University of South Carolina SOM Physician Assistant Program

✔ What This Program Looks For in Applicants

Scored on GRE (300+ preferred), patient-care hours, LORs, personal statement.

Preference: SC residents, USC alumni, US veterans, cumulative GPA >=3.2, science GPA >=3.2, GRE >=300, 2000+ HCE hours.

Summarized from the program’s official admissions / selection-process pages. Always confirm current details on the program’s website.

💬 How This Program Interviews

Where: On campus

In-person interviews on the School of Medicine campus are required for all applicants and are held at the invitation of the Admissions Committee, with early decision interview days offered in June and July and additional interviews in August. Candidates must complete a graduate school questionnaire before interviewing, and decisions are typically released within about two weeks afterward.

Summarized from University of South Carolina SOM’s own admissions and interview pages — verified 2026-08-01. Interview formats and dates change between cycles, so confirm with the program before you make travel plans. See the program’s interview page.

University of South Carolina SOM PA Program Mission Statement

We educate and train highly competent, compassionate, and collaborative PAs to deliver patient-centered care as part of an interprofessional team.

PA PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Accredited Status: Continuing Accreditation
Campus Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Degrees Offered: Masters
Class Start Month: January
Class Duration: 27 months
Class Capacity: 30 students
Seat Deposit: $1,000
International Students: Not Accepted
TOEFL: Required

TUITION

Total cost with required fees: $65,310 (resident) · $106,491 (nonresident)
Resident tuition: $52,815 (excludes program fees)
Nonresident tuition: $91,896 (excludes program fees)

PANCE PASS RATE

First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Five year first-time PANCE pass rate: 98%

APPLICATION INFORMATION

CASPA Participant: Yes
Application Deadline: August
Supplemental Application: Supplemental Application Not Required
CASPA Deadline Type: Verified
Fee: None

GPA

Overall GPA: 3.2
Science GPA: 3.2
Science GPA: 3.20
Average Applicant GPA Accepted:
- Overall: 3.67
- Science: See Program Website

Prerequisite GPA: See Program Website
Prerequisite completion: must be completed within 7 year(s)
Prerequisite Coursework: General Chemistry (8 cr); Organic Chemistry (4 cr); Anatomy (4 cr); Physiology (4 cr); Microbiology (3 cr); Genetics (3 cr); General Psychology (3 cr); Medical Terminology (1 cr); Statistics (3 cr) — None stated (but A&P coursework must be Fall 2019 or later)

EXPERIENCE

Required Experience Hours (PCE/HCE): 500

SHADOWING

PA Shadowing Recommended

EVALUATIONS

Three recommendation letters required (view program website for evaluator requirements)

GRE

Required

CASPer

CASPer Not Required
For more information on CASPer click here

PA-CAT

PA-CAT Not Required
For more information on PA-CAT click here

PAEA Program Directory

PAEA PA Program Directory Link

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