Masters of Physician Associate Admission Information

Vision, Mission & Guiding Principles

VISION

Excellence in PA Education

PROGRAM MISSION

Transform students into highly competent, compassionate, and professional PAs

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Foster an enthusiastic learning environment committed to student success
Promote patient-centered collaborative care
Model and cultivate compassion, professionalism, and leadership
Respond to the need for healthcare providers in Kansas
Encourage health care for rural, underserved, and diverse populations
Emphasize evidence-based practice and promote lifelong learning

PA Program Overview

The WSU PA Program offers a 26-month graduate course of study that leads to a Master of Physician Associate (MPA) degree.

Applicants vying for one of the 48 slots offered annually must have a strong background in the natural and clinical sciences supporting their bachelor’s degree. The selection process identifies applicants with a strong potential for success as a PA based on past academic performance, writing skills, healthcare experience, leadership, community service, professionalism, commitment to diversity, and interview.

WSU PA students are trained in the medical model, meaning that the educational focus is to learn evidence-based, patient-centered, team-based medicine: learning cause (pathophysiology) and effect (impact of disease on the body), diagnosis (symptoms, physical exam, labs, vitals) and treatment (e.g. pharmacology, rehabilitation, surgical), preventive and holistic approach to care (e.g. lifestyle, psychosocial, stress, diet), interprofessional teamwork, and life-long learning skills.

The first 14 months of the Program occur in the classroom setting through didactic courses, simulation, and experiential learning activities. The second 12 months of the Program occur in the clinical setting. Students complete 9 rotations within family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, internal medicine, behavioral health, emergency medicine, surgery, and electives. At least two rotations will occur in rural / underserved communities. The Program is supported by preceptors throughout Kansas and surrounding states. Students are responsible for travel and room/board during the clinical year.

The WSU PA Program provides excellence in PA education by transforming students into highly competent, compassionate, and professional PAs ready to work in any type of healthcare setting. Our students develop the lifelong learning skills necessary to continue to enhance their professional growth and expertise throughout their careers. Our graduates continue to respond to the need for healthcare in rural communities, serving underserved and diverse populations.

MPA Curriculum

First Year / Academic Year (approximately 14 Months)

First Summer Semester

PA 789 Clinical Anatomy (5 hours)

PA 789L Clinical Anatomy Lab (1 hour)

PA 717 Professional Issues (1 hour)

First Fall Semester

PA 700 Clinical Practice I (2 hours)

PA 700L Clinical Practice I Lab (1 hour)

PA 710 Advanced Pharmacotherapy I (3 hours)

PA 716 Clinical Laboratory (2 hours)

PA 718 Clinical Medicine Cardiology (3 hours)

PA 727 Preventive Medicine (2 hours)

PA 729 Clinical Behavioral Medicine (2 hours)

PA 731 Clinical Medicine Dermatology (2 hours)

PA 732 Clinical Medicine EENT (2 hours)

PA 800 Research Methods for Evidence-Based Practice (2 hours)

First Spring Semester

PA 711 Advanced Pharmacotherapy II (3 hours)

PA 719 Clinical Medicine Pulmonology (3 hours)

PA 721 Clinical Medicine Genitourinary Renal (2 hours)

PA 722 Clinical Medicine Gastroenterology (3 hours)

PA 724 Clinical Medicine OB/GYN (3 hours)

PA 728 Clinical Medicine Endocrinology (2 hours)

PA 736 Clinical Practice II (2 hours)

PA 736L Clinical Practice II Lab (1 hour)

PA 741 Clinical Medicine of Bone and Joint Disease (1 hour)

PA 780 Clinical Skills (1 hour)

PA 834 Interprofessional Evidence-Based Practice (1 hour)

Second Summer Semester

PA 734 Clinical Medicine Neurology (2 hours)

PA 742 Clinical Medicine Orthopedics (1 hour)

Second Year / Clinical Year (approximately 12 Months)

Second Summer Semester

1^st Rotation Clinical Rotation (4 hours)

Second Fall Semester

PA 896 Directed Study in Research I (2 hours)

2^nd through 4^th Clinical Rotations (12 hours*)

Second Spring Semester

PA 897 Directed Study in Research II (2 hours)

PA 850 Experiential Learning: Professionalism, Service, Research & Interprofessional (1 hour)

5^th through 7^th Clinical Rotations (12 hours*)

Third Summer Semester

8^th through 9^th Clinical Rotations (8 hours*)

*Note credit hours will be reduced by 1 hr for the semester in which PA 809 (a 3 credit hour rotation) is taken.

List of Required Clinical Rotations

PA 801 Clinical Rotation – Family Medicine (4 hours)
PA 802 Clinical Rotation – Pediatric Medicine (4 hours)
PA 803 Clinical Rotation – Women’s Health (4 hours)
PA 804 Clinical Rotation – Internal Medicine (4 hours)
PA 805 Clinical Rotation – Behavioral Health (4 hours)
PA 806 Clinical Rotation – Surgery (4 hours)
PA 807 Clinical Rotation – Emergency Medicine (4 hours)
PA 808 Clinical Rotation – Elective I (4 hours)
PA 809 Clinical Rotation – Elective II (3 hours)

Total number of credit hours are subject to change.

Program Cost - Tuition, Fees & Expenses

Program Cost - Tuition, Fees and Expenses

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change by action of the Kansas Board of Regents.

Tuition and Fees

TUITION	Credit Hours	Resident & Shocker City Partnership at $326.15 / cred hr	Shocker Select / Midwest Exchange / Global Select at $489.24 /cred hr	Nonresident at $801.01 / credit hr
1st Summer Semester	7	$2,283	$3,425	$5,607
1st Fall Semester	21	$6,849	$10,274	$16,821
1st Spring Semester	22	$7,175	$10,763	$17,622
2nd Summer Semester	7	$2,283	$3,425	$5,607
2nd Fall Semester	14	$4,566	$6,849	$11,214
2nd Spring Semester	15	$4,892	$7,339	$12,015
3rd Summer Semester	7	$2,283	$3,425	$5,607
Total Tuition	93	$30,332	$45,499	$74,494
Additional Fees (see below)		$29,354	$29,354	$29,354
Total Tuition & Fees		$59,685	$74,853	$103,847

Shocker City Partnership students (residents of selected major metropolitan areas in Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas) and Legacy Tuition students (your parent, step-parent, legal guardian, grandparent or step-grandparent graduated from WSU with an associate, bachelor, master or doctoral degree) are eligible for regular in-state tuition; see https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/tuition_programs/index.php for those counties.

Shocker Select and Midwest Student Exchange students (residents of Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wisconsin) are eligible for a 33 percent discount on out-of-state tuition; see https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/tuition_programs/index.php for those locations.

Additional Fees

ADDITIONAL FEES	Charge per credit hour or per semester	1st Summer	1st Fall	1st Spring	2nd Summer	2nd Fall	2nd Spring	3rd Summer	Total for Degree
WSU Campus Infrastructure / Transportation / Tech Fees	$22.33/ credit hr	$156	$469	$491	$156	$313	$335	$156	$2,077
WSU Stud Support Services (Fa/Sp)	$703 / fa & sp sem		$703	$703		$703	$703		$2,811
WSU Stud Support Services (Sum)	$352 / sum sem	$352			$352			$352	$1,056
CHP Credit Hr Fee for PA Courses	$20 / credit hr	$140	$420	$440	$140	$280	$300	$140	$1,860
PA Program Fee	$1400 / semester	$1,400	$1,400	$1,400	$1,400	$1,400	$1,400	$1,400	$9,800
PA Testing Fees	$350 / semester	$350	$350	$350	$350	$350	$350	$350	$2,450
PA 789L Anatomy Lab Fee	$100 / course	$100							$100
PA 800 Online Course Fee	$144 / course		$144						$144
PA801-809 Clinical Rotation Fee	$1000 / course				$1,000	$3,000	$3,000	$2,000	$9,000
PA Liability Insurance	$28 / fall sem		$28			$28			$56
Total Additional Fees / Semester		$2,498	$3,514	$3,384	$3,398	$6,073	$6,088	$4,398	$29,354

WSU = Wichita State University; CHP = College of Health Professions; PA = Physician Associate; Sp = Spring; Fa = Fall; Sum = Summer

Other Student Expenses**

Admissions Background Check (~$150)	Student must obtain, pay for, and successfully pass a full background check as a condition of acceptance into the Program.
Clinical Year Background Check (~$25)	Students may be required by some clinical rotation sites to obtain, pay for, and successfully pass a repeat background check prior to beginning rotations.
Fingerprint Fee (~$25)	Students may be required by some clinical rotation sites prior to beginning rotations.
Drug Screen (~$25)	Students must obtain, pay for, and successfully pass a 10 panel drug screen before beginning clinical rotations.
Immunization Tracker ($35 total)	Students must subscribe to the Program's selected immunization tracking software throughout the Program.
myClinicalExchange ($40)	Students may be required to register with this service by some clinical rotation sites prior to beginning rotations.
Graduation Fees ($100)	PA White Coat Graduation Ceremony ($100) Program provides licensure paperwork for two states free of charge - additional requests are $20 each
Health Insurance (cost varies by student, approx $2,500)	Students must maintain personal health insurance throughout the Program. Cost varies by student. For information about a WSU student health insurance option see: https://www.wichita.edu/services/studenthealth/HealthInsuranceGeneral.php
Physical Exam & Immunizations (cost varies by student, approx $100)	Annual physical exam required; immunizations must remain current throughout the Program. Cost varies by student.
Textbooks (~$1,000)	Estimated costs of textbooks and online resources for classroom and clinical instruction.
Supplies (~$520 total)	Additional supplies include: anatomy scrubs/lab coat ($75), anatomy gloves ($10), Program scrubs ($170), short white coat ($200), ID badges ($15), suture kit ($50).
Medical Equipment (~$1,000)	Medical equipment list will be discussed at Program orientation.
Laptop Computer (~$800)	All students must have a laptop computer. Cost varies by student.
Local Transportation / Housing (cost varies by student)	Transportation and living costs (room and board) are not covered during any phase of the Program. Living expenses vary by student depending on personal situation and assigned rotations during the clinical year. Average monthly rent in Wichita is $750. For WSU Housing Information see: https://www.wichita.edu/student_life/housing/.
Additional Transportation / Housing during Clinical Year (~$2000 - $3000)	Transportation and living costs are not covered during any phase of the Program. Clinical rotations occur throughout Kansas and surrounding areas, and students should expect to pay for housing at one or more clinical rotation sites. Some students maintain their local housing during the clinical year and others do not. Therefore, students should expect an increase in transportation / housing costs during the clinical year.

**PLEASE NOTE: Additional tuition and fees may apply as a result of remediated coursework, exams, or assessments; broken or lost laboratory equipment; and other factors affecting Program progression/completion including but not limited to deceleration and delayed graduation.

Estimated Cost of Attendance

Learn more about what your cost of attendance could be at Wichita State. We've listed the average resident and non-resident expenses you are likely to incur during the academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Cost of Attendance

Admission FAQ

General

Do you accept advanced placement (AP) credit for program prerequisites?
AP credit is only accepted if it resulted in a letter grade on your official transcript.

Do you grant credit for experiential learning?

We do not accept experiential learning. All students proceed through the 26-month lock step WSU PA Program.

If I am accepted into the program, do I need a Social Security Number?

All qualified applicants accepted to the program are required to satisfactorily pass a background check. A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required to complete this process.

Can I apply to your program if I am a non-U.S. resident?
All qualified applicants are considered for admission to the WSU Physician Assistant (PA) Program regardless of national origin. Applicants may include U.S. citizens, permanent U.S. residents holding a valid visa or Green Card, applicants who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services at the time of application, undocumented applicants, and international applicants. However, applicants are recommended to consider related matters that may affect their decisions. A non-exhaustive list of such matters - including financial aid, affiliated requirements, and state licensure - are briefly described below.
- Currently, only U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens are eligible to receive any federal financial aid. View more information.
- To register as a student, WSU required that all international students must obtain and maintain an appropriate visa status for their stay in the U.S.
- All admitted students should note that WSU does not control the affiliate hospitals where clinical rotations or other Program-required training may take place. Affiliates may require vaccinations, background checks, and or proof of legal status in certain circumstances. WSU cannot guarantee that alternate locations will be available for students prevented -by affiliate requirements- from performing their course of study, clinical rotations, or other Program-required training. Inability to meet affiliate requirements may render PA students unable to complete their course of study or receive degrees or certifications demonstrating training completion.
- All qualified applicants accepted to the program are required to satisfactorily pass a background check. A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required to complete this process.
- To practice in Kansas or any other state, PA graduates must pass the Physician Associate National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and apply for state licensure. Criteria for eligibility to sit for the PANCE board examination and/or to qualify for state licensure are set by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Associate (NCCPA) board and each state. Thus, prospective PA students should consult the requirements of the licensing authority in any state in which they contemplate practicing to determine the qualifications for licensure.
How competitive is your program? How many applications do you receive each year?

Approximately 760 CASPA applications were submitted for the 2023 Cycle. Approximately 145 of the most qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview. From this group, a class of 48 will be selected. Evidence of academic potential, knowledge of the health care system, motivation, personal maturity, self-assurance, and good interpersonal skills will weigh strongly in the admission decision. We also seek applicants who have served their communities or their country through volunteer activities, military service, employment opportunities, or service-oriented programs. The Wichita State PA Program is committed to recruiting applicants from Kansas and geographically underserved regions, as well as individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The most competitive applicants strongly align to our program mission and values of academic excellence, diversity, leadership, life experience, and service.

How long is the Physician Associate Program?

The Wichita State University PA Program is 26-months split between didactic phase and clinical phase.

Do you have a counselor or advisor I can talk to?
Questions that cannot be answered via the program's website may be addressed in an email to the program, PA.Shockers@wichita.edu. These requests will be responded to by a representative of the admissions committee. Please allow up to 2 weeks for a response.

Do you offer any information sessions?
We offer in-person and zoom Information Sessions for those interested in finding out more about the WSU PA Program. The dates for the Information Sessions can be found here: WSU PA Admission Information.

Do you offer any on-campus tours?
We do not offer campus tours. Those who attend an in-person Information Session are offered a tour of the facilities.

Are students able to work (volunteer or paid) while enrolled in the program?
Physician Associate students are NOT to hold any employment while enrolled in the program. The schedule of the didactic and clinical years, coupled with study and other requirements, do not allow for students who are employed to be successful in our program.

Does your program participate in rolling admissions?
No. The application cycle for submitting applications through CASPA is between the end of April to September 1^st. All applications are screened, and interview invitations are extended at the same time on a yearly basis.

Is the GRE exam required for all applicants?

No, we do not require nor consider GRE exam scores.

Prerequisites

Do you require a bachelor’s degree?

The WSU PA Program does require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Degrees in progress are considered as long as the completion date is prior to matriculation.

Are there any specific requirements for patient care or shadowing hours?
There are no requirements for patient care experience, healthcare experience, or shadowing hours. If applicants chose to gain these experiences, they will be evaluated in the context of their overall application. However, they are not required for admission.

Can prerequisite courses be completed at a community college or online?
Yes. We accept prerequisite courses and labs from any regionally accredited university or college, online or in person, including community colleges. The listed prerequisite courses may be completed at any accredited college or university in the United States, including community colleges.

Can someone apply for admission without all the prerequisites completed?
To be eligible for admission ALL core science prerequisites MUST be completed with a letter grade on official transcripts when submitted to the WSU PA Program. Other required prerequisites such as medical terminology, statistics, and psychology must be completed by the time classes begin in the beginning of June if offered a seat in the class.

What prerequisite courses are required?

Please see WSU PA Admission Information website page for prerequisite requirements.

When is the latest I can complete the core science prerequisite courses and still apply for admission?
Outstanding core science prerequisites are highly recommended to be completed no later than the end of the spring semester of the year in which you intend to enroll.

Is there a time limit on required prerequisites?

Anatomy with lab and physiology must be completed within 10 years. All other prerequisites do not have a time limit.

Do you accept pass/fail courses that have a grade of Pass?

We only accept a pass/fail grade for courses completed in the Spring of 2020.

Do you accept advanced placement (AP) credit for program prerequisites?
AP credit is only accepted if it resulted in a letter grade on your official transcript.

What grade do I need to achieve for a prerequisite to be eligible for admission.

All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C- or better.

Should I retake courses in which I scored poorly, or take upper-level courses instead?

Either is acceptable, however it may better show your capabilities to take, and do well in, a more rigorous course. CASPA calculates all courses taken for GPAs. We highly recommend retaking courses to increase your GPA.

Do you accept combined Anatomy and Physiology courses? Yes, we accept combined Anatomy and Physiology courses. You MUST complete an Anatomy lab. You will need to complete a combined Anatomy and Physiology 1 and an Anatomy and Physiology II to achieve the required 5 credit hours. Physiology does not require a lab.

What type of direct patient care hours count? How many hours are required?

Direct patient care hours and/or health care experience are not required for admission to WSU PA Program but strongly recommended. CASPA defines Direct Patient Care as Experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, dental hygienist, etc.

We also accept experience as scribe, medical or clinical laboratory scientist, athletic trainer, optometry, radiology, respiratory therapy, dietitian, mental health counselor and technicians and assistants in these areas. Be sure to include details about the tasks performed on your CASPA application. We will only consider the direct patient care hours that are provided on the CASPA application—we will not take any additional hours accrued after you submit the CASPA application. A license and/or certification accompanied with employed experience is advantageous.

We have examples of what we will accept for direct patient care in the PA Admission Information on our website, WSU PA Admission Information.

Do you require shadowing of a PA?

No, while we highly recommend and value shadowing to ensure applicants fully understand the profession of a PA.

What type of recommendations do you require?

CASPA accepts up to five recommendation letters. We require three recommendation letters. In general, the strongest letters of recommendation come from people who know you well and have worked with you in a health care setting or from professors. Letters should not come from family members.

Applications

How many applications are required for admission? What are the deadlines?

There are 3 required applications:
1. CASPA Application: Submitted AND Verified by September 1
2. Graduate School Application: September 1 deadline.
3. Supplemental Application: The link to the Supplemental Application will be sent to applicants when the CASPA application has been reviewed and found eligible for admission. The deadline for submitting the Supplemental will be 10 days after you receive the link via email.
Is there a fee for the Supplemental and Graduate School Applications?

Yes, the fee for the Supplemental application is a non-refundable $75. There is not a waiver available for this application. The Graduate School application fee is $60.

I graduated from an institution outside the US. What do I need to know?

International Transcripts: Coursework taken at a university outside of the US must be from a recognized institution in that country whose requirements are substantially equivalent to a US 4-year bachelor’s degree. Approval of the bachelor’s degree requires verification by both CASPA and the WSU Graduate School. CASPA requires that international transcripts be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) and submitted to CASPA as part of the CASPA Application and verification process. All applicants must also apply to the WSU Graduate School who will also verify that the degree meets WSU requirements. Acceptance of international coursework is determined on a case-by-case basis. (See English Proficiency below)

English Proficiency: Applicants with international transcripts must submit English proficiency test scores as part of the WSU Graduate School Application by Sep 1. Exceptions to the English Proficiency requirement include those who graduated from a university located in the US, UK, Canada, or New Zealand within the last two years or have a US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Acceptable proficiency scores include either the TOEFL (minimum internet-based score of 79); the Academic Module of the IELTS exam (minimum internet-based score of 6.5); or the PTE-Academic (minimum internet based score of 58). Scores must be less than two years old.

Admission Deadlines and Materials

Applications

Program applications may be accessed from the CASPA website between April 25, 2024 and September 1 for the class beginning June 2025.

CASPA applications for the WSU PA Program must be verified no later than September 1. We encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the submission deadline. After the verified CASPA application has been received by the WSU PA Program Admission Office and found eligible for meeting the minimum requirements, the candidate will be emailed instructions on how to complete the WSU PA Program supplemental application. The supplemental application is due 10 days after receipt.

E-mail notification will be sent to applicants upon receipt of the verified CASPA application, and later once the supplemental application has been processed.

The WSU Graduate School application, WSU Graduate School. is also required for admission. The deadline for submission is September 1.

Interview

Approximately 145 of the most qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview. During the interview day, candidates will interview with a faculty member and a PA alumnus. There will be two interview days held in November. From the interviews, 48 positions will be offered for the next class.

Admission Notifications

All candidates are notified in writing via email of the outcome of their application.

Candidates who have been interviewed are notified of the admission committee’s decision as early as 10 days following the interview and no later than early January. Candidates confirm their place in the class by submitting the $1,000 deposit fee by the specified date on the acceptance letter. This fee is nonrefundable.

A ranked waitlist from those candidates who have been interviewed for a position in the class will be maintained. Should an accepted candidate withdraw from the program prior to the start of classes, the position is offered to the highest-ranked candidate on the waitlist.

How to Apply

There are 3 applications required for admission to the WSU PA Program. The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) the Supplemental application, and the Graduate School application.

CASPA Application

Program applications for the WSU PA program may be accessed from the CASPA website, https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/ on April 25 and the deadline for submission and verification is September 1^.

Do not submit your CASPA application to the WSU PA Program until all transcripts and required materials have been uploaded. Prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade on transcripts when application is submitted to WSU PA Program to be eligible. We do not accept core science prerequisites planned or in progress.

Applications must be verified by the September 1^st deadline to be accepted. We encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the submission deadline.

All questions concerning the CASPA application should be directed to Customer Service by phone at 617-612-2080 or email at caspainfo@caspaonline.org.

Supplemental Application

The purpose of the Supplemental Application is to collect additional information important to our wholistic admissions process.

Candidates meeting our minimum requirements will receive an email link for the Supplemental Application. The fee for the Supplemental Application is a nonrefundable $75.

The Supplemental Application is due 10 days after receipt.

All questions concerning the Supplemental Application should be directed to PA.Shockers@wichita.edu.

Graduate School Application

The Graduate School application is a separate application required by the Graduate School and may be accessed here, Graduate School Website.

The Graduate School application must be submitted each application cycle. The fee for the Graduate School application is $60. Acceptance to the Graduate School is contingent upon acceptance to the PA Program.

The Graduate School application only requires unofficial copies of transcripts to be submitted with the application.

Deadline for the Graduate School application is September 1^st.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

WSU does not discriminate in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age (40 years or older), ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance has been designated to handle inquiries regarding WSU’s non-discrimination policies (https://www.wichita.edu/administration/oiec).

Admission - Technical Standards

The WSU PA Program curriculum incorporates the teaching of technical skills necessary for the practice of medicine. Students must be able to perform successfully in a wide variety of clinical situations, and therefore are required to have adequate ability in physical, cognitive and behavioral areas. Students are expected to confirm their ability to meet the following standards (with or without reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law) upon admittance to the program.

Physical abilities required for satisfactory completion of curriculum:

The ability to observe demonstrations and other forms of instruction, as well as the observation of patients for physical evaluation is necessary. Observation necessitates the functional use of vision both at a distance and close at hand. Other sensory modalities, such as touch and smell enhance observation.
The ability to communicate effectively in English is necessary. Communication necessitates the ability to speak, hear and perceive nonverbal communication. Writing, reading, interpreting graphs and diagrams, as well as computer literacy, are also essential for effective communication throughout the PA Program curriculum and in patient care.
The ability to perform physical exams, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and treatment modalities for general and emergent medical care requires sufficient sensory and motor function. The curriculum requires that students have coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and other sensory function to perform tasks such as intubation, catheterization, suturing, cast application, palpation, auscultation, administration of intravenous medication, basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), etc.

Cognitive abilities required for satisfactory completion of curriculum:

Analytical reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to intellectually grasp and apply a large volume of information are essential for successful completion of the curriculum. These skills include understanding of measurements and calculations. Students are required to integrate information from patient histories, exams, and diagnostic tests and then relate it to medical knowledge to form diagnoses and treatment plans.

Behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of curriculum:

The ability to maintain appropriate relationships with colleagues, faculty, patients and other health care professionals conducive to quality medical care and services is necessary. This requires emotional intelligence, compassion, concern for others, and a motivation to service.
The ability to demonstrate maturity, initiative, dependability and reliability, ethical and professional behavior, and use of clean and tactful language is necessary.
The ability to practice good judgment when providing patient care, identify one’s limitations and seek help when necessary, and willingness to take responsibility for decisions and actions is necessary.
The curriculum includes a demanding schedule, changing clinical environments, and uncertainties inherent to medical care; therefore, students must be able to demonstrate flexibility and function effectively under stress

If you have questions about these technical standards or your ability to meet them, you are encouraged to discuss them with the Wichita State University ODS prior to the interview process. ODS resource can be accessed at www.wichita.edu/disabilityservices. Any student with an ability limitation or in need of special accommodation should notify the Program Director in writing prior to the beginning of didactic coursework or immediately upon obtaining knowledge, awareness or diagnosis of such a condition requiring accommodation.

Reasonable Accommodations

Wichita State University’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) provides students with learning, mental, or physical disabilities an equal opportunity to attain their academic and personal goals to the fullest of their abilities. A “qualified individual” with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodations, meets program academic requirements and Technical Standards. Students wishing to request reasonable accommodations must contact the Wichita State University ODS.

ODS determines qualified disability status and assists students in obtaining appropriate accommodations and services. ODS requires differing types of documentation based on the specific disability or disabilities. Detailed eligibility guidelines as well as documentation guidelines adopted by the Kansas Association of Higher Education and Disability are available on the ODS website. (https://www.wichita.edu/services/disability-services/Students/servicepolicies1.php). Decisions regarding reasonable accommodation are determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration each student’s disability-related needs, disability documentation, and program requirements. While the program will make every effort to work with students with a disability to accommodate their disability-related needs, the program is not required to provide accommodations that fundamentally alter or waive essential program requirements. Students should contact OSD directly at disability.services@wichita.edu or 316-978-3309.

Admission - Requirements

Bachelor's Degree: All applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution before beginning the PA Program. This means you must have already completed your bachelor’s degree at the time of application or will receive the degree by May of the following year.

International Transcripts: Coursework taken at a university outside of the US must be from a recognized institution in that country whose requirements are substantially equivalent to a US 4-year bachelor’s degree. Approval of the bachelor’s degree requires verification by both CASPA and the WSU Graduate School. Minimum GPA equivalent to U.S. 3.0 required. CASPA requires that international transcripts be evaluated by the World Education Services (WES) and submitted to CASPA as part of the CASPA Application and verification process. Please refer to the CASPA Help Center for additional information and accepted credentialing agencies. All applicants must also apply to the WSU Graduate School who will also verify that the degree meets WSU requirements. Acceptance of international coursework is determined on a case-by-case basis. (See English Proficiency below)
English Proficiency: Applicants with international transcripts must submit English proficiency test scores as part of the WSU Graduate School Application by September 1. Exceptions to the English Proficiency requirement include those who graduated from a university located in the US, UK, Canada, or New Zealand within the last two years or have a US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Acceptable proficiency scores include either the TOEFL (minimum internet-based score of 79); the Academic Module of the IELTS exam (minimum internet-based score of 6.5); or the PTE-Academic (minimum internet-based score of 58). Scores must be less than two years old.

Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum GPA of 3.00 (4.0 scale) is required for both overall coursework and science course work. The overall and science GPAs are calculated by CASPA and include all coursework.
Core Science Prerequisites: All core science prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade on transcripts uploaded to CASPA when your application is submitted to WSU PA Program. Transcripts uploaded to CASPA after submitting to WSU will not be accepted. Courses Planned or In Progress listed on transcripts are not accepted. All core science prerequisites must have a letter grade awarded and be completed with a grade of “C-” or higher. The only exception to this rule is core science prerequisites taken during Spring 2020 when some universities were not offering letter grades due to COVID.
Other Prerequisites: Medical Terminology, Psychology, and Statistics must be completed before beginning the WSU PA Program by mid-May if offered a seat in the class. Prerequisites must be completed with a “C-” grade or higher.
Transcript evaluation or advising is not provided by WSU PA Department personnel. Please compare your prerequisite courses to the WSU Undergraduate Catalog. Transfer credit policies can be found in the latest edition of the WSU Graduate Catalog.
Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to CASPA by September 1. The verified CASPA application will not be evaluated until all letters of recommendation are received. It is your responsibility to ensure submission to CASPA prior to the deadline. WSU does not accept documents outside of the CASPA application process.
Academic and Technical Standards: Applicants must be able to meet the WSU PA Program Academic and Technical Standards. Please carefully review these standards.
Health Care Experience: Direct patient care experience is strongly preferred, but not required.
Interview: Attendance is required but does not assure admission to the program. The purpose of the interview is to assess your academic potential, healthcare experience, leadership, community service, professionalism, commitment to diversity, motivation and commitment to the PA profession, and interpersonal and communication skills. Admission to the PA Program is extremely competitive, with over 750 verified applications for 48 seats.
Background Check: Admitted students, at their own expense, must pass a background check prior to program admission. In addition, Clinical rotation sites require students to undergo random serum or urine drug testing at the expense of the student. Inability or refusal to do so will result in suspension or dismissal from the program.
Pre-Admission Standardized Tests: We do NOT require the GRE or PA-CAT.
Program requirements will not be waived for any reason. Experiential credit toward prerequisites or advanced standing will not be granted.
Student positions will not be held from year to year. If an applicant rejects or cancels an offered position at any time prior to starting the program, the individual will have to re-apply at a future date.

Prerequisite Coursework

All CORE SCIENCE PREREQUISITES must be complete with grade on official transcripts when application is submitted and verified by CASPA. Transcripts submitted to CASPA after submitting application to WSU PA Program will not be accepted.

Human Anatomy with Lab & Human Physiology (5 credit hours for Cycle 2024 and 2025, 8 credit hours/ 12 quarter hours for Cycle 2026): Core Science Prerequisite must be completed at time of application. Lab must accompany anatomy but is not required for physiology. Must emphasize human body systems rather than animal. All anatomy and physiology prerequisites must be less than 10 years old. May be taken as combined or separate courses. Attention: Starting with the 2026 application cycle 8 credit hours or 12 credit hours of Human Anatomy with lab & Human Physiology will be required!
Chemistry (3 semesters total): Core Science Prerequisite must be completed at time of application. Must have a total of 3 semesters of Chemistry. Introduction to Chemistry cannot be used to fulfill the Chemistry requirements.

General Chemistry I with Lab (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Lab required.
General Chemistry II with Lab (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Lab required.
Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Either Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry is sufficient. Lab is NOT required.

Biology (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Core Science Prerequisite must be completed at time of application. General Biology or higher-level biology that covers human systems. Lab is NOT required.
Microbiology with Lab (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Core Science Prerequisite must be completed at time of application. Must include lab components.
Genetics (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): Core Science Prerequisite must be completed at time of application. A wide variety of genetic courses are accepted including general and advanced, human, and non-human. Lab is NOT required.
Medical Terminology (1 semester or minimum 1.5 quarter): A wide variety of courses are accepted. May be outstanding at time of application but must be completed prior to beginning the Program.
Statistics (1 semester or 4.5 quarter hours): Elementary Statistics or higher-level statistics. A wide variety of statistics courses are accepted. May be outstanding at time of application but must be completed prior to beginning the Program.
Psychology (1 semester or minimum 4.5 quarter hours): General Psychology or higher-level psychology. May be outstanding at time of application but must be completed prior to beginning the Program.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

These courses allow students to demonstrate their ability to succeed in upper-level science/medical coursework and prepare students for the rigors of PA education.

Pharmacology
Anatomy & Physiology coursework beyond the required 5 hours
Pathophysiology
Organic Chemistry Course and Biochemistry Course beyond the required prerequisites

RECOMMENDED

Abnormal Psychology
Epidemiology
Gerontology
Health Care Policy
Medical Ethics

Questions regarding requirements for admissions should be submitted via email to PA.Shockers@wichita.edu. Most emails receive a reply within 72 hours; however, some inquiries require more time, so please allow 1 week for a response.

Admission - Patient Care Experience

Patient Care Experience

Direct patient care experience is expected, but not required. Experience listed on your application will be verified.

EXAMPLES OF DIRECT PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED

Athletic Trainer
Chiropractic Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dialysis Aide
EMT/MICT
Medical Assistant
Medical Social Worker
Medical Technologist
Mental Health Care Counselor
Military Corpsmen
Nurse, Nurse Aide
Optometry Assistant
OR Technologist
Paramedic
Phlebotomist
Physical Therapist / PT Assistant
Physical/Occupational Therapist
Respiratory Therapist
Scribe
X-Ray Technologist

EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES THAT ARE NOT DIRECT PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE

Caring for a family member
Experience which is part of a healthcare training program (i.e., clinical rotations, field work, or internships)
Medical records personnel or clerical worker in a medical office/hospital
Pharmacy technician/clerk
Providing first aid as a coach, scout leader, etc.
Shadowing or observation of any kind