FAQs
- When will the application cycle open to be considered for a seat in the class matriculating in January?
- What is the length of the master’s program?
- What degree will be awarded?
- What would the profile of the “ideal” successful applicant look like?
- Does the program grant advanced placement?
- Will the program require drug screening?
- What is the start date and how many positions are available in each class?
- Do I need to have all the prerequisite courses before I apply?
- Can I apply through CASPA?
- Why is a background investigation required?
- Does UC give preference for a certain type of undergraduate degree?
- What will happen if I am unable to matriculate in the UCPAP in the year for which I was accepted?
- When are the deposits due if selected for the UCPAP?
- Are there any scholarships?
When will the application cycle open to be considered for a seat in the class matriculating in January?
The application cycle for classes beginning in each January opens in late April and closes on August 1st of the previous year. Interested applicants can register for an online account through CASPA.
What is the length of the master’s program?
The professional program is seven consecutive semesters spanning 28 months. This includes 16 months of didactic work followed by 12 months of supervised clinical practice experiences.
What degree will be awarded?
Upon successful completion of the Physician Assistant Program, students will be awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
What would the profile of the “ideal” successful applicant look like?
The “ideal” candidate will be well-rounded demonstrating excellent grades, hands-on patient care experience, outstanding and altruistic commitment to service and volunteerism, have a passion for medicine and the PA profession, and desire to serve as a primary care practitioner in a medically underserved area.
Does the program grant advanced placement?
Advanced placement will not be granted under any circumstances. All students who enter the program must fulfill all program requirements.
Will the program require drug screening?
Drug screening will be performed on all students during the didactic year prior to the onset of supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE). Students may be subject to random drug screenings any time during the didactic and supervised clinical practice experience phases.
What is the start date and how many positions are available in each class?
Each cohort begins in January. 33 seats will be awarded for each matriculating class.
Do I need to have all the prerequisite courses before I apply?
No. Candidates may have outstanding prerequisite courses and still apply to the program. However, all candidates who are accepted must complete any outstanding prerequisite
courses prior to matriculation and provide transcripts as evidence of completion as described in the Admissions policy.
Can I apply through CASPA?
Traditional Admission applications must be submitted through CASPA.
Why is a background investigation required?
Supervised clinical practice experience sites require background investigations for employees and students.
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Does UC give preference for a certain type of undergraduate degree?
No. We value admitting a class with students who have a variety of different types of bachelor’s degrees.
What will happen if I am unable to matriculate in the UCPAP in the year for which I was accepted?
You will relinquish your seat and must reapply in the next application cycle.
When are the deposits due if selected for the UCPAP?
An initial deposit of $500 is due within 14 days after you activate your UCPAP account on the University of Charleston portal. The link to activate your account will be provided when you receive your official email acceptance notification.
For students entering the program through the Traditional Admission pathway, a second deposit of $500 is due on November 1. The deposits are applied to the first semester tuition for the professional program.
Are there any scholarships?
Scholarship funding is generally very limited for PA students. Students may opt to apply for National Health Service Corps scholarships or tuition repayment plans in exchange for primary care service in healthcare shortage areas. Check the US National Health site at www.nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/ for information. Branches of the military also offer scholarships in exchange for military service.
If you are a resident of West Virginia, you may be eligible for the Health Sciences Program at WV.