Academics >> PA Program >> Admissions Information

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Program Description The Physician Assistant program is a 28-month program that will award a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degree at completion. There will be a 13-month didactic phase, followed by a 15-month clinical and professional didactic phase. Mercer University is a participant in CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants).  To apply to the Mercer University Program please complete the CASPA application online. Applicants also need to complete a Supplemental Application. The deadline for the January 2009 Class is October 1, 2008.  www.caspaonline.org (Please note that CASPA is closed for administrative time for 2-4 weeks beginning March 21, 2008. During this time they do not accept new applications. If you initiate an application to the Mercer University PA Program and do not submit it by March 1, 2008 it will not be processed by CASPA. In this case you will have to begin a new application when CASPA re-opens.) Successful  applicants will be invited to campus for an interview in the spring of 2008 for final consideration for acceptance into the program.

Program Admission Requirements:

Admission to the Physician Assistant Program is limited to 32 students. Students are selected through a competitive process that includes an online application. Candidates must submit all requested materials in order to be considered. Pre-application advising may be obtained as follows:

1. For general information about the program and the application process read this website thoroughly.

2. If you are currently a Mercer student or live close to the University's Atlanta campus, attend an information session. For times and dates refer to this website (future dates will be added).

3. After familiarizing yourself with the general information, if you have questions specific to your own situation contact the PA Program Admissions staff paprogram@mercer.edu or 678.547.6232).

An application checklist and specific pre-PA course requirements are available online. In addition to completion of the required coursework in the Natural and Social Sciences, applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• Preferred cumulative undergraduate (and relevant Science related graduate degree) GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and undergraduate Natural Science GPA of 2.75 or better.

• Completion of a Bachelor’s of Science/ Arts degree from an accredited university unless currently enrolled in the Mercer University Pre-Physician Assistant Tract.

• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from the general test: verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections. Preference given to applicants whose combined scores are 1000 or above for the verbal and quantitative sections. In certain circumstances, special consideration will be given to highly qualified candidates with GRE score <1000. Scores from all three sections must be submitted for application consideration.

• International applicants must also meet additional requirements regarding foreign course evaluations and English proficiency (choose this link for more details).

• Submission of transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions.

• Submission of three letters of reference – one from a PA or physician, one from a university instructor, one additional non-relative.

• Clinical Experience demonstrating direct patient care (1,000 hours preferred). The following are some accepted categories for experience:

EMT / Paramedic	Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse	Medical Assistant
Physical Therapist	Occupational Therapist
Medical Corpsman	Respiratory Therapist
Pharmacist	Pharmacy Technician
Medical Technician	X-ray Technician
Phlebotomist	Surgical Technician
Peace Corp Volunteer	Nursing Assistant/Aide
Physical Therapy Assistant	Clinical Health Educator
Dietician	Emergency Room Technician
Psychologist	Patient Care Technician
Athletic Trainer