Physician Assistant Studies Early Assurance Pathway

• Complete at least three semesters of full-time academic study at Mount Union in a degree-granting Bachelor of Science program of study.

• Successfully complete the following prerequisite courses including laboratories: BIO 140 and 141, CHE 120, BIO 210 and 211, CHE 231. These courses must be completed with a grade of B or better on the first attempt. 
   
  If the student enters the University of Mount Union with College-Credit Plus (CCP) approved courses that satisfy any of the above prerequisite courses, then those prerequisite courses for that candidate would be the next higher-level courses. Students must work with their academic advisor for that determination (for example, if a student has CCP credit for CHE 120 Concepts in Chemistry then the recommendation for the next level course to meet the pre-requisite may be CHE 214 Inorganic Chemistry).
   
  Possess a minimum overall/cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 and a science GPA of 3.4 or higher for all post-secondary coursework. The student's science GPA will be calculated using the CASPA model of calculation (biology/zoology, chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and/or other science courses). Get more information on CASPA science GPA.
   
  Applicants may complete their final prerequisite course during the spring semester (fourth semester). If this is the case, then a full determination of PA Early Assurance acceptance will be made in May when the grade for the spring course is finalized. All six prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of the student’s fourth semester.

The University of Mount Union Physician Assistant Studies Program offers early assurance for up to 10 seats for currently enrolled undergraduate students at the University. Interested candidates must apply using the Mount Union PA Early Assurance Application. Applicants are invited to apply in the fall semester if they are in the process of completing or have already completed at least three semesters of full-time coursework at Mount Union. Applicants must complete the entire application and submit all required credentials by December 1.

Interviews will be granted by invitation only following the application review. In-person PA Early Assurance interviews will be conducted in the spring semester. 

Candidates must maintain enrollment at Mount Union throughout the PA Early Assurance application process.

Selection into the PA Early Assurance Pathway is done via an annual selective process. PA Early Assurance offers will be made in April following in-person interviews. Student acceptance responses are due in early May to ensure all 10 seats are claimed. Acceptance into the PA Early Assurance Pathway is an earned privilege for the opportunity to secure a seat in the PA program and not a right to matriculate into it.

Candidates who are not offered a PA Early Assurance reservation are eligible to apply through the standard application process. PA applications are due October 1 prior to the following May start of the program.

Students who have been accepted to the PA Early Assurance Reserve list will need to apply through the standard PA application via CASPA to officially obtain their seat in the program. Applications must be submitted by October 1 prior to the May start.

Students must complete the following: 

1. Successfully complete all prerequisite coursework for PA program admissions with a grade of C or better. Applicants may have 1-2 courses pending at the time of application to Mount Union's PA Program.
2. Complete all PA admissions criteria. (includes minimum GPA requirements, 40 hours of PA shadowing, letters of recommendation, etc.).
3. Maintain an annual meeting with a PA faculty member (mentor) with a positive performance review. Candidates will not need to complete the traditional PA application interview that follows the CASPA application as their PA Early Assurance In-person interview and subsequent PA mentor meetings replace this requirement. 
4. Apply to the Mount Union PA Program through CASPA by October 1. Students must follow all CASPA application procedures and deadlines. As with all candidates for this program, it is solely the student’s responsibility to meet these requirements and deadlines. Acceptance into the PA Early Assurance Pathway is an earned privilege for the opportunity to secure a seat in the PA program and not a right to matriculate into it.
5. Graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mount Union.

NOTE: Early Assurance students that do not meet their matriculation admission requirements in the October CASPA review will have a second review of their application credentials in December by the Mount Union PA Admissions Committee. All December review admission decisions are final for the current admission cycle and candidates that do not meet admission standards will be denied admission for that admission cycle. Denied candidates shall not be reviewed again for that cycle but may apply through the normal process for the next admission cycle.