an application of basic methods and techniques in biochemistry.
BIO 366 Pathophysiology
This course deals with the disruption of normal physiology with the alterations, derangements and mechanisms involved in disruption and how they manifest themselves as signs, symptoms, physical and laboratory findings.
MTH 242 Statistics
In this course, you’ll learn collection and tabulation of data, averages and measures of disbursement, correlation and regression analysis, probability and sampling and hypothesis testing.
PSY 410 Abnormal Psychology
This course assesses the origins, treatments, and effects of abnormal psychological disorders.
Medical Terminology
Either MDI 130 Medical Terminology (3 hours) at CSM, a different course from another institution, or a certificate course.
Degree Requirements
Progression Requirements and Evaluation
To progress from one Level of the Pre-PA program to the next Level, students must successfully meet the following criteria. Some criteria will be evaluated after each semester and some criteria will be evaluated after the academic year of each Level. The academic year will be defined as August 1st to July 31st.
Level 1 to Level 2
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 50 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
Level 2 to Level 3
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 100 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
Level 3 to Level 4 PAS first-year status
- Minimum cumulative Pre-PA prerequisite GPA* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale each semester
- B or higher in all Pre-PA prerequisite coursework each semester
- Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (includes all college credit coursework) each semester
- Maintain full-time status (12 credits) in fall and spring semesters
- Complete 150 total hours of clinical experience by June 30th
- Meet PAS-AEP Professionalism and Personal Behavior Progression
- Possess or have the capability to earn a bachelor’s degree by the start of the second semester of Level 4 of the MSPAS program
- Complete all MSPAS matriculation requirements within 6 months of entry into Level 4. This includes requirements for immunizations, tuberculosis screening, physical examination, criminal background check, urine drug screening, and health insurance requirements.
- Meet the minimum technical standards for the MSPAS program
- Present Portfolio to the Admissions Committee for final progression evaluation from Level 3 to Level 4
For more information, visit the CSM Academic Catalog.
*Pre-PA prerequisite GPA -Cumulative GPA of all pre-PA prerequisite courses including transfer credit.
Any student not meeting the posted requirements at any time during the evaluation will not be allowed to continue in the pre-PA program. The student's advisor will then meet with the student to determine the best plan of study to complete a degree. The student may apply to the PAS program through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) once admission requirements are completed or planned.
