MSPAS Admissions
Franklin College > Academics > Graduate Health Sciences at Franklin College > Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) > MSPAS Admissions

Admissions Process

Step 1: Review the admission requirements, technical standards, and policies and procedures

Students should ensure they are able to comply with the technical standards and policies and procedures under step 1 prior to applying in CASPA. Applicants will not be considered for an interview if they do not meet all of the requirements.

Step 2: Apply to the PA Program

Applications for the cohort of students to begin in January 2024 will be accepted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) beginning April 28, 2023.

Application deadline: September 1 with “Completed” status.

  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application and supporting documents are submitted directly to CASPA by the deadline. Application materials sent directly to the program will not be accepted.
  • Applications will not be considered if the application is not designated as “Complete” by CASPA prior to the deadline. Application, payments, transcripts, and at least two letters of reference must be received by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline date. To ensure items arrive on time, try to send all documents to CASPA several weeks before the deadline.
  • The PA program conducts rolling admissions and it is possible that all interview slots may be filled prior to the application deadline. For this reason, it is recommended that applicants submit early in the application cycle.

Step 3: On-campus interviews

Each completed and verified application is reviewed by the PA Program admission’s committee to evaluate a student’s qualifications for admission. Preference for interview invitation is given to students with: higher cumulative and BCP GPAs, higher Jr/senior/grad GPA, more direct patient care hours, a higher quality of patient care hours, higher shadowing hours (and higher number of different specialties shadowed), higher quality personal statements, stronger professional references, stronger mission match, Franklin College alumni, and presence of special status (from medically underserved areas in Indiana as designated by the Indiana State Department of Health, underrepresented in medicine as determined by the American Academy of Medical Colleges or are former/current military). Franklin College students or recent graduates (<5 years) who met all the standards for admission and have a BCP of 3.4 or higher will be granted automatic invitation to interview. Qualified applicants are invited to an on-campus interview which will assess knowledge of the PA profession and PA education, communication and interpersonal skills, self-reflection, and commitment to the mission of the PA program.

Step 4: Admission decisions

At the end of each interview session, applicants will be notified of admission decisions (accept, wait-list, denial) within 2 weeks of their on-campus interview. The PA program admits on a rolling basis. Preference for admission to the program is given to interviewed applicants that best demonstrate knowledge of the PA profession, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and a strong commitment to the mission of the PA program.

Step 5: Pay your deposit

Accepted students will have one week to accept or decline the offer. Upon acceptance of an offer, a $1000 non-refundable enrollment deposit must be made to hold the applicant’s spot in the class.  The total deposit will be applied to the first semester tuition once the student matriculates.

Step 6: Prior to matriculation

  • Obtain a physical exam and provide documented proof of program and college required immunizations. Program required immunizations are based on current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for health professionals (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/hcw.html).
  • Submit to a criminal background check through the agency selected by the PA program as required by clinical training sites and state licensing boards. Students will be subject to drug screens as required by clinical training sites.  Cost of both of these screenings are the responsibility of the student and paid directly to the agency providing the screening.
  • Provide documentation of current certification for American Heart Association (or equivalent) Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers.

Applicant Preferences (A3.13a)

The program gives preference to applicants with: higher cumulative and BCP GPAs, higher Junior/Senior/Grad GPA, more direct patient care hours, a higher quality of patient care hours, higher shadowing hours (and higher number of different specialties shadowed), higher quality personal statements, stronger professional references, stronger mission match, Franklin College alumni, and presence of special status (from medically underserved areas in Indiana as designated by the Indiana State Department of Health, underrepresented in medicine as determined by the American Academy of Medical Colleges or are former/current military). Additionally, Franklin College students or recent graduates (<5 years) who met all the standards for admission and have a BCP of 3.4 or higher will be granted automatic invitation to interview. Furthermore, Franklin College students are eligible to apply their junior year for early admission.