Grand Valley State University Physician Assistant Program

✔ What This Program Looks For in Applicants

Applicants ranked objectively on academic criteria (overall GPA, last-60 GPA, prerequisite GPA) plus factors: prior healthcare degree with clinical experience, >10,000 hrs healthcare experience, recommendation rubrics, military service, >5,000 hrs volunteer, >5,000 hrs leadership, Casper scores, >=30 GVSU credits, economically disadvantaged background, commitment to underserved communities.

Minimum 500 healthcare hours.

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

💬 How This Program Interviews

Format: Varies by cycle Where: On campus

The Grand Rapids program runs a half-day interview event combining individual interviews with faculty and local health care community members, a group interview with program administration, and a faculty panel, plus a facility tour with current students.

Summarized from Grand Valley State University’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.

Grand Valley State University PA Program Mission Statement

To prepare highly competent physician assistants who embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion; lead and advance the profession; and provide quality patient-centered healthcare in all communities and settings.

PA PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Accredited Status: Continuing Accreditation
Campus Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Degrees Offered: Masters
Class Start Month: August
Class Duration: 28 months
Class Capacity: 36
Seat Deposit: See Program Website
International Students: Accepted
TOEFL: Required

TUITION

Resident tuition: $98,612
Nonresident tuition: $98,612

PANCE PASS RATE

First-time PANCE pass rate: 96%
Five year first-time PANCE pass rate: 93%

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Caspa Participant: Yes
Application Deadline: September
Supplemental Application: Supplemental Application Required
CASPA Deadline Type: Received by deadline (app + transcripts + 2 references)
Fee: $30

GPA

Overall GPA: 3.0
Science GPA: 3.0
Prereq GPA: 3.0
Average Applicant GPA Accepted:
- Overall: 3.82
- Science: 3.88
Prerequisite GPA: Minimum grade of C required for all prerequisites
Prerequisite completion: must be completed within 5 year(s)
Prerequisite Coursework: Organic Chemistry; Biochemistry; Anatomy; Physiology; Microbiology — must be completed within 5 (excl. Organic Chemistry)

EXPERIENCE

Required Experience Hours (PCE/HCE): 500

SHADOWING

PA Shadowing Recommended

EVALUATIONS

Minimum of two recommendation rubrics; at least one must be completed by a healthcare professional, the other by either a second healthcare professional or a professor

GRE

GRE Not Required

CASPer

CASPer 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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