Physician Assistant Studies Accelerated Entry Pathway (PAS-AEP)

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Occupational Therapy Accelerated Entry Admission Requirements
Conditional Admissions

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the PAS-AEP will occur on a semester basis. Complete applications for fall entry are due May 1st, and August 1st for spring entry. If minimum requirements are met, the PAS Admissions Committee will review the application and decide if an interview will be offered to the applicant. Due to the competitive nature of the MSPAS program, meeting minimum requirements does not ensure an invitation for an interview or acceptance as a PAS-AEP student. Following the interview, the PAS Admissions Committee will determine acceptance in the PAS-AEP. Applicants will be notified of the decision via letter. See the Physician Assistant Studies Accelerated Entry Pathway information in the Program of Study section for details on the pathway, including progression criteria for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. College of Saint Mary does not offer advanced placement for the MSPAS program.

First-time / Full-time Freshman (High School Seniors)

  • ACT ≥ 24 or SAT ≥ 1180 combined
  • High school cumulative GPA: 3.5 or above
  • Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher
  • Ready to begin General Chemistry (CHM 110)
  • Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
  • Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
  • Names and contact information for three references (no family or friends)
  • Current resume
  • Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.

Transfer or Current CSM Student Admission

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (12 or more credits)
  • Minimum cumulative PAS prerequisite GPA (cumulative GPA of all prerequisite courses) of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
  • B or higher in any PAS prerequisite coursework considered as transfer credit
  • Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher;
  • Ready to begin or have completed General Chemistry (CHM 110);
  • Names and contact information for three references (no family or friends)
  • Personal statement essay discussing why you want to become a Physician Assistant
  • Participation in extra-and-co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
  • Current resume
  • Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.

Admission Process and Decisions

Admission to the program is competitive with a limited number of seats in each cohort. Meeting the minimum admission requirements above does not ensure acceptance into the PAS-AEP program. Admission decisions are made by the PAS Admissions Committee and will be made based on the following:

  • Past academic performance (GPA and completed courses, particularly science and math courses)
  • Documented academic aptitude (ACT/SAT or collegiate GPA if more than 12 credit hours of collegiate work has been completed)
  • Extra- and co-curricular activities
  • Medical and/or clinical experiences (shadowing, volunteering, etc.)
  • Recommendations from qualified individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s character and performance
  • Communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills via essay, interview, and review of letters of reference.

Application Process for High School Students and Transfers

  1. Apply online
  2. Submit required official transcripts
    1. High school and college transcripts if applicable
  3. Submit Names, Phones and E-mail Addresses of 3 References
  4. Submit any previous medical and clinical experiences and extra- and co-curricular activities (form attached to electronic application)
  5. Submit essay (attach to electronic application)
  6. Submit resume
  7. Review of application by the PAS Admissions Committee
  8. If selected, participate in an on-campus interview with the PAS Admissions Committee. Video conferencing interviews will be considered under certain circumstances. The PAS program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
  9. Acceptance decision by the PAS Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.

Application Process for Current CSM Students

  1. Apply using the “Internal Application for Physician Assistant Studies” on MyCSM on the Registrar’s page
  2. Submit Names, Phones and E-mail Addresses of 3 References
  3. Submit any previous medical and clinical experience and extra-and co-activities
  4. Submit essay
  5. Submit resume
  6. Review of application by the PAS Admissions Committee
  7. If selected, participate in an interview with the PAS Admissions Committee. The PAS program technical standards attestation form must be signed during the interview stating the ability to meet all required technical standards.
  8. Acceptance decision by the PAS Admissions Committee following a complete application and interview.