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 will be accepted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) beginning in April.

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.

Applicant Preferences

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, or are former/current military). Additionally, current Franklin College students or recent graduates (<5 years) who meet all admission standards and have a CASPA-calculated cumulative and BCP GPA of 3.4 or higher will be guaranteed an interview. University of Indianapolis students who meet admission standards, have a CASPA-calculated BC GPA of 3.4 or higher, and submit a CASPA application by September 1 will also be guaranteed an interview. Furthermore, Franklin College students are eligible to apply their junior year for early admission.

Step 3: On-campus interviews

Each completed and verified application is reviewed by the PA Program admission committee to evaluate a student’s qualifications for admission. 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 $1,000 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/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-medical-condition.html#table-conditions).
  • 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.
  • MSPAS Admissions FAQs

MSPAS Admissions

MSPAS Admissions FAQs

How many students are in each cohort?

Each January cohort will have 24 students.

What is your admission rate of applicants?

  • For the 2023 cohort, we had 362 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 6.6% for that year.
  • For the 2024 cohort, we had 339 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 7.1% for that year.
  • For the 2025 cohort, we had 582 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 4.1% for that year.
  • For the 2026 cohort, we had 340 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 7.06% for that year.
  • For the 2027 cohort, we had 467 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 5.14% for that year.
  • For the 2028 cohort, we had 434 applicants for 24 seats in the cohort, so 5.5% for that year.

What is the application cycle for the PA program at Franklin College?

Application through CASPA opens each year at the end of April and must be in “completed” status by the September 1st deadline. Successful candidates will matriculate in January of the following year. Admissions is on a rolling basis; therefore, applying early in the cycle is recommended.

How competitive is my application to the PA program?

A minimum cumulative and BC (biology, chemistry) GPAs of 3.0 is required for admission to the program. However, admission to the PA program is typically more competitive than the minimum. For information on the matriculation statistics of the current class, please see the Mission and Goals section here.

Can I apply with outstanding pre-requisite courses?

Yes. A student should still apply early in the cycle with in-progress pre-requisite course(s). All pre-requisite course work should be completed prior to September 1st in the year before the January program start. However, an applicant may complete a maximum of 1 pre-requisite course after September 1st. Official transcripts for any courses completed after submitting the application through CASPA must be sent directly to the PA program at Franklin College and demonstrate a “C” or better in the required course.

Do you accept course substitutions?

Yes, but only after the application is submitted through CASPA. After submitting the application, an applicant may submit a course substitution by requesting a form from the PA program.

What is the preferred undergraduate degree?

As long as the student takes the required pre-requisite courses, any undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited US institution is accepted. No preference is given to one degree over another. Any degree must be completed by December prior to matriculation in January.

What is a recommended minor degree to be competitive in the application process?

While no minor degree is recommended or preferred in the application process, the following recommended courses are beneficial to the student in preparing for the graduate coursework: Medical Terminology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Bioethics.

What is Franklin College’s GRE code?

The Franklin College PA program does not require the GRE so we do not directly accept or consider scores in our application process.

Does the PA program require patient care hours?

Yes, a minimum of 200 patient care hours is required. These hours are for the applicant to have experience in a healthcare setting making decisions. Hours are self-reported in CASPA. We do not have a list of preferred professions but instead assess the description of duties listed in CASPA. This requirement will be waived for those applying in 2022.

Do you accept applications with foreign degrees?

No, admission to the PA program requires a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited United States institution prior to matriculation. Additionally, all pre-requisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited United States institution.

 

MSPAS Tuition and Fees

 

All students must read and understand the information below. Any questions can be brought to the attention of the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program director.

  • Once admitted a non-refundable $1,000 deposit is due within one to two weeks (or less) of receiving notice of acceptance to ensure your place in the MSPAS program is reserved.
  • Tuition for the MSPAS program is billed by semester based on credit hours.
    • Total tuition for the January 2027 cohort is  $98,400.
    • Tuition may be adjusted annually but will remain constant for each cohort.
  • Estimated total program cost (including tuition and fees):  $101,250.
  • Estimated total program cost including other costs (additional estimated expenses without housing): $105,845.
  • Tuition and billing and due dates for the January 2027 cohort are as follows:
    • MSPAS Tuition First Year

      Term Credit Hours Tuition for Term Bill Date Due Date
      Deposit $1,000 Upon Acceptance
      Immersive (January) 8 $7,092* Dec. 15 Jan. 15
      Spring 18 $15,957 Dec. 15 Jan. 15
      Summer 17 $15,070 May 15 June 15
      Fall 23 $20,390 July 15 Aug. 15
      * Immersive term tuition will be reduced by deposit amount once paid.
    • MSPAS Second Year and Capstone

      Term Credit Hours Tuition for Term Bill Date Due Date
      Immersive (January) 4 $3,546 Dec. 15 Jan. 15
      Spring 13 $11,524 Dec. 15 Jan. 15
      Summer 9 $7,978 May 15 June 15
      Fall 13 $11,524 July 15 Aug. 15
      Winter (January) 6 $5,319 Dec. 15 Jan. 15

Additional Considerations

Fees

  • Graduate students are required to pay the annual Franklin College student activity fee of $200 billed each spring semester. This is a non-refundable fee.
  • Graduate students are required to pay the annual Franklin College student services fee of $850 (billed $425 each fall and spring semester). This is a non-refundable fee.
  • Graduate students are required to pay a one-time virtual patient platform fee of $750 billed in the first spring semester. This is a non-refundable fee.

Tuition Refund Policy

All tuition refunds are based on the date of official withdrawal or drop as recognized by the Provost and Dean of the College, the Dean of Students, and the records office.

In full semesters (Spring, Summer, Fall) tuition refund schedule will be as follows:

Prior to the first day of class 100%
During the first week of class 90%
During the second week of class 70%
During the third week of class 50%
After the third week of class 0%
NOTE: The $1,000 seat deposit and $750 virtual patient platform fee are not refundable.

In short semesters (Winter terms), tuition refund schedule will be as follows:

Prior to the first day of class 100%
During the first week of class 75%
During the second week of class 50%
During the third week of class 0%

 

 

Additional Estimated Expenses

  • Criminal Background Check/drug screen — $150
  • Textbooks and course resources — $1,000 to $1,500
  • Laptop computer — $1,500
  • Diagnostic medical equipment — $800 to $1,000
  • Memberships — $95 (IAPA $20, AAPA $75)
  • Required certifications (BLS, ACLS) — $250
  • Vehicle parking permit (2 years) — $50
  • Estimated housing and living expenses per year
    • Room and board (off-campus) — $8,500/year
    • Transportation — $1,000
Admissions and Policies

Upon completion of the MSPAS Program, students are responsible for the costs associated with the PA National Board Certifying Examination and the initial licensing fee in their chosen state for practice.

Admissions and Policies

MSPAS Admission Events

Representatives from the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies will periodically host Admission events. Please contact Amy Winters at 317.738.8853 for specific information. Our next event:

 

Send Amy Winters an email

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies