Admissions

Admissions

The MSU Physician Assistant Program, in accordance with its mission and vision, strives to recruit and accept students who are dedicated to increasing access to care and to addressing health care disparities in Mississippi and similar populations. The program values a diverse student population capable of fostering a rich learning environment. Each application is reviewed holistically on its individual merits. However, academic strength, evidence of emotional intelligence, cultural competence, teamwork, professionalism, ethical responsibility, resilience and adaptability, capacity for improvement, critical thinking, community service, and knowledge of the profession weigh strongly in the admission decision. 

The application cycle for the MSU Physician Assistant  Program opens in April in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). All applications must be submitted through CASPA for consideration for admission. The application must be verified by CASPA for the program admissions committee to review in consideration for interview. If selected, interviews will be conducted throughout the summer and fall with rolling admissions.

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Admission Requirements

Admission to the Program is highly competitive. The admissions process is designed to select students who demonstrate preparedness to succeed in a rigorous, graduate medical education program. Requirements listed are the minimum requirements for consideration. 

The program evaluates each student using a standard rubric with higher scores given to applicants with documented rigorous coursework, exemplary leadership, extracurricular activities involvement, and accumulated patient care experience hours.  

The following are required of all applicants: 

Academic Requirements

• Proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited United States college or University by the time of matriculation.
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be submitted through CASPA.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE): Although there is no minimum required GRE score, achieving a higher score earns more points towards overall application score.

Prerequisite Courses

• Upper Division Sciences: 6 semester hours.
  • Must be 3000-4000 level courses.
  • Examples: Immunology, Virology, Histology, Embryology, Parasitology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, etc. Courses focusing on human studies are preferred. Survey courses not accepted
  • Beginning in the 2026 admissions cycle, only one kinesiology-specific course will be accepted as an upper-level course.
• Microbiology or Bacteriology for science majors: 3-4 hours (with lab if offered) 
• Chemistry I and II: 8 hours (with labs) 
• Anatomy and Physiology
  • Anatomy: 4 hours (human with lab)
  • Physiology: 4 hours (human with lab)
  • Human A&P I and Human A&P II can be taken to fulfill these requirements. Both courses must be taken to meet the prerequisite. 
  • Comparative Anatomy is not accepted; the context must be human.
• Statistics: 3 hours
• Genetics: 3-4 hours (with lab if offered) 
• Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry: 3-4 hours (with lab if offered)
• Behavioral Sciences: 6 hours 
• College Algebra

*Please note all minimum academic requirements must be met as follows:

• Minimum 3.0 Cumulative or last 60 hours GPA on a 4.0 scale as determined by CASPA; science GPA carries greater weight in the holistic admissions process. 
• While there is no minimum science GPA requirement, higher science GPAs are awarded more points in the admission process.
• ALL science courses must be for science majors.
• Please note that prerequisite courses are required of all applicants, regardless of previous academic preparation or experience.
• Grade of "C" must be achieved to meet prerequisite requirements, grade of "C Minus" does not meet academic standards.
• A single course cannot be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.
• Prerequisite courses must be completed at regionally accredited U.S. 2 or 4-year colleges or universities.
• The MSU MPAS Program does not grant advanced standing for prior completion of PA program courses or like courses completed at other schools, experiences in the medical field, and other degrees earned in medicine or other health-related fields.

**The list of prerequisites above reflects desired academic preparation necessary to be successful in the program. The Admissions Review Committee evaluates each course for prerequisite competencies prior to admission and holds ultimate authority in determining an applicant's achievement of those prerequisite competencies.

**Note that all prerequisite coursework must be completed as semester hours or the quarter hour equivalent.

**AP courses may not be used to substitute any science prerequisites.

**By August 1st of the application year, the applicant may have no more than 2 outstanding prerequisite courses. This includes planned courses and courses in progress.

Other Requirements

• 80 hours of direct patient care experience is required. Applicants receive points according to the total number of patient care hours. The student score incrementally increases based on the number of accumulated hours in the following intervals of time:

• 20 hours of shadowing experience with a medical provider (DO, MD, PA) is required as of 2025.
• Three letters of recommendation.
  • Letters of recommendation must be sent through the CASPA portal only and must not be from family members.
  • Letters of recommendation should come from current and/or former professors, current and/or former employers, and one (1) must be from a PA.
• All applicants for whom native or first language is not English must also score at least 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or an iBT total score of 90 (with no subscore lower than the minimums listed: Reading: 22, Listening: 21, Writing: 25, Speaking: 22) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) within two years prior to admission.
• Mississippi State University-Meridian details the Technical Standards needed by all students.

In support of the program's mission and vision, preference is given to Mississippi residents.​

Technical Standards

Students in the MSU Physician Assistant Program must possess ability, aptitude, and skills in these areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, behavioral/social and physical demands.

This description defines the capabilities that are necessary for an individual to complete successfully the MSU Physician Assistant curriculum.

Observation and Sensation

The PA student must possess sufficient visual, auditory, and tactile sensation to receive appropriate information in the classroom, laboratory, and other educational and clinical settings. Sensation must be satisfactory to receive verbal and nonverbal communications from patients and others, and to perform inspection, auscultation, and palpation techniques during the physical examination.

Communication

The PA student must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients, family members, and other clinicians. This includes expressive and receptive modes of verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. The student must have the ability to assess accurately receptive communication in order to make appropriate and timely responses. The student must be able to communicate attentively, effectively, and sensitively to others.

Motor Functions

Students must have sufficient strength and coordination to perform the activities required of a PA. These include but are not limited to performing a physical examination utilizing diagnostic instruments and techniques in palpation and percussion. Students must have sufficient stamina to sit, stand, and move within classroom, laboratory, examination rooms, treatment rooms, and operating rooms for long periods. The student must have sufficient coordination to move about patient care environments, and sufficient dexterity to use common medical instruments. Students must be able to arrange for transportation between educational and clinical settings.

Intellectual Capability

Clinical problem solving and reasoning requires these intellectual abilities and encompass those to accurately measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, learn, and retain information and make decisions in a timely manner. Students must be able to comprehend two and three-dimensional structures and must be able to understand diagnostic testing and treatment regimens.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

PA students must possess the emotional health required for the use of their intellectual and mental abilities, including logical thinking, good judgment, impulse control, empathy, interest, and motivation. These abilities should be sufficient to assure the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships with patients and those who care for them. Individuals must be able to maintain emotional health despite stress, uncertainty, and physically taxing workloads and to adapt to changing situations while handling the responsibilities associated with medical education and patient care.

MSU Physician Assistant Program will consider individuals for admission, progression, and graduation who demonstrate the skills, knowledge and the ability to perform or learn to perform the skills described in this document. Individuals are assessed not only on their scholastic accomplishments, but also on their skills, knowledge and abilities to meet the requirements of the program's curriculum and to graduate as skilled, safe, and effective practitioners of medicine. Therefore, the following technical requirements apply.

1. The applicant/student must have the ability to observe and participate in experiments in the basic sciences.
2. The applicant/student must have the ability to analyze, synthesize, extrapolate, solve problems, and reach diagnostic and therapeutic judgments in a timely manner.
3. The applicant/student must have sufficient use of the senses to learn to perform a physical examination.
4. The applicant/student must have the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, faculty, and peers.
5. The applicant/student must have the ability to learn to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.
6. The applicant/student must have the ability to learn to perform routine laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
7. The applicant/student must have the ability to learn to perform appropriately in emergencies.
8. The applicant/student must have the ability to display good judgment in the assessment and treatment of patients.

These technical standards are aligned with the technical standards required of students matriculating in accredited U.S. medical institutions.

Applicants and students must be able to meet the demands and performance expectations required of the MSU Physician Assistant Program student.

Application Process

Submit application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) https://caspa.liaisoncas.com.

The application of the student must be designated as VERIFIED by CASPA by August 1 of the application year to be considered for admission. Please review the CASPA website carefully for the definition of VERIFIED.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the progress of their CASPA application on the CASPA website.

Questions completing the CASPA application should be directed to CASPA.

Important Dates

• Each cohort begins orientation annually early January.
• CASPA application cycles open each April.
• Interviews are conducted each May - September. 
• The PA program operates independently from the academic calendar published by the registrar's office. Students receive fewer and shorter breaks throughout the calendar year.

*The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Mississippi State University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Mississippi State University.

Interview Process and Program Acceptance

Interviews will begin in May annually. Students will be admitted on a rolling basis.

The program will review verified applications on a rolling basis, offering interviews to highly qualified candidates.

In-person interviews are conducted by the Admissions Committee at the MSU-Meridian campus.

Students will receive programmatic information and participate in panel interviews.

Applicants will be notified of a decision regarding their application by the Admissions Committee within 30 days of interviewing.

All accepted students must pay a non-refundable $750 seat deposit fee within seven days of receiving an acceptance letter. The Seat Deposit Fee will be applied to tuition for enrolled students. Failure to pay the seat deposit will result in forfeiture of the seat.

Each cohort matriculates in the first two weeks of January annually.

Requirements of Accepted Applicants

1. American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification
2. Health Screenings and Immunizations
   If accepted into the program, applicants must pass background and health-related screenings. Information gathered from these screenings must match the information supplied on the applicant’s application. The applicant will be responsible for the costs of the screenings. If the applicant is unable to meet the standards, fails to complete all required screenings, or falsifies information, the applicant will automatically forfeit the seat and seat deposit. Further details about the screenings will be provided on acceptance. Screenings include: Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen.
3. Medical Clearance & Immunizations 
   Applicants offered a seat in the MSU Physician Assistant Program must undergo a physical examination, immunizations, and/or titers, TB testing, and completion of Health Forms prior to the start of the program. Requirements are based on current CDC guidelines for healthcare workers including immunizations. Failure to comply prior with the start of the program can result in seat forfeiture. Under no circumstance will students be permitted to participate in clinical experiences without medical clearance. This can have a significant impact on course grades associated with clinical experiences and, ultimately, lead to dismissal from the program.
4. Health Insurance
     Applicants offered a seat in the MSU Physician Assistant Program must provide proof of personal health insurance and maintain the insurance throughout the entire program. Failure to comply prior to the start of the program can result in seat forfeiture. Failure to comply while in the program can result in a delay in graduation or dismissal from the program. Mississippi State University offers health insurance through UnitedHealthcare for students who do not have private insurance. If a student is interested in enrolling in the university's health insurance plan, they can find further information at: https://www.healthcenter.msstate.edu/insurance
5. Transportation and Housing
    All students must have personal modes of transportation while enrolled in the program. All students must participate in all assigned clinical experiences during the didactic and clinical phases of the program. Required rotations can occur outside of the region or state. Students are responsible for housing and transportation costs during the entire program.
6. Full participation in orientation is required for matriculation.

• Students must provide the following completed documentation within two weeks of matriculation to remain in the program:
  • Proof of Completion of degree (if applicable, final official transcript)
  • A photocopy of the current BLS (CPR) certification
  • A photocopy of medical insurance card
  • Evidence of compliance with CDC guidelines for healthcare workers regarding immunizations and freedom from communicable diseases.
  • History and Physical Examination Form completed by PCP.

Technical Standards Requirement

All students must meet the technical standards requirement of the MSU Physician Assistant Program. 

If you are unable to meet all the technical standards without accommodation, Mississippi State University-Meridian will determine whether you can meet the technical standards with reasonable accommodation. This includes a review of whether the accommodations requested are reasonable, taking into account whether the accommodation would jeopardize patient safety or the educational process, including all coursework, clinical experiences, labs, and rotations deemed essential to graduate. 

Student Support and Disability Services  

Disability Resource Center | DRC 

Email: drc@msstate.edu 

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Process

How do I apply to the Mississippi State University Physician Assistant Program?

All applications must be submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Applications must be verified by CASPA before they can be reviewed by the admissions committee.

When does the application cycle open?

The CASPA application cycle opens each April.

What is the application deadline?

The CASPA application must be designated as VERIFIED by August 1 of the application year to be considered for admission.

Does the program use rolling admissions?

Yes. Verified applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and highly qualified candidates are offered interviews throughout the admissions cycle.

When are interviews conducted?

Interviews are conducted from May through September each year.

How long after my interview will I receive an admissions decision?

Applicants will be notified of a decision by the Admissions Committee within 30 days of interviewing.

How competitive is admission to the program?

Admission is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

What qualities does the admissions committee consider during holistic review?

The admissions committee considers academic strength, emotional intelligence, cultural competence, teamwork, professionalism, ethical responsibility, resilience, adaptability, critical thinking, community service, knowledge of the profession, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and patient care experience.

Is preference given to Mississippi residents?

Yes. In support of the program's mission and vision, preference is given to Mississippi residents.

Academic Requirements

Do I need a bachelor's degree to be admitted?

Yes. Applicants must complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university by the time of matriculation.

What GPA is required for admission?

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA or last 60-hour GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as determined by CASPA.

Is there a minimum science GPA requirement?

There is no minimum science GPA requirement. However, higher science GPAs receive more points in the admissions process.

Is the GRE required?

Yes. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. While there is no minimum score, higher scores earn additional points toward the overall application score.

Must all science courses be taken for science majors?

Yes. All science prerequisite courses must be designed for science majors.

What is the minimum grade required for prerequisite courses?

Applicants must earn a grade of C or higher. A grade of C- does not satisfy prerequisite requirements.

Can one course be used to satisfy multiple prerequisites?

No. A single course cannot be used to satisfy more than one prerequisite.

Can AP credit be used to fulfill science prerequisites?

No. AP courses may not be used to substitute for any science prerequisite.

Can prerequisite courses be completed at any institution?

Prerequisite courses must be completed at regionally accredited U.S. two-year or four-year colleges and universities.

How many prerequisite courses may be outstanding at the time of application?

By August 1 of the application year, applicants may have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses, including planned courses and courses in progress.

Patient Care and Shadowing Experience

How many direct patient care hours are required?

Applicants must have at least 80 hours of direct patient care experience.

Does having more patient care hours improve my application?

Yes. Applicants receive increasing point values based on the total number of accumulated patient care hours.

How many shadowing hours are required?

Applicants must complete at least 20 hours of shadowing with a medical provider, including a DO, MD, or PA.

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Three letters of recommendation are required.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Letters should come from current or former professors, current or former employers, and at least one letter must be from a physician assistant.

Can family members write letters of recommendation?

No. Letters of recommendation may not be submitted by family members.

How should letters of recommendation be submitted?

Letters must be submitted through the CASPA portal.

Technical Standards

What are the technical standards for the PA program?

Students must demonstrate abilities in observation and sensation, communication, motor functions, intellectual capability, and behavioral and social attributes.

Can students receive accommodations for technical standards?

If an applicant cannot meet the technical standards without accommodation, Mississippi State University-Meridian will evaluate whether the standards can be met through reasonable accommodation without compromising patient safety or the educational process.

Program Acceptance

Is a seat deposit required after acceptance?

Yes. Accepted students must submit a non-refundable $750 seat deposit within seven days of receiving an acceptance letter.

What happens if I do not pay the seat deposit?

Failure to pay the seat deposit within seven days will result in forfeiture of the seat.

When does the program begin?

Each cohort begins orientation in early January, and full participation in orientation is required for matriculation.

Requirements for Accepted Students

Is Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required?

Yes. Accepted students must obtain American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification.

Will I need to complete a background check and drug screening?

Yes. Accepted applicants must successfully complete required criminal background checks and drug screenings.

Are immunizations and health screenings required?

Yes. Students must complete required health screenings, immunizations, titers, TB testing, and health forms before beginning the program.

Is health insurance required?

Yes. Students must provide proof of personal health insurance and maintain coverage throughout the program.

Do students need their own transportation?

Yes. Students must have personal transportation to participate in required educational and clinical experiences, which may occur outside the local area or state.

Are students responsible for housing during clinical rotations?

Yes. Students are responsible for housing and transportation costs throughout the program, including during clinical experiences.