Admission Requirements

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 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):

• For exams taken before January 21, 2026: Minimum total score: 80, Minimum section scores: Reading: 20, Listening: 20, Writing: 20, Speaking: 20
• For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: Minimum total score: 5.5, Minimum section scores: Reading: 5.5, Listening: 5.5, Writing: 5.5, Speaking: 5.5

If applicable, the TOEFL must be completed with submission of application. Reference the CASPA help center: “Submitting Your Official TOEFL Scores to CASPA” for detailed instructions.

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 from a regionally accredited college or university 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.

Required Prerequisite Courses are as follows:

1. Anatomy and Physiology I
   4 credits. Must include lecture and lab components. 
2. Human Anatomy and Physiology II
   4 credits. Must include lecture and lab components. 
3. Microbiology
   4 credits. Must include lecture and lab components.
4. Biochemistry
   3 credits. Lab is not required.
5. Genetics
   3 credits. Lab is not required.
6. Statistics
   3 credits.
7. Medical Terminology
   1 credit. Must have a letter grade assigned to the course on an official transcript.

PA PROGRAM POLICY: 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 in the Supporting Information section, Experiences tab, and labeled  “Direct Patient Care Experience”. 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. 

Requirement 4:

Two 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. Follow instructions in the Supporting Information section, Evaluation tab of your CASPA application.

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.

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. 

SCORING OF INITIAL APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Cumulative CASPA-calculated GPA (Increased points are awarded based on GPA)
Science CASPA-calculated GPA (Increased points are awarded based on GPA)
Prerequisite Courses (Increased points are awarded for higher grade)
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.
PA Shadowing Advantage: Applicants who have shadowed a Physician Assistant for a minimum of 10 hours. PA Shadowing hours are required to be completed and reported in the CASPA application in the Supporting Information section, Experiences tab, and labeled “PA Shadowing Experience”.
Direct Patient Care Experience (increased hours earn more points)
Acceptable experiences include but are not limited to:

Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Registered Nurse, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Scribe, Emergency Medicine Technician, Paramedic, Anesthesia Technician, Cardiovascular Technician, Ultrasound Technician, X-Ray Technician, Surgical Technician, Speech-Language Pathologist, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician.

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.

POST INTERVIEW REVIEW FOR ACCEPTANCE: Applicants who are invited to participate in the on-campus interview will be evaluated, scored, and expected to speak in detail 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 (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, 2027 in order to matriculate in July, 2027.

DEPOSIT: Applicants will be notified in writing of acceptance and will be given two to three 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.

PROGRESSION CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS
for IMMUNIZATION, HEALTH SCREENING and HEALTH INSURANCE                                                               
BACKGROUND CHECKS, FINGERPRINTING, DRUG SCREENING                                                                        
All policies are consistently applied                                                                                                                                         

STUDENT HEALTH CARE RECORDS CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                  
A3.18 Student health records are confidential and not accessible to or reviewed by program faculty or staff, except for immunization and screening results, which may be maintained and released with the student's written permission..

The program has ensured the confidentiality of student health records by contracting with Exxat to order, store, monitor, and maintain confidential student health records, insurance, immunizations and clearances. This web-based system is a confidential and secure online system that provides screening tools for the credentialing requirements. Student health records are confidential and not accessible to or reviewed by program faculty or staff, except for immunization and screening results, which may be maintained and released with the students’ written permission (Student Authorization and Release Form)

Students will create an account with Exxat.  Exxat will house all credentialing forms and instructions. Forms include the Technical Standard Form, Student Authorization and Release Form, Health History and Physical Exam Form and/or Immunization and Health Screening Forms. Personal health insurance must remain active throughout participation in the program. Proof of current health insurance will be uploaded annually into Exxat.

Health Insurance Policy

1. Physician Assistant students MUST provide proof of personal health insurance. Each Physician Assistant student’s personal health insurance policy must remain active throughout his or her participation in the program. Physician Assistant students are responsible to notify the Physician Assistant Program Director and Clinical Director immediately for any lapse in health insurance coverage. If there is a lapse in health insurance coverage while in the program, the Physician Assistant student will be removed from classroom or clinical experience related activities until the coverage is restored. If the lapse persists beyond 2 weeks, the student will be at risk of progressing in the program. If the lapse persists for 4 weeks or greater, the student will be at risk for dismissal from the program based on review and recommendations by the Physician Assistant Student Progress Review Committee with a final decision brought forward by the Program Director.
2. Physician Assistant students are financially responsible for all costs incurred in complying with this policy and all health care services they may require while enrolled in the program.
3. If a Physician Assistant student requires urgent, emergent, or routine medical care during or as a result of participation in any program educational activity, he or she is to first seek healthcare services appropriate for the medical issue. After appropriate medical care has been delivered, the student must provide the Physician Assistant Program Director and Clinical Director with an estimate of time away from program activities for continuing care and/or follow-up, if required. Physician Assistant students are not required to provide specific details, diagnoses, or other personal medical information to anyone within the program.

Some of our clinical affiliates will not permit students to complete clinical rotations without proof of vaccination and will not accept exemptions. Failure to comply with this requirement for clinical affiliates may preclude the student from participating in or completing the clinical requirements of this program which may cause a delay in their education and progression in the program of study, delay in graduation, and/or inability to complete the program.

The program director, medical director, and principal faculty are precluded from participating as healthcare providers for students in the program, except in emergency situations. They cannot conduct health screening, immunizations, and/or medical services.   

CDC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS’ RECOMMENDATIONS                                                                                             
A3.09 The program publishes, makes readily available to current and prospective students, and consistently applies policies based on current CDC health professionals’ recommendations and applicable state or country mandates for:
a) minimum immunization and health screening of students b) N/A

The student immunization and health screening policy is based on current CDC health professional’s recommendations for health care personnel with addition of any state laws or mandates for Pennsylvania. Included in immunization requirements are MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, TDAP, TB, Hepatitis B: Step1, Step2, Step3, current season influenza. One dose of the most current COVID-19 vaccine available to work against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 is required. 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.  Please reference: 
  • http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p2017.pdf
  • https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-medical-condition.html#table-conditions (note that the “medical condition” in the far-right column is “being a healthcare provider”)
• 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

Annual 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.

Students are financially responsible for the required progression credentialing, which may need to be repeated annually or more frequently as required by clinical sites.

• Exxat account fee is $36 annually (over three years).
• Background checks, fingerprinting and drug screens must be completed annually. The total estimated cost over three years is $600 (NY state $900).
• Physical exams and required immunizations must be completed annually over 3 years. Total estimated cost is based on health insurance coverage.
• The cost to maintain current health insurance will vary.
• Some clinical sites may require an administrative fee or additional credentialing be paid by the student.

Credentialing requirements for progression in the program are listed in the “Requirements and Deadlines” document found in the “Program Policies of Interest to Prospective Students” tab.  Students must complete all progression credentialing requirements to be in compliance and good standing with the program. Students who are not in good standing at the beginning of each phase may not be allowed to participate in that phase, and may delay their education and progression in the program of study.

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION DAY
Prior to first day of classes students 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 estimated costs and 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 – REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION & SUCCESSFUL ACADEMIC PROGRESSION

Technical Standards are defined as nonacademic requirements for participation in an educational program or activity. They include physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum and for entry into the profession. The Technical Standard form must be completed annually (with your MUPA Health HP Exam Form) and requires a physician and student’s signature.  This form is located and can be downloaded from your Exxat account. Reference Progression Credentialing Requirements.

Change in Technical Standards:
If a change in a student's ability to meet the technical standards is reported or observed while enrolled in the MUPA Program, the student will be temporarily removed from all program activities and coursework. The student will be referred to their medical provider. A meeting will be scheduled to assess the student’s ability to continue in the program. To resume participation, the student must, at a minimum, submit updated technical standards form and any required supporting documentation. If the student is unable to meet the technical standards necessary for progression, an additional meeting will be held to discuss possible withdrawal or dismissal from the program.

Change in Emotional Health and Stability/Mental Status:
If a change in a student’s ability to meet the necessary requirements of emotional health and stability is reported or observed while a student is enrolled in the MUPA Program, the student will be temporarily removed from all program activities and coursework. The student will be referred to the CAPS center. A meeting will then be scheduled to discuss the student's ability to continue in the program. To resume participation, the student must, at a minimum, provide a psychiatric clearance and submit updated technical standards form. If the student is unable to meet the requirements to progress, an additional meeting will be held to discuss possible withdrawal or dismissal from the program.

The Misericordia University Physician Assistant Program is committed to the education of all qualified individuals, including persons with disabilities who, with or without reasonable accommodation, are capable of performing the essential functions of the educational program in which they are enrolled and the profession that they pursue.

The Physician Assistant Program Policy complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and state and local requirements regarding students and applicants with disabilities. Under these laws, no otherwise qualified and competent individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in services, programs, and activities solely based on the disability.

In accordance with federal regulations established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following standards are described to assist each Physician Assistant candidate in evaluating his/her prospect for academic and clinical success. When a Physician Assistant student’s ability to perform is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to perform the technical standards as described below.

You are required to read each technical standard and additional program requirements carefully. Each Physician Assistant student is given the opportunity to read and acknowledge his or her understanding of the standards before beginning the program. Written acknowledgement of each Physician Assistant student’s willingness and ability to meet these standards must be submitted before entry into the program.

“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 at: https://www.aapa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Guidelines-for-Ethical-Conduct-for-the-PA-Profession-7-1-21.pdf

Additional requirements relevant to specific components of the Physician Assistant Program:

In addition to the standards above, students entering the PA Program must consider that they may be required to:

• Participate in patient assessment and evaluation
• Participate in invasive and non-invasive procedures
• Participate in emergency care
• Work lengthy and irregular hours (which may include nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Attend and participate in didactic and clinical education training on or off campus
• Perform physical examinations on male and female peers along with being examined by both male and female peers during laboratory instruction. Shorts and sports bra are required during lab session.  Exceptions will only be considered for documented medical or religious reasons. Documentation must be signed by medical provider or leader of religious affiliations and must be approved in advance by faculty.

*Note: such participation will not require any Physician Assistant student to submit to a breast, genital or rectal examination. All Physician Assistant students are required to learn and perform such examinations, on mannequins during classroom training activities and, potentially, on patients during clinical experiences.

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