Frequently Asked Questions

 We accept a total of 75 students per year. 25 +/- 5 students are accepted from Marquette undergraduates with the other 50 +/- 5 students admitted from outside Marquette.

 A minimum total GPA of 3.0 as calculated by CASPA is required.

 Application to PA programs across the country is highly competitive. Undergraduate students continue their work towards their Biomedical Sciences degree and may re-apply.

 Absolutely. Some students become aware of the PA profession after declaring majors in other fields. These students must realize that if admitted to the PA program, they become biomedical sciences majors and must complete their undergraduate requirements before beginning PA studies.

 Applicants may submit healthcare experience hours earned during their junior year of high school and later. In addition, applicants should try to augment these experiences with more recent ones as well.

 Shadowing is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. It shows the admission committee that you have made effort to explore the profession.

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.

 For answers to other questions, go to the Physician Assistants and Physician Assistant Education website.