Desales University Physician Assistant Program

✔ What This Program Looks For in Applicants

Requires bachelor’s, CASPA-verified cumulative and science GPA >=3.0, and one standardized test (PA-CAT >=483, GRE >=290, or MCAT >=491) by Dec 1.

Min 500 hours direct patient care. Ten prerequisite courses completed with grade 2.0+ before matriculation. Competitive matriculant profile (5-cycle avg): 3.79 cGPA, 3.75 science GPA, ~2,165 patient-care hours, GRE ~309.

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

Desales University PA Program Mission Statement

The mission of the physician assistant program is consistent with the enduring Christian Humanistic traditions of DeSales University and seeks to graduate physician assistants who dedicate themselves to the total well-being of the patient. Graduates of the program will deliver competent and compassionate health care including preventative services and wellness education to patients of diverse populations in a variety of settings. They will consider the patient holistically in the context of family, community, and society, and incorporate ethical principles into a patient-focused practice. They will serve their patients by using evidence-based medicine and promoting life-long learning in the profession.

PA PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Accredited Status: Continuing Accreditation
Campus Location: Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Degrees Offered: Masters
Class Start Month: August
Class Duration: 24 months
Class Capacity: 46 students
Seat Deposit: $1,500
International Students: Accepted
TOEFL: Required
Direct Entry / Dual Degree: Yes (BS-MS) — BS Medical Studies to MSPAS (about 5 years), freshman entry. The program does not explicitly promise a guaranteed seat.

TUITION

Total cost with required fees: $110,400
Resident tuition: $102,900 (excludes program fees)
Nonresident tuition: $102,900 (excludes program fees)

PANCE PASS RATE

First-time PANCE pass rate: 96%
Five year first-time PANCE pass rate: 97%

APPLICATION INFORMATION

CASPA Participant: Yes
Application Deadline: December
Supplemental Application: Supplemental Application Not Required
CASPA Deadline Type: Verified by deadline

GPA

Overall GPA: 3.0
Science GPA: 3.0
Prereq GPA: No Minimum
Average Applicant GPA Accepted:
- Overall: 3.79
- Science: 3.73

Prerequisite GPA: Minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites
Prerequisite completion: must be completed within 5 year(s)
Prerequisite Coursework: General Chemistry (3 cr); Organic Chemistry (3 cr); General Biology (3 cr); Anatomy (3 cr); Physiology (3 cr); Microbiology (3 cr); General Psychology (3 cr); English (6 cr); Statistics (3 cr) — must be completed within 5 (Microbiology & A&P I/II only)

EXPERIENCE

Required Experience Hours (PCE/HCE): 500

SHADOWING

PA Shadowing Recommended

EVALUATIONS

3-5 (appropriate references include instructors or professors, academic advisors, and supervisors, especially those supervising direct patient care)

GRE

GRE Required

CASPer

CASPer Not Required
For more information on CASPer click here

PA-CAT

PA-CAT Required
For more information on PA-CAT click here

PAEA Program Directory

PAEA PA Program Directory Link

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