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Admission

Our 27-month program, offered at the beautiful Oxford campus, offers students an integrative curriculum, using several methods of delivery, exploration and technologies which will serve the interests of all learners.

Forms for Admission

All application-related forms for our program, including the Physician Associate Shadowing form and the Direct Patient Care Verification form, can be downloaded here.

If you have any questions or issues retrieving these forms, please email pastudies@MiamiOH.edu.

Our Curriculum

The curriculum is built around introductory sciences, exploration of organ systems using modular strategies, and focus on disciplinary talents before clinical rotations. During the program, students will consider their role as pragmatic clinical researchers and stewards of emerging technologies, including point of care ultrasound (POCUS), in serving patient populations and health systems with limited resources.

Our program will instill knowledge, confidence, and professionalism through the didactic and clinical years, fostering the growth of our future clinicians. The mission and vision of Miami University’s Physician Associate Studies program is the education of a graduate with a keen interest in clinical research, a commitment to serve rural Ohio, a passion for growing the profession, and a desire to serve all communities.

The most ideal applicant for Miami University’s program is one who is a highly skilled and versatile communicator, possessing the ability to demonstrate academic preparedness with a resolve to be successful despite the rigors of intensive medical training. Such an applicant will often stand out during the screening process, which includes a review of a candidate’s academic accomplishments, competitive community service record, and strong letters of recommendation.

The prerequisites assure a foundational knowledge and experience commensurate with a medical science concentration, that the program is designed to build upon.

In all, students should also model essential characteristics of personal integrity, professionalism, exemplary leadership, and compassion. Often these characteristics are challenged by our diversity of life experiences, which frequently motivates our desire to be a clinician and serve our patients as practicing Physician Assistants. All these are considered for acceptance to our program.

Additional information about admission policies and the selection process may be found on our frequently asked questions page. Those wishing to learn more are invited to attend one of our several information sessions and events provided throughout the year.

Our faculty are here to support you, in any way we are able. We are happy to support applicants throughout preparation, as we do our students through graduate medical education and into clinical practice. Our faculty possesses a wealth of experience in clinical practice and education, each with a desire to help our students succeed.

We are honored to partner with students and assist them in preparing for a healthcare career, particularly the most rewarding professions. We invite you to apply to Miami University’s Physician Associate Studies program- we look forward to hearing from you. 

Professor Rebekah Moore,
Academic Director and Assistant Professor

Admission Requirements

Applicants to Miami University’s PA Program must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum natural science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates are required to complete the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application.

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  • Prerequisite courses listed will need to be completed at a regionally accredited institution. There is no specific number of credit hours needed per course and no specific university academic level is required. The course of study must be satisfactorily completed with a grade of C or higher. No more than 2 pre-requisite courses may have a grade of C.
  • The program will accept the higher grade for prerequisite courses that have been retaken, a course may not be retaken more than once. If a candidate has taken a course more than 2 times only the first two attempts will be considered.
  • Each pre-requisite course must have been completed within 10 years of matriculation date, except for Anatomy and Physiology with lab to be completed within 5 years of matriculation into the program. Note Human Anatomy and Physiology may be combined but then requires 2 semesters with lab components
    • General Biology (one year) with lab
    • General Chemistry (one year) with lab
    • Human Anatomy (one semester) with lab
    • Human Physiology (one semester) with lab
    • Microbiology (one semester) with lab
    • Organic chemistry (one semester) with lab
    • Biochemistry (one semester)
    • Psychology (one semester)
    • Abnormal or Developmental psychology (one semester)
    • Statistics (One semester)
  • The program will accept Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP credit for prerequisite courses. These courses will NOT be used to calculate the required minimum GPA.
  • The program may accept online and hybrid courses from regionally accredited institutions, pending review of the syllabus by the Admissions Committee. To assure the material is comprehensive and delivered in a comparable manner to a traditional classroom, the committee may ask to review an applicants syllabi and/or course bulletin. While online courses are considered on a case-by-case basis, labs conducted online are not generally viewed favorably by the committee.
  • Applicants may have no more than 2 pre-requisite courses in progress the semester prior to starting the program in May. Candidates cannot matriculate into the program without successful completion of all prerequisite coursework.
Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required See http://www.ets.org/gre for further information. Our program code is 3372

  • The exam must have been completed within the last 5 years (at the time of matriculation)
  • No substitutes for the exam will be considered such as (i.e. MCAT, PA-CAT, GMAT)
  • There is no minimum score requirement
  • If the applicant were to take the GRE multiple times, the admissions committee will superscore the GRE. This entails the use of the highest score in a given section of the exam.
Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient
  • One from a healthcare provider (PA, MD or DO) who can attest to the candidate’s passion for medicine and career as a PA.
  • One from a college professor (current or prior) or supervisor.
  • One from another professional colleague or mentor (No family members permitted).
Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient
  • Minimum patient care experience of 200 hours which could be either paid or voluntary
  • Highly recommended the candidate have more direct patient care hours (e.g. nurse aide, medical assistant, STNA, EMT etc.). For further clarifications please see FAQs
  • All patient care hours need to be documented and submitted via CASPA using the programs verification form. Please email pastudies@miamioh.edu for a copy of the verification forms.
Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient
  • Minimum 20 hours of shadowing a PA in a clinical setting.
  • All shadowing hours need to be documented and submitted via CASPA using the programs verification form. Please email pastudies@miamioh.edu for a copy of the verification forms.
Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient

No applicant who was dismissed from, or discontinued their participation in, a health professional program due to an academic deficiency or non-academic policy violation(s) will be considered for admission.

International students may apply but must meet the same requirements for admissions as stated above. All international students must also provide proof of English language proficiency per University policy listed here. All international transcripts from an institution in any country other than the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation, plus determination of letter grade equivalent. Either of the following agencies may be used for international transcript evaluation: World Education Services or Education Credentials Evaluators.

After completion of the CASPA application and evaluation of the candidate by the admissions committee the ideal candidate will be invited for an interview. During the interview the panel will assess the candidate’s readiness to undertake the rigors of medical education. The admissions committee will consider a holistic review of all information available including academic achievements, letters of recommendation, community service, interpersonal and communication skills, personal integrity, professionalism, compassion, diversity of life experiences and motivation for a career as a physician associate.

Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient

Applicants with the below attributes will be given preference during the review process. Please note that if a candidate meets any or all of these preferences, that is not a guarantee for an interview or admission.

  • Graduates of Miami University
  • Veterans of the Armed forces
  • Applicants with significant patient care experience (direct patient care & shadowing)
  • Applicants with higher cumulative GPA and higher natural science GPA
  • Applicants with research experience
  • Applicants who are residents of rural, partially rural or Appalachian Ohio counties as defined by Ohio Rural Health Association. Please see link for listed counties https://www.ohioruralhealth.org/ohio-rural-health-improvement-plan
    • Adams, Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Drake, Defiance, Erie, Fairfield, Fayette, Fulton, Gallia, Geauga, Green, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Logan, Lorain, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Morgan, Marrow, Muskingum, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Scioto, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Washington, Wayne, Wood, Wyandot.
    • Counties not considered rural are as follows: Clark, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Hamilton, Lake, Licking, Lucas, Medina, Montgomery, Portage, Summit, Warren.
  • Program values applicants with exceptional background in leadership, volunteerism, those who are underrepresented minorities, first generation college, or those who come from an economically disadvantaged background. We highly encourage candidates to share their diverse life experiences and background through the application and interview process. The program values candidates who have demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity.
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There is no acceleration or advance standing/placement in the program regardless of prior experience or degree.

Miami University’s Physician Associate program does not accept transfer students.

Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient

While it is notable that academic standards be defined, understood and accomplished, technical demands for graduation from Miami University’s Physician Associate Studies program also must be assumed.

Technical standards are those standards that refer to the holistic physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of the curriculum. These will differ from those identified as exclusively academic, possessing components that are considered: physical (motor/sensory), communicative, intellectual, behavioral and social (working)

Such technical standards are considered within the program, in each course, preparing students for student learning outcomes, framed within the professional competencies.

For such professional requirements and conduct, may include the following:

  • Thinking critically, with sound judgement, emotional stability, maturity, empathy, and physical and mental stamina
  • Learn and function in a wide variety of didactic and clinical settings, displaying the ability to process, retain, comprehend, integrate, analyze, synthesize and apply large volumes of material related to the higher order art, practice and science of medicine, including those that are legal, ethical and moral in nature.

This often requires a commitment to long hours of class, laboratory, clinical and self-directed study situations and environments

  • Communicate effectively and professionally using both verbal and in written communication means.
  • Effectiveness often depends on using appropriate grammar, spelling, and vocabulary- as well as timeliness.
  • Comprehend and immediately, respond to auditory instructions or requests.
  • Think clearly and act appropriately, professionally, and calmly within stressful situations.
  • Work cooperatively, preserving relationships with other members of the education and health care team.
  • Participation in educational activities including: examinations, demonstrations, simulations, presentations, evaluations, labs.

Observation/Sensation:

Students must be able to acquire information in all didactic and clinical settings through a variety of sources to include, but not limited to oral presentation, written material, visual media, and live presentations/demonstrations.

Students must possess function of visual, tactile, auditory senses in order to perform necessary skills for physical examination.

  • Full range of motion including capabilities, including: patient movement, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. (Ex. Perform fine and gross motor skills with both hands, including CPR)
  • Frequent, prolonged patient interactions and essential activities that include: standing and walking for prolonged periods (ex. surgical services, inpatient medicine)
  • Classrooms and laboratory experiences may require prolonged sitting
  • Corrected or normal visual and/or hearing acuity
  • Working effectively in physically and mentally stressful situations, within long and irregular hours.

Communication:

Students MUST be able to communicate, professionally and effectively. While various methods of communication (written and verbal) are required by the clinician to accomplish this, the fundamental expectations of courtesy and effectiveness are applied equally.

While nuances exist within healthcare, graduate level work requires the use of proper terminology and language, appropriate spelling and vocabulary.

Proper communication is essential to communicate patient evaluations, findings and conclusions. Additionally, students must communicate in a professional manner to all patients and their families, peers, and other members of a healthcare team.

Intellectual-Conceptual Abilities:

Students must be able to think critically, with sound judgement, in order to understand, assess and solve clinical problems. This includes the ability to collect, organize, prioritize, reason, analyze, integrate, learn, and retain information, often in a limited time frame. Students must also be able to comprehend two and three-dimensional structures, and understand spatial relationships of structures.

Motor Functions:

Students must possess the necessary motor skills to perform a physical examination, maneuver instruments or diagnostic tools appropriately to reach essential conclusions, and perform medical procedures. Students must also have the physical capabilities, strength and stamina to sit, stand, and move within classroom, laboratory and clinical areas including, though not limited to examination rooms, treatment rooms/trauma bays, surgical suites, critical care and inpatients floors.

Behavioral/Social Aspects:

Students must demonstrate psychological and emotional stability at a level necessary to deliver sound patient care in all settings and to interact with the interdisciplinary healthcare teams. The students must be able to tolerate physical, emotional, and intellectual stress during the educational period while responding appropriately and professionally and tolerate the physically taxing workloads commensurate with clinical work.

Students should also expect that they will perform physical examinations on each other during the program. Additionally, they are expected to perform sensitive male and female genital exams on guided learners during the didactic year and assess patients of all ages, sex, gender during their clinical rotation experiences (Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences, i.e. SCPE's).

Student puts on white latex glove to work with a patient

After candidates' application is reviewed and interviews are conducted the program will extend an offer of acceptance. The candidate will be asked to provide a $1000 upfront non-refundable partial tuition payment, which will be used to secure their seat in the program. This tuition payment will be put towards full tuition at the time of matriculation.

Prior to matriculation to Miami University’s PA Program, all applicants MUST report criminal convictions on their CASPA application. If the criminal background check, as performed by Universal Background Screening, detects a criminal conviction not already disclosed on the CASPA application by the student, the student may not be allowed to enter the PA program until further review by the Admissions Committee and Program Director.

Complete disclosure of felony and misdemeanor convictions is necessary, as it can impact a student’s ability to participate at clinical sites and eligibility for state licensure after graduation.

Please note that background checks, drug screening, and any additional proof of immunization that will occur during the program (usually conducted annually) is at the student’s expense. These are requirements of most clinical sites.

Matriculating candidates to the program may be asked to have a medical screening examination by a health care professional who can attest to the student’s ability to meet the Technical Standards of Physician Associate Studies students with reasonable accommodations, if necessary

Each candidate needs to submit proof of health insurance coverage through the entirety of the program at the students expense.

Immunizations are extremely important to students during their tenure at Miami University’s PA Program and as future medical professionals. Students matriculating into the program are required to maintain current immunizations as stated by the CDC Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers. Vaccination status will be verified (either with proof of vaccination vs titers drawn) by Exxat APPROVE compliance management system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions on Prerequisite Courses:

Can an applicant have courses in progress when applying to the program?

A candidate may have up to 2 courses in progress the semester before starting (matriculating) into the program. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure all pre-requisite coursework is completed on time and in a satisfactory manner.

What if I still have some other prerequisite work pending at the time of application, such as health care hours or shadowing hours?

As long as you have an achievable plan that can be met by our deadline you can apply to the program and be considered for interviews. Please make sure you use the custom questions within CASPA to explain your plan on how you will be completing any outstanding coursework or healthcare experiences.

What is the cost to apply to the program?

CASPA charges $184 for the first program you apply to and $61 for each additional program. CASPA does offer a fee waiver program for more details please visit.

If I were to retake a course how will the program calculate my GPA?

If a course is being retaken the program will calculate your cumulative and science GPA using the higher grade. A course may not be taken more than two times (if a candidate retakes a course more than 2 times, we will consider the first two attempts).

Is there a minimum grade requirement for prerequisite coursework?

Yes, a candidate has to attain a grade of C or higher on any prerequisite coursework and no more than 2 courses may have a grade of C.

Can I apply to the program if I have not yet obtained my Bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you may but please explain within the application your plan to attain your degree prior to starting (matriculating) the program in May.

What type of experiences count towards direct patient care hours?

Think of direct patient care hours as providing healthcare to patients, these tend to be more hands-on experiences. These hours can be paid or voluntary in nature. We will accept hours obtained as a nurse’s aide, nursing assistant, medical assistant, STNA, EMT, PT aide, paramedic etc. At this time, we will also accept scribing and pharmacy technician experience but please note “hands-on” experiences we find are more valuable to students during the interview process and when matriculating into the program.

Does the program require a Medical Terminology course?

No, Medical Terminology is included as part of the curriculum of the program. Prior certification or coursework does not allow a student to obtain advance standing.

Does my coursework expire? How old can my prerequisite course be?

All prerequisite coursework needs to be completed within 10 years of matriculation into the program (starting the program in May), except Anatomy & Physiology with labs need to be completed within 5 years of matriculating into the program. The PA Program curriculum is very rigorous and we want to ensure every student’s success within the program.

Does the program require the GRE? Is there a minimum score?

Yes, Miami University’s PA Program does require the GRE but we do not have a minimum score. Our program code is 3372. To be a competitive candidate during the selection process it is encouraged to have a combined score of 300 in the quantitative and verbal sections and a writing score above 4.

How recent do the GRE scores need to be?

GRE has to be taken within 5 years of matriculating into the program.

What is the cost to take the GRE? Where can I register?

The registration fee for the General GRE is $221. You can register at www.ets.org/gre. Please send your scores through CASPA and our Miami University PA Program code is 3372. Please note GRE does offer a Fee Reduction Program, please visit the link before for more details.

Questions on Admissions Process:

What is the best advice you could give a candidate interested in your program?

Apply early! The program has rolling admissions meaning, decisions as made as interviews are conducted. The CASPA portal opens at the end of April each year.

Are there preferences given to candidates during the application process?

Yes, we give preference to graduates of Miami University, Veterans of the armed forces, candidates with research experience, candidates that live in a rural, partially rural or Appalachian county in Ohio as stated on our website. Preference is also given to candidates with higher GPAs, those with higher direct patient care experience and those with more shadowing hours. We will perform a holistic review of the candidate’s application looking at academic and non-academic attributes such as are they a first-generation college student, come from an economically disadvantaged background, demonstrated service, leadership, commitment to their community and those that are underrepresented minorities in medicine. Please note this is not an all-encompassing list but just a few of the attributes our admissions committee will be looking for.

Do you accept International Applicants?

International students may apply but must meet the same requirements for admissions as stated for all candidates. All international students must also provide proof of English language proficiency per University policy listed here. All international transcripts from an institution in any country other than the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation, plus determination of letter grade equivalence. Either of the following agencies may be used for international transcript evaluation: World Education Services or Education Credentials Evaluators.

Does Miami University’s PA program sponsor visas for international students?

No

Does Miami University’s PA program offer advanced standing?

No, there is no acceleration or advanced placement regardless of prior experience, certification or degree.

When will the program conduct interviews?

The program conducts rolling admissions, therefore as applications are reviewed within CASPA interviews will be conducted between June – January, until the cohort is full.

Does the program require a background check?

Yes, each candidate offered a seat within the program will be required to complete a BCI and FBI background check.

How many students will be accepted into the program?

In accordance with the ARC-PA accreditation requirements, the program not accept more than 36-students per cohort.

Questions about the Program:

What is the length of the program?

The program is 27 months in length. The first 15 months approximately is the didactic phase (classroom phase) and the last 12 months clinical phase of education. The program will begin in May and end August 27 months later.

What is the structure of the PA Program Curriculum?

The curriculum is organized to be system based and modular in design.

Can I attend the program part-time? Can I work while in the program?

There is no part-time option available. The PA Program is extremely rigorous and demanding therefore students are discouraged to work while in the didactic and clinical phase of education.

How many rotations and clinical electives are offered within the curriculum?

Our program offers 11 rotations in varying specialties such as internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, surgery, emergency medicine and orthopedics. We also offer 3 electives, two structured within general medicine and emergency medicine. We also offer one open clinical elective.

Does the program require a capstone project for graduation?

Yes, students are required to develop a professional public health poster presentation, display leadership within a clinical topic presentation and finalize a research manuscript for submission by the time of graduation.

As a student is it my responsibility to find my own rotation sites?

No, students are NOT required to provide or solicit for clinical sites or preceptors. The program will place students on clinical rotations with qualified and licensed preceptors who meet the ARC-PA standards. Students are always welcome to make suggestions if they know of someone interested in becoming a preceptor.

Will Miami University offer housing to PA students?

No, Miami does not offer housing for PA students. Some graduate students, in other programs, do apply to live in on-campus housing as a paid Graduate Resident Director. Due to our strict policy regarding outside employment, it is best for students to find housing off-campus. To help make your apartment search easier consider using Miami’s Off-Campus Housing Website.

What is the cost of tuition? Does it differ from in-state vs out of state residents?

No, there is no difference in cost of attendance for in-state or out of state residents.

When I graduate from the program and begin practicing, will I be called a physician associate?

While the profession has proposed a name change and the program uses the physician associate studies title to reflect it's curriculum, graduates who successfully complete their PANCE, seek and are awarded a license in the state of Ohio at this time will be licensed to practice as "physician assistants"

ARC Related Policies:

All program policies apply to all students, principal faculty, and directors of Miami University and PA Program. In cases where policies need to be superseded at Supervised Clinical Practice Experience (SCPE) sites, a signed clinical affiliation agreement or memorandum of understanding must be executed and specify which program policies will be superseded by those at the clinical site (in accordance with Fifth Ed. Standards, A1.01, A3.01).

Are any classes for the PA program held at any Miami University branch campuses or online courses? A1.05

No, the Miami University Physician Associate Studies Program is only taught at the Oxford, Ohio Campus.

Will I be required to obtain clinical rotation sites and/or preceptors for my clinical year? A3.03

Students are prohibited from contacting and making any contractual/training arrangements for their own clinical placements. It is the responsibility of Miami University PA Program to identify and schedule sites used for the Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences.

Will I be able to work for the PA Program while enrolled as a student? A3.04

The Miami University Physician Associate Studies Program reflects policies consistent with the ARC-PA, prohibiting students from working for the program.

What are the Miami University PA Program immunization policy? A3.07

Immunizations are extremely important to students during their tenure at Miami University’s PA Program and as future medical professionals. Students matriculating into the program are required to maintain current immunizations as stated by the CDC Recommended Vaccines for Healthcare Workers. Vaccination status will be verified (either with proof of vaccination vs titers drawn) by Exxat APPROVE compliance management system.

What resources does Miami University offer to help facilitate student success? A3.10

Faculty members will offer support, professional mentorship, and advising during a student’s time in the program. When necessary, these faculty advisors will provide timely referrals, consistent with program operating procedures.

Are there any admission requirements regarding prior education or work experience? A3.13b

Applicants to Miami University’s PA Program must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum natural science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students are also required to have a minimum of 20 hours shadowing a PA in a clinical setting and a minimum of 200 hours patient care work experience However, applicants are reminded that the program is competitive and what is required is the minimum. Accomplishing these requirements alone does not guarantee an interview or entry into the program.

Are there any practices for awarding or granting advanced placement? A3.13c, A3.16

No, There are no acceleration or advance standing/placement in Miami University PA Program regardless of prior experience or degree.

Are there any academic standards for enrollment? A3.13d

Applicants to Miami University’s PA Program must have a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum natural science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are also not allowed to have more than 2 prerequisites in progress during the semester prior to beginning the program. No applicant who was dismissed from, or discontinued their participation in, a health professional program due to an academic deficiency or non-academic policy violation(s) will be considered for admission.

Are any technical standards required for enrollment? A3.13e

Yes, please refer to our Technical Standards.

How will I receive access to all the program policies for the Didactic and Clinical Years? A3.02

In Accordance with the ARC Standards, A3.02, students will be able to receive a copy of the policies with access to the University (CANVAS) website. This will be reviewed on the first day of class and students will be required to sign an attestation affirming their intention to comply with those standards.

Join us for an Information Session

Physician Associate Studies

Miami University’s Physician Associate Studies program is designed to develop generalist, family medicine clinicians who can provide service to predominantly rural, underserved communities. It is housed in the brand-new, state-of-the-art Clinical Health Science and Wellness Center on the Oxford campus.

Contact Us

Clinical Health Sciences and Wellness Building
2101 Leadership Suite
421 S. Campus Avenue

Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-1231
pastudies@MiamiOH.edu

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ARC-PA

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Miami University, Master of Medical Science in Physician Associate Studies Program sponsored by Miami University - Oxford.