Admission Requirements

The PA program requires that applicants either have completed the following when they apply, or have a plan to complete the following courses and other prerequisites prior to beginning PA program classes.  Though many of the prerequisites are science courses, there is a not a required undergraduate major.  Many applicants have biology, microbiology, chemistry or health professions majors, however, the program has enrolled students that have graduated with a wide variety of other majors including, psychology, English, history and music.  Comparable courses from other regionally accredited institutions are also acceptable.

The following are required of all applicants:

Degree:

All students must earn a Bachelor's degree prior to entering the PA Program.  Students may complete their BA or BS while applying, but they must complete their degree before matriculating in our program.

Prerequisite Coursework:

Biology:
            Human Anatomy
            Human Physiology
            Microbiology
            Health Related Upper Division Biology
                Two of the above courses must contain lab
Chemistry:
            General Chemistry
            Organic Chemistry
            Biochemistry
                Two of the above courses must contain lab
Mathematics:
            Precalculus
            Statistics
Psychology

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the program.  Students may apply with outstanding prereq courses so long as they demonstrate a plan to complete those courses before matriculating in our program.

For further information on prerequisite course requirements please visit Prerequisite Coursework

Academic Aptitude:

GPA:
A minimum cumulative GPA on all post-high school courses of 3.00, calculated on a 4-point scale by CASPA, is required of all applicants.  A minimum science (as defined by CASPA) GPA of 3.00 is also required.  No exceptions will be made, regardless of circumstances.  Those applicants not meeting the stated 3.00 GPA requirement will be ineligible for admission and removed from consideration.

For further information regarding CASPA's GPA calculation policies please visit - CASPA GPA FAQ

GRE:
Submission of Graduate Review Exam (GRE) scores directly from ETS is required.  Scores are used as another measure of academic aptitude, along with GPA.  No minimum score is required.  The program requires applicants take the general exam and will not accept subject specific exams.  GRE scores remain valid for five years.  An MCAT score, or other exam results, will not be accepted as a substitute for GRE results.  No exceptions will be made to the GRE requirement, regardless of professional and/or academic background.  Click here for more information on the GRE.

(New for 2013 application cycle)  The program's CASPA GRE code is 0445.  This code will result in ETS electronically forwarding results directly to CASPA for inclusion with the applicant's CASPA record.  

In the wake of ETS changing the format of the GRE in 2011, ETS provides a conversion table to help applicants better understand and interpret their scores.  GRE Conversion Table

Healthcare Experience:

Prior direct patient healthcare experience is expected.  Such experience provides evidence of a career commitment to healthcare as a PA.  In the program's competitive admission process, the length and depth of healthcare experience is a selection factor.  We do not have a minimum number of hours.

For further information on the Healthcare Experience requirement please visit Healthcare Experience

Advanced Placement and Transfer Credits

The PA program does not grant advanced placement or accept transfer credits from other PA programs.  All of the coursework in the PA program must be completed at UW-L.

For further information on Transfer Credits please visit Transfer Credits and Advanced Placement