FAQs
How much does the program cost?
I have taken a specific course, but I am unsure if it meets a specific prerequisite. What should I do?
From whom should I get a recommendation?
Will you accept MCATs instead of the GRE?
Do I need to take a subject test for the GRE?
Can I finish my prerequisite courses in the semester prior to admission to the Spring/Summer semester at WSU?
Does my bachelor's degree have to be completed before I apply to your program?
Do you accept course work from other colleges or universities?
How do I get an application?
How many students do you accept?
What kind of health care experience are you looking for?
How should I prepare if I am invited to an interview?
What kind of student are you looking for? Is there a specific profile?
Is your program accredited?
How much does the program cost?
Graduate tuition is established yearly by the Wayne State University Board of Governors. The WSU PAS program is a 54 credit hour graduate program, of which 30 credits are in the first year and the remaining 24 credits in the second year. Wayne State University tuition information is available at: http://sdcl.wayne.edu/RegistrarWeb/Tuition/chart . WSU PAS program tuition is the least costly of all Michigan physician assistant programs. The WSU PAS program offers quality graduate education for a very reasonable price!
I have taken a specific course, but I am unsure if it meets a specific prerequisite. What should I do?
All WSU PAS admission information can be found at: www.cphs.wayne.edu/program/pa-ms.php . Please consult this site for all admission information.
From whom should I get a recommendation?
You must obtain a recommendation from a work supervisor who can comment on the direct hands on patient care that your provide. The other two recommendations should come from other individuals who know you well. You may get recommendations from a PA, M.D. or D.O., or other health professiobut they should be familiar with the role of the physician assistant.
Will you accept MCATs instead of the GRE?
No, all applicants need to complete the GRE.
Do I need to take a subject test for the GRE?
No, just the general test of the GRE. The GRE must be taken within the last five years from the deadline date of the application. If the application is due September 1, 2012, then GRE scores taken prior to 2007 are not considered. This applies even if the student holds a master's degree, doctorate or other advanced academic degree.
Can I finish my prerequisite courses in the semester prior to admission to the Spring/Summer semester at WSU?
No, all prerequisite courses must be completed by the September 1 application deadline. The WSU PAS program begins in May of each year. For example, if I you are aiming for admission into the program beginning May, 2013, then all of your prerequisite courses must be completed by September 1, 2012.
Does my bachelor's degree have to be completed before I apply to your program?
You may submit your CASPA application to the program without having completed the bachelor's degree, as long as you will complete the degree prior to the start of the physician assistant program. For example, if you are aiming for admission into the program beginning May, 2013, then you must receive your bachelor's degree by April 2013.
Do you accept course work from other colleges or universities?
Yes, we accept undergraduate coursework from all accreditated schools and universities for consideration of prerequisite and cumulative GPA. Coursework completed outside of the United States must be evaluated by Wayne State University approved transcript evaluation service. For complete information click on : http://www.cphs.wayne.edu/program/pa-ms.php
How do I get an application?
Applications are available May 1st each year through https://portal.caspaonline.org/. This is the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The WSU PAS only accepts applications submitted through CASPA. Additionally, students must apply to the WSU Graduate School: http://gradadmissions.wayne.edu/ by the September 1 deadline. Both applications must be completed and submitted by September 1 in order to be considered for admission to the program.
How many students do you accept?
We accept approximately 48 students into our program yearly.
What kind of health care experience are you looking for?
To be considered, the 500 hours of direct hands on patient care experience must fulfill the following criteria: the work experience must involve the applicant's use of medical terminology on a regular basis; the applicant must apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology in their direct hands on patient care experience in a health care setting; and the experience must involve familiarity of medical documentation and patient education.
It is preferable that students have direct patient care experience in settings such as hospitals or clinics. Some examples of experience include, but are not limited to : EMT or paramedic, health educator, RN, patient care attendant or nurse's aide, clinic assistant, physical therapy or occupational therapy aide, exercise physiologist, international health care volunteer or other cross-cultural health care experience, medical technologist, therapist, clinical research assistant, etc.
Some examples of experience not acceptable are: PA or physician observer or shadow (in lieu of other direct hands- on health care experience), non-clinical research assistant positions, student clinical experience (student nurse, student EMT, student athletic trainer, or other health care student), student "intern" experiences, candy striper or junior volunteer positions, CPR or ACLS instructor, wilderness medicine instructor, patient transporter, pharmaceutical representative, pharmacy technician, dental assistant, ,ski patroller, life guard, aerobics instructor, unit clerk, insurance clerk, patient sitter, medical secretary or other clerical positions.
It is not required of applicants to have this experience as part of a paid position; but it is strongly encouraged. Please note that the minimum hours are just that -a minimum. Most individuals selected for the program greatly exceed this minimum.
How should I prepare if I am invited to an interview?
Applicants should seek out as much information as possible concerning the role and laws governing the practice of the physician assistant, and be able to articulate it during the interview process. Gain this information by direct observation of clinically practicing physician assistants, and by reviewing the American Academy of Physician Assistant website: www.aapa.org, and the Michigan Academy of Physician Assistants website: www.michiganpa.org.
Applicants should be able to articulate their answers to these four questions:
- What made you decide to pursue a career in physician assistant studies?
- What preparation have you had to become a physician assistant?
- What made you choose Wayne State University's Physician Assistant Studies Program?
- Assuming you complete the Physician Assistant Studies program at Wayne State University, what professional goals do you hope to achieve?
What kind of student are you looking for? Is there a specific profile?
There is no specific profile. However, we aim for students whose goals are aligned with the mission of our program, having beliefs and actions consistent with professionalism in medicine, an academic record reflective of high achievement, hands on direct patient care experience high on quality and quantity, favorable recommendations, leadership and committment to community service, and the motivation to study intensively for long hours!