General Information
Two admission pathways have been developed for the University of Charleston PA Program:
- Direct Admission
- PA Fast Track
Direct Admission
Direct admission applicants must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited institution of higher education prior to the matriculation date for which application is being made. The bachelor’s degree does not have to be completed prior to submitting an application but there must be a feasible plan for degree completion prior to the program start date for which application is being made.
In order for us to accurately determine United States educational equivalency, applicants who have completed coursework and/or obtained a degree from an educational institution outside the United States are required to have their educational credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Evaluation reports should be sent directly from WES to the UC PA Program.
Application Process
The application process is described in detail on the Application Requirements and Application Analysis Process pages. Any questions about this process should be directed to Pam Carden MA via email at pamcarden@ucwv.edu.
PA Fast Track
The PA Fast Track is only available to students who are currently enrolled at UC, providing an opportunity for undergraduate students to gain early admittance into the UC PA Program. Students who have completed more than 30 hours of college credit from other institutions are not eligible and will be required to apply for admission to the PA program through the Direct Admission process (see above). All other UC students are eligible to apply. Highly motivated students can earn a Master’s degree and become eligible to practice in a total of only five years from entering UC as a freshman.
Application Timing
UC students are welcome to apply at any time during the course of their undergraduate studies. As the PA Fast Track is designed to allow high achieving students to enter the PA Program prior to receiving a Bachelor’s degree, the ideal time to apply would be during the Summer following the Spring semester of a student’s freshman or sophomore year.
Prerequisite Timing
Prerequisite courses do not have to be completed prior to entry into the PA Fast Track. Prerequisites only need to be completed prior to the start of the PA Program.
Application Process
The application process is described in detail on the Application Requirements and Application Analysis Process pages. Any questions about this process should be directed to Pam Carden MA via email at pamcarden@ucwv.edu.
If Accepted into the PA Fast Track
Students who are accepted into the PA Fast Track will have seats reserved for them in the PA Program as long as they meet the following requirements:
- Completion of all prerequisite courses with a grade of “B” or higher
- Completion of at least 75 semester hours of undergraduate coursework
- Maintenance of a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20
- Accrual of at least 200 hours of direct patient care experience each academic year prior to matriculation into the PA Program
If NOT Accepted into the PA Fast Track
Students who are not accepted into the PA Fast Track but still desire to become a physician assistant:
- Continue to work towards a Bachelor’s degree while earning the necessary prerequisites for the physician assistant program AND
- Continue to strengthen their application in anticipation of applying for the PA Fast Track during the next application cycle OR
- Complete their Bachelor’s degree and prepare to apply for Direct Admissions into the UC PA Program
Advanced Placement
Advanced placement will not be granted under any circumstances. All students who enter the professional phase must fulfill all program requirements.