Admission Requirements
Welcome to the MSUCOM PA Medicine Admissions Information Site! We are glad you are interested in our unique and innovative PA program.
Admission to the MSUCOM PA Medicine Program is highly competitive. The program reviews applicants holistically. Those who do not meet minimum admissions requirements will not be considered for admission to the program.
Join us for one of the following Program Informational Webinars to discuss program admissions requirements and guidance, with an opportunity for Q&A.
MSU PA Medicine Informational Webinar
Time: Apr 30, 2025 12:00-01:00 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting
https://msu.zoom.us/j/97291294150
Meeting ID: 972 9129 4150
Passcode: MSUPA
MSU PA Medicine Informational Webinar
Time: May 7, 2025 02:00-03:00 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting
https://msu.zoom.us/j/99814407979
Meeting ID: 998 1440 7979
Passcode: MSUPA
MSU PA Medicine Informational Webinar
Time: May 30, 2025 12:00-01:00 PM ET
Join Zoom Meeting
https://msu.zoom.us/j/94899419718
Meeting ID: 948 9941 9718
Passcode: MSUPA
Rolling Admissions
Admissions are completed on a rolling basis. The program begins reviewing applicants, inviting for interviews, and offering acceptances well before the application deadline, so waiting until the deadline to apply may decrease your chances of acceptance.
Cohort Size
The PA Medicine program is approved by ARC-PA for a maximum class size of 38 students. MSUCOM Department of PA Medicine will only admit less than or equal to the number of students that are approved by the ARC-PA. At no time will the program exceed the approved number of students by the ARC-PA.
Residency
MSUCOM does not give preference to residents of any particular state. There are no restrictions on residency requirements.
Application Requirement checklist
Verified CASPA application
Completed MSUCOM Supplemental application
TOEFL *if applicable
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Microbiology w/lab
General Chemistry
Biochemistry
Developmental Psychology
Statistics
English Composition
Bachelor’s Degree complete by May of matriculation year (before start of program)
3 letters of recommendation
Degree Requirements
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is REQUIRED before the start of the program (mid-May of each year).
- Waiver may be granted in certain scenarios (see Admissions FAQ section for more information)
- If your bachelor’s degree was obtained outside the US, it must be evaluated by the MSUCOM approved transcript evaluation service (World Education Services).
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants not having had completed four years of high school in the United States must also take the TOEFL exam and submit to MSUCOM by December 1 of application cycle year (score must be received by January 1 of following year)
- MSUCOM Code is C522
- Minimum TOEFL exam score (Internet-based-testing): 100
- Applicants who are citizens of Canada and have completed 4 years of high school in Canada are exempt from this requirement if English is first language
Standardized Testing
Standardized tests (GRE, MCTA, or PA-CAT) are NOT required for admissions into the program and are not considered in the applicant review process.
Healthcare experience
Healthcare experience (direct patient care, volunteering, and/or shadowing) is not required for application, however, is strongly encouraged as it is a component considered in our holistic review process. The program gives preference to applicants who have exposure to medicine and the PA profession, including PA shadowing, direct patient care, indirect patient care such as scribing, and/or are members in a professional medical society or club.
We understand that COVID made shadowing and direct patient care experiences limited in many circumstances for a period of time, and this is taken into consideration in the review process.
Service and Volunteering
While service and volunteering are not required, they are strongly encouraged as it is a component considered in our holistic review process. Aligned with MSUCOM values, the program gives preference to applicants with a passion for service as evidenced by community/volunteer service listed on CASPA or Secondary application to the program. The program also gives preference to applicants who have served in leadership and/or advocacy roles in their application.
Academics
Grades are one component of our holistic review process. We aim to ensure that accepted applicants demonstrate the ability to keep up with our rigorous curriculum. Applicants with higher science GPAs, including post-baccalaureate coursework if applicable, will be given preference. The need to repeat prerequisite courses, patterns of withdrawals from courses, unexplained gaps in schooling, a negative grade trajectory, reapplying with no change in application, or having a majority of science and pre-requisite classes taken at the basic/100-200 level are characteristics that are considered unfavorably.
Disadvantaged Students
Aligned with the values of MSUCOM, the program also gives additional preference to students who are educationally and/or economically/environmentally disadvantaged. The program considers many disadvantage markers with preference, such as first-generation college students, overcoming excessive responsibilities or challenges while pursuing education, meeting criteria for economic disadvantage or receiving public assistance, and living in a health profession shortage or medically underserved area.
Contact
Questions regarding admission requirements can be emailed to admissions@pa.com.msu.edu.
We also offer virtual advising appointments. You may see our calendar here.
Reapplicant Feedback
This self-assessment is an opportunity for you to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your PA school application. You may send your completed self-assessment to the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Admissions office by email admissions@pa.com.msu.edu. A member of our staff will review your self-assessment and can provide brief additional feedback via email.