Graduate Application Information

Applicants who will have a completed bachelor's degree at the start of the Physician Assistant Program which includes current seniors.

We value the richness of educational experience that is gained from a diversity of educational backgrounds and work-related experience within a given admitted class. The application process is competitive, and most accepted graduate applicants have a degree in the basic or biomedical sciences. Applicants holding advanced degrees are also welcome to apply.

Requirements include:

  1. Minimum cumulative total GPA of 3.0 as calculated by CASPA
  2. GRE scores optional (Designated Institution code 5872)
  3. Completion of the following prerequisite coursework:
    *Students can apply with ONE science prerequisite in progress or planned; however, all prerequisite coursework must be completed by December 31, prior to matriculation.

    • 2 semesters of biological sciences (6 semester credits)

      • Any two biological sciences courses, other than microbiology and physiology.
        Examples: biology, anatomy, genetics, neurology, zoology, etc. If both anatomy and physiology I & II are taken, the combination of both courses can be applied towards one of these course requirements as anatomy, and the physiology portion can be used to fulfill the physiology prerequisite below.

    • 1-2 semesters (4 semester credits total) of inorganic (General) chemistry with lab

      • AP credit is accepted, however, chemistry lab is still required.

    • 1 semester of microbiology (3 semester credits)

      • Lab recommended but not required.

    • 1 semester of physiology (3 semester credits)

      *If both Anatomy and Physiology I and II are taken, the combination of both courses will fulfill the physiology requirement.

    • 1 semester of biochemistry (3 semester credits)

      • Organic chemistry can NOT be used to fulfill this requirement. Upper-division biochemistry courses are preferred.
  4.  Additional prerequisite coursework that may be in progress at time of application*:
    • 1 semester of social science (3 semester credits)
      • Psych: intro, general, developmental, abnormal, or sociology recommended; AP credit accepted.
    • 1 semester of statistics (3 semester credits)
      • Biostatistics, statistics in social science, statistics; AP credit accepted; research methods NOT accepted.
    • 1 course in medical terminology (1 or more semester credit)
      • Must be taken for transcript credit; CEUs/CMEs are not accepted; can be taken online.

*It is highly recommended that the pre-requisite coursework is completed within the last 5 years and taken at a 4 year regionally accredited institution. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better. C- and CD and lower grades are not satisfactory grades. Online coursework is accepted, however, in-person coursework is preferred for science prerequisites. Online coursework and pass/fail grades will be reviewed and considered due to the impact of COVID-19. All pending prerequisite coursework must be completed by December 31, and an official transcript submitted prior to matriculation.

For outstanding summer courses, please upload your transcripts to CASPA when complete, and also send a hard copy to:

Marquette University
Physician Assistant Studies
507 N 17th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233

 

  1. Minimum of 200 hours of patient contact.
    • The hours can be either volunteer or paid direct patient care. The minimum 200 hours must be completed at the time your application is submitted with a contact number of a supervisor or volunteer office for verification. Hours may include (but are not limited to): nursing assistant, EMT, scribe, volunteer patient care within a nursing home or hospital, radiology tech, phlebotomist. Healthcare shadowing hours do not count towards this requirement.
  2. 3 letters of recommendation are required (submitted via CASPA). Although there are no requirements as to the format or content of the three reference letters we require, we do have some suggestions as to who these references might come from.
    • Someone who knows you academically. This would ideally be someone whose course you have taken and can comment on your preparation for the rigors of an intense professional academic program.
    • Someone who knows your work ethic. This would ideally be from someone in the healthcare field with whom you have worked with, or worked for, and can comment on your work ethic, passion for healthcare, etc.
    • Someone who knows you personally. This would ideally be from someone in the community who can comment on your character, your goals, etc.
  3. Acuity Insights Assessments.

    • All applicants applying to the PA Program at Marquette University are required to complete Acuity Insights Assessments for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

      Acuity Insights Assessments is a standardized, multi-part online assessment that measures different competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. The assessments will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Acuity Insights Assessments, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.

      Acuity Insights Assessments consists of:

      • Casper: a 90-110 minute online, open-response situational judgment test
      • PLEASE NOTE - SNAPSHOT IS NOW INCLUDED IN THE CASPER TEST
      • (Duet not required for applicants to our program.)

      You will register for Acuity Insights Assessments for the US Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10101).

      Access AcuityInsights.app to create an account and for more information on important dates and requirements.

  4. An interview will be offered to select applicants.
  5. An interview will be offered to endorsed candidates who meet the above criteria.

Requirements for International Students

  • A transcript evaluation is required for applicants who attended university outside the United States.  Below are acceptable foreign transcript evaluation services:

Graduates of an international college or university are required to successfully complete at least nine semester hours of social-behavioral science courses, such as psychology or sociology, and twelve semester hours of upper division science courses at a regionally accredited four-year U.S. college or university.  Online coursework is not acceptable.  International medical graduates must also acquire at least 200 patient care hours in the U.S. by the time of application. 

Applicants whose native language is something other than English will also be required to take the TOEFL Internet-based test.