Admission Requirements

*Please note, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the MU PA Program has made admission requirement modifications for prospective student applicants in the CASPA 2023-2024 admission cycle (modifications are demonstrated with *).

The Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program will adhere to a rolling-admission process. You do not need to complete a GRE, GMAT, or MCAT examination to qualify for entry. The Misericordia University Physician Assistant CASPA admission cycle will run from April 27, 2023 to March 1, 2024.  Please apply through The Central Application Services for Physician Assistants (CASPA) link, which is provided on the previous page.

Requirement 1:

Completion of a baccalaureate degree or graduate degree (from a regionally accredited college or university) prior to matriculation.

• Foreign Educational Experience
  Applicants who intend to use foreign educational experiences and degrees (those obtained outside of the United States), must have their higher education record, including all course work and completed degree(s), evaluated by an organization accredited and licensed to do so.
• English Language Proficiency

  If applicable must be completed with submission of application.
  If English is not your native language, or if English is not the primary language spoken in your home, you must submit with your application the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The following are the minimum score requirements: Internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT): The Internet-based TOEFL has four subsections, with a grading scale for each section from 1 to 30 (30 being the highest score). Misericordia University will look closely at the score for each section rather than the total score. The minimum scores for each section are as follows: Writing: 20; Speaking: 20; Reading: 20; Listening: 20.
  Students should indicate on the registration form that they wish the test results to be sent directly to Misericordia University. The TOEFL code for Misericordia University is 2087. The department code is 44. (https://www.ets.org/toefl)

Requirement 2:

Academic Requirements (minimums):

Overall GPA = 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
Science GPA = 3.2 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
Prerequisite Courses 
Prerequisite courses must have received any grade of “B” or higher. All prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last 10 years from entry into the program. Applicants may apply with no more than two prerequisite courses in progress or planned. Official transcripts are required to be submitted once courses are completed.
*Pass/Fail grading scale:  To accommodate students enrolled in prerequisite courses whose universities have moved to a P/F grading scale during the COVID-19 Pandemic, courses that are awarded satisfactory completion (P) will be accepted for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.  In situations where candidates are awarded P/F grades, the grade point average (GPA) for those grades is not impacted in the calculation of GPA. The MUPA Program will only consider CASPA calculated GPAs.
*Online Lab:  To accommodate students enrolled in prerequisite courses with a lab whose universities have transitioned to an online format during the COVID-19 Pandemic, labs that are completed online will be accepted for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.  If the lab component was removed, we will still accept that prerequisite course if completed with a grade of “B” or higher or with a satisfactory completion (P).  In situations where candidates are awarded P/F grades, the grade point average (GPA) for those grades is not impacted in the calculation of GPA. The MUPA Program will only consider CASPA calculated GPAs.

Required Prerequisite Courses are as follows:

1.	A&P I (w/ lab – 4 credits)
2.	A&P II (w/ lab – 4 credits)
3.	Microbiology (w/ lab – 4 credits)
4.	Biochemistry (3 credits)
5.	Genetics (3 credits)
6.	Statistics (3 credits)
7.	Medical Terminology (1 credit)

PA PROGRAM POLICY: ADVANCED PLACEMENT
ARC PA STANDARD A3.13: The program must define, publish, consistently apply and make readily available to prospective students, policies and procedures to include: c) practices for awarding or granting advanced placement
The Misericordia University PA Program does not grant advanced placement to anyone. Advanced standing or special consideration for previous coursework or degrees are not provided. All applicants will be evaluated and assessed through the same application and interview processes.

Requirement 3:

Completion of a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience.
Direct patient care hours are required to be completed and reported in the CASPA application. Hours working in direct contact (hands-on) with patients are considered Direct Patient Care Experience. See the Admission Process page for a list of acceptable direct patient care experiences.
*Direct Patient Care Experience: During the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, the minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care required at the time of application submission will be reduced to 250 hours to accommodate for situations in which an applicant may not have been able to complete these hours due to clinic closures or removal of students from those settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Requirement 4:

A personal statement in which the applicant clearly and concisely describes his or her motivation for wanting to become a PA, their understanding of the PA role, and why they have chosen to apply to the MU PA Program.

Requirement 5:

Two to three letters of recommendation are required. Medical Professional (PAs, MDs, DOs, and NPs) recommendations will be scored at a higher value. Other recommendations will be considered.

*Please note, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the MU PA Program has made admission requirement modifications for prospective student applicants in the CASPA 2023-2024 admission cycle (modifications are demonstrated with *).

APPLICATION: All applications for entry into the MU PA Program must be completed through CASPA. Those candidates who meet the minimum Admission Requirements (see Admission Requirements information above) will be reviewed for interview consideration. Each application that is evaluated will be reviewed in an equitable and unbiased manner.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: Official transcripts and all admission materials must be submitted through CASPA. Applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree (or graduate degree) within the United States must present an official transcript which demonstrates a specific and distinct grade for each course and an overall GPA. *CASPA has adopted a COVID-19 transcript process for situations where students are unable to obtain official transcripts due to COVID-19 school closures.  CASPA's decision of accepting transcripts will be accepted by Misericordia University.

REQUIRED PREREQUISITE COURSES: All courses, including medical terminology, must have an associated grade. Pass/Fail grading will not be accepted. Any “C” grades or lower are not acceptable and will result in an applicant being disqualified for that application cycle. Applicants may repeat prerequisite course once for grade improvement. However, all grades for science courses, whether a course is repeated or taken once, will be included in the calculation for the undergraduate science GPA. Greater points are awarded to higher grades in the prerequisite courses. 
*Pass/Fail grading scale:  To accommodate students enrolled in prerequisite courses whose universities have moved to a P/F grading scale during the COVID-19 Pandemic, courses that are awarded satisfactory completion (P) will be accepted for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.  In situations where candidates are awarded P/F grades, the grade point average (GPA) for those grades is not impacted in the calculation of GPA. The MUPA Program will only consider CASPA calculated GPAs.

SCORING OF INITIAL APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Cumulative GPA (Increased points are awarded based on GPA)
Science GPA (Increased points are awarded based on GPA)
Prerequisite Courses (Increased points are awarded for higher grade): A&P I (w/lab – 4 credits); A&P II (w/lab – 4 credits); Microbiology (w/lab – 4 credits); Biochemistry (3 credits); Genetics (3 credits); Statistics (3 credits); Medical Terminology (1 credit)
Misericordia University Advantage: Applicants who have completed a bachelor or master’s degree through Misericordia University will receive higher scoring of their initial application materials.
Military Advantage: Applicants who are on active duty reserve status or who are a United States Military Veteran will receive higher scoring of their initial application materials.
Direct Patient Care Experience (increased hours earn more points)
Acceptable experiences include but are not limited to:

Pharmacist; Chiropractor; Corpsman/ Medic /Independent Duty Corpsman; Forensic Pathologist; International Medical Graduate with US Healthcare System Experience; Registered Nurse; Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner; Osteopathic Physician; Medical Doctor; Paramedic AAS; Physical Therapist; Podiatrist; Anesthesia Tech; Cardiovascular Tech; Athletic Trainer; Emergency Room Tech; Surgical Tech; Massage Therapist; Occupational Therapist; Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant; Physical Therapist; Physical Therapy Assistant; Speech-Language Pathologist; Emergency Medicine Tech; Licensed Practical Nurse; Medical Assistant; Phlebotomist; Certified Nursing Assistant; Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy Tech; Pharmacy Tech; Personal Trainer; Medical Scribe.

Letters of Recommendation
Letters of Recommendation are scored by the following types: highest score goes to PAs, MDs, DOs, NPs, middle score goes to Professor(s), other Health Care Professionals, Supervisors who don’t meet above categories, and lowest score goes to Personal References, Friends, etc.,  The two best letters are used for scoring.

POST INTERVIEW REVIEW FOR ACCEPTANCE: Applicants who are invited to and participate in the on-campus interview are considered for program admission and will be evaluated and scored on the following criteria:

Understanding of the Misericordia University PA Program
Self-Awareness of the Role of Physician Assistants in the Healthcare Setting
Patient Care Experience
Commitment and Preparation to the PA Profession
Experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Good Communication Skills
Maturity, Professionalism, and Integrity

INTERVIEW DAY
The prospective student interview includes:

• Welcome and overview of the MUPA Program with Q&A time.
• Individual interview with PA faculty and CHSE faculty (please refer to the post interview review for acceptance above)
• Facilities tour

What to expect following the interview:

• Top ranked applicants will be notified of acceptance into the program shortly after interview day.
• Alternative applicants may be waitlisted and notified shortly after interview day.
• Remaining applicants will receive a letter of decline.
• Vacant seats may become available. An attempt will be made to fill vacant spots with waitlisted applicants.
• Accepted applicants must meet all admission criteria by June 1, 2024 in order to matriculate in July, 2024.

DEPOSIT: Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance and will be given two weeks to reply and pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit. This deposit will hold the applicant’s place in the class. The total deposit fee will be applied to the cost of tuition once the student matriculates.

PA PROGRAM POLICY: EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PROGRAM
ARC PA STANDARD A3.15: The program must define, publish, consistently apply and make readily available to students upon admission: e) policy for student employment while enrolled in the program
Misericordia University does not prohibit admission into or progression through the Physician Assistant Program if a Physician Assistant student determines that he or she must work while in the program. However, students are strongly discouraged from working during their time in the program. If a student chooses to work during the academic year, the work schedule must not interfere with class performance, course schedules, or clinical rotation schedules.

PA PROGRAM POLICY:  STUDENTS NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE OR SOLICIT CLINICAL SITES OR PRECEPTORS
ARC-PA Standard A3.03 The program must define, publish, make readily available and consistently apply a policy for prospective and enrolled students that they must not be required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.
Although students may participate in the selection of a clinical site for an elective rotation, or may request to establish a particular clinical rotation, no student will be required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The director of clinical education will be responsible to coordinate all clinical experience activities, including evaluation of any clinical experience locations and preceptors that students help to establish.

ANNUAL HEALTH SCREENING AND IMMUNIZATION
Credentialing requirements for matriculating into the program, participating in supervised clinical practice experiences, and progressing through the program are listed below. Students are financially responsible for the required credentialing, which may need to be repeated annually or more frequently as required by clinical sites.

Students are required to provide a completed Technical Standard Form, current immunization or serologic immunity verification in accordance with CDC guidelines for Vaccines for Healthcare Workers, completed MUPA Program Health History and Physical Exam Form(annually), and have proof of current/active health insurance throughout the program. Health insurance is required to be kept current at all times throughout the program.

Incoming students will create an account with CERTIPHI/MyRecordTracker, the web-based tool used to store, monitor, and maintain confidential Physician Assistant student immunization and health records.   Completed health forms are not to be submit to PA Program faculty or staff.  Students must first give written permission for their immunization record and tuberculosis screening results to be shared with the program by signing the Student Authorization and Release Form. Program personnel will not conduct health screening, immunizations, and/or healthcare services.

Criminal background checks, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and drug screening are required. Adverse results at any time can prevent a student from matriculating into the program, progressing in the program, placed at clinical sites or recommended for graduation. Included in Immunization Requirements are MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, TDAP, Current CDC Covid-19 recommendations (COVID-19 Vaccine and Covid-19 Booster) current season Influenza, Hepatitis B: Step1, Step2, Step3, and TB: Step1, Step2. See reference links below.

Credentialing Requirement Reference Links

• The Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program requires that all students maintain immunizations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for Vaccines for Healthcare Workers:  http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.pdf
• CDC guidelines for Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:439–443. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6819a3external icon
• COVID-19 vaccine: current CDC recommendations www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/acip-recs/vacc-specific/covid-19.html

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION DAY
Prior to first day of classes student will attend a New Student Orientation Day. Laptops with wireless compatibility, Camera, Microphone, MS Windows 10 (at minimum), and the most up to date versions of Google Chrome, Fire Fox, and Internet Explorer are required.  Please bring your laptop to New Student Orientation Day.

New Student Orientation day will include:

• A meet and greet with the PA Program Faculty and Staff.
• All PA Program Policies review.
• PA Program tuition and fees including MU refund policies, curriculum, calendar, and schedules review.
• Lunch will be served.
• Representatives from Campus Safety, Student Help Desk, Blackboard, Library, Student Services, Student Financial Aid, and Health and Wellness Center will present orientation information.
• Medical equipment purchase guidance.

Technical Standards for Admission and Successful Academic Progression

“Misericordia University is committed to creating an environment where all are welcome and does not discriminate in the recruitment, admission, educational process, or treatment of students. In the spirit of hospitality and justice, we comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended. In order to receive services, students must self-identify their disability and provide documentation from a healthcare professional. Eligibility for accommodations such academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aides is determined through an individualized, interactive process in the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).”

The OSD is located in the SSC, on the lower level of Alumnae Hall. Individuals seeking accommodations may call 570-674-6408 or email Kristen Ricardo, Assistant Director SSC/Office for Students with Disabilities at kricardo@misericordia.edu.

The following are required of all individuals who seek entry into and for successful progression through the Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program. As such, candidates and students must meet the following Technical Standards:

Each Physician Assistant student must possess the following capabilities, with or without accommodations:

General Abilities
Adequate functioning of the senses of vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Each candidate’s and student’s senses must be keen enough to allow for gathering, integrating and analyzing data obtained during physical examinations, and in a consistent and reproducible manner. Additionally, candidates and students must possess the ability to detect temperature differences, pain, pressure, vibration and movement. The ability to gather and analyze such information must be accurate when compared to accepted physical examination standards, and physical findings confirmed by experienced clinicians. Finally, sufficient emotional health and stability is required for exercising good judgment and promptly completing all academic and patient care responsibilities.

Perform Motor Tasks
Students must possess sufficient fine and gross motor control to effectively conduct inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation activities, all of which are required to complete a physical examination. Additionally, all students must possess stable equilibrium, postural control, good motor function, and sound eye – hand coordination, as is necessary to for satisfactory performance in patient care and classroom or laboratory settings, including handling surgical instruments and providing routine and emergent medical procedures. Students must also possess sufficient mental and physical stamina to meet the demands associated with extended periods of sitting, standing, moving, lifting, and physical exertion required for satisfactory performance in patient care, clinical education, and classroom or laboratory settings.

Communicate
Communicate effectively and sensitively with persons of any cultural and social background using appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills with faculty, peers, other members of the health care team, and patients/clients/caregivers. Read, write, and interpret written and nonverbal communication in a timely manner at a competency level that allows one to safely function in the academic or clinical setting. Answer calls, make calls, and communicate needs on a telephone.

Maintain Safety
Maintain a safe environment for students, faculty, patients, and colleagues. Recognize and respond appropriately and in a timely manner to a medical emergency.

Observation
Students must be able to accurately observe, through vision, hearing, and smell, a patient’s physical and emotional condition, as a means to differentiate between states of good health, acute illness or injury, and chronic illness.

Cognitively Process
Receive, remember, analyze, interpret, evaluate, and synthesize information from multiple sources, in a timely fashion. Attend to multiple tasks throughout the day of scheduled classes and clinical education experiences. Organize and prioritize information to make safe, appropriate, and timely decisions regarding patients for the purpose of further examination, intervention, or referral. Problem solve, recognize deviations from a norm, formulate evaluations, and derive clinical judgments from information collected, in a timely fashion. Observe and accurately interpret patient responses and adjust examination and/or intervention as indicated by the patient response.

Demonstrate Professional and Social Behavior
Students must demonstrate the emotional health and stability that is required to persevere in spite of longs hours of classroom instruction, challenging laboratory settings, unsettling patient care experiences, differences of opinion with peers and instructors, and personal sacrifice. They must demonstrate the flexibility and personal resolve that is necessary to endure long hours of physical and intellectual stress, without demonstration of adverse behavior. Work with multiple patients/families and colleagues at the same time. Work with lab partners, patients, families, and others under stressful conditions, including but not limited to medically or emotionally unstable individuals, situations requiring rapid adaptations, the provision of CPR, or other emergency interventions. Organize and prioritize multiple tasks, integrate information, and make decisions. Adhere to the “Guidelines for Ethical Conduct for the Physician Assistant Profession”, established by the American Academy of Physician Assistants, which may be found by clicking here.

Does Misericordia University have an undergraduate academic program that will include the pre-requisites needed to meet Graduate PA Program admission requirements?

The Misericordia University College of Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a Medical Specialization as one option for students who intend to seek entry into graduate programs in the health professions. In particular, this degree should prepare students for entry into many Physician Assistant programs, including the Misericordia University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies graduate program. Upon completion of this degree, graduates will be adequately prepared to achieve their maximum potential as able, caring, compassionate, and competent pre-professionals.

https://www.misericordia.edu/health-science-medical-science-specialization

How do I submit my application?

All applications must be submitted through CASPA. CASPA application help center for any question concerning your PA School application: https://help.liaisonedu.com/CASPA_Applicant_Help_Center

CASPA Applicant Help Center:

• Starting Your CASPA Application
• Filling Out Your CASPA Application
• Sending Your Official Transcripts and Test Scores to CASPA
• Submitting and Monitoring Your CASPA Application

Please designate CASPA as a trusted source through your email provider, to ensure you receive email notifications from the program. The CASPA verification process begins once your transcripts, letters of reference, personal statement, and other supporting documents are received by CASPA. The verification process can take up to four weeks. The Program will begin reviewing prospective students when their application is verified by CASPA. Entry into the program will be based on the successful completion of prerequisites, the interview process and space availability.

I have completed organic chemistry I and II. Am I still required to complete a biochemistry prerequisite?

Yes, we do not accept substitutions for any of our prerequisites. You must complete each prerequisite that is listed in our admission requirements.

Am I required to complete a lab with the Microbiology prerequisite?

Yes, you must take a lab with the Microbiology prerequisite course.

Is a “B-” an acceptable grade for a prerequisite course?

Yes. Any grade of “B” includes a “B-”.

Will online courses be accepted for the prerequisite courses?

Lab courses cannot be taken online. However, all lecture courses may be taken online.

Do I need to complete and submit a direct patient care experience form?

You do not need to complete a Direct patient care form. These hours are required to be completed and reported in the CASPA application. Hours working in direct contact with patients are considered Direct Patient Care Experience. See the Admission Requirement and Process pages for details concerning direct patient care.

What about Shadowing experiences?  

Shadowing experiences are a great way to learn about health care with PAs, MDs, DOs, NPs and request letters of recommendation. Two to three letters of recommendation are required. Medical Professional (PAs, MDs, DOs, and NPs) recommendations will be scored at a higher value. Other recommendations will be considered.

Do I need to take the GRE?

No, pre-graduate program entrance examinations are not required for admission into the Misericordia University PA program. You do not need to complete a GRE, GMAT, or MCAT examination to qualify for entry.

Why are Communications skills important to be a successful Physician Assistant Student?

A PA-S must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively and sensitively, with all members of a multidisciplinary health care team, patients, and those supporting patients, in person and in writing. Students must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and nonverbal communications.

What are some other skills important to be a successful Physician Assistant Student?

Important skills include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function-effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of the uncertainties. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, collegiality, interest and motivation is also needed. Students with experiences and knowledge with diversity, equity and inclusion contribute to a rich learning environment where students learn from each other’s shared experiences, skills, and cultural backgrounds.

English is not my native language. Do I need to complete the TOEFL exam prior to submitting my CASPA application?

Yes. The TOFEL exam must be completed with submission of application. Students should indicate on the registration form that they wish the test results to be sent directly to Misericordia University. The TOEFL code for Misericordia University is 2087. The department code is 44. https://www.ets.org/toefl

If I completed the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree (or higher level degree) outside of the United States, what must I do to be eligible for admission?

You must have your higher education record, including all course work and completed degree(s), evaluated by an organization accredited and licensed to do so. This evaluation must result in the determination of level of degree equivalency, as compared degrees completed and recognized within the United States. You must also be assigned a letter grade to each course and an overall GPA by the evaluating organization.

I am a foreign medical graduate. Will I automatically be granted an interview or acceptance into the Misericordia University PA program?

No, the Misericordia University PA Program does not grant advanced placement for anyone. Advanced standing or special consideration for previous coursework or degrees are not provided to anyone. All applicants will be evaluated and assessed through the same application and interview processes.

Where should I look for Pennsylvania Health Insurance Coverage?

Pennie is the official online marketplace made possible by the State of Pennsylvania.  https://pennie.com/

Can I defer my acceptance into the PA Program?

Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program does not offer deferred admission to any accepted students who wish to enter into the program in a future admission cycle.  Once a deposit has been received, if a student elects to withdraw from the class they have been accepted into they will lose their seat as well as the non-refundable deposit. Should they wish to be considered for admission at a later date they will need to reapply to the program through CASPA and be considered with that year’s applicants.

What makes this program stand out from others?

Smaller class size with dedicated classroom, exam rooms, and clinical skills lab all within one building.

Key features of this space include a dedicated Physician Assistant didactic year classroom, an open-floor-plan physical assessment and procedural skills lab with eleven examination areas, four private physical examination rooms which may be used for refining examination skills or objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), a PA student study area, and private offices for all PA program faculty and staff.

A high level, state-of-the-art, new cadaver lab is located in the new Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center, immediately adjacent to the Baloga Hall building. Our Anatomy professor, Anthony Serino, Ph.D., comes to our program with many years of experience in providing anatomy instruction within graduate medical education programs. The lab offers multiple full cadaver stations, allowing for direct participation by each PA student. The lab includes a virtual dissection table that supports expanded learning opportunities for Physician Assistant Students.

The faculty at Misericordia University are veterans in their field. As a physician assistant student, you will come to know the faculty personally and they you. Our faculty will not know you as a number like they do in larger schools, but since you will interact with each other on a daily basis, they will not only know your name, but they will know you as a person.