Actually, enrolling in a physician assistant PA school is not an easy one, and involved in the competitive process is indeed a tough one. Also, the fear of how your low GPA will affect your acceptance into the PA school. But not worry, There are actually PA schools that accept low GPA. In this article, we have penned down the list of PA school with a low GPA and their requirements.
A low GPA is probably the hardest area to improve, and your GPA is often the limiting factor to whether or not you should apply to a PA school.
If you don’t have a high GPA but want to attend a PA school, then consider this list of physician assistant PA schools with a low GPA requirement.
So, relax and continue reading because in this article we shall discuss in detail, how you can get into PA School with a low GPA and their PA school GPA requirements.
Before we continue, let’s go through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article entails.
Table Of Content
What Is A GPA?
A GPA in full is grade point average, which is a number showing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. More commonly called a GPA.
However, a student’s grade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades awarded.
In other words, when you’re enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, your GPA is easily one of the most important numbers to keep an eye on because it indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses.
Why Do Physician Assistant (PA) Schools Require GPA?
GPA is really the only metric or calculation showing how good a student is, and whether you’ve been doing well during the degree program.
This number is used to assess whether you meet the standards and expectations set by the degree program or university.
Furthermore, you maybe ask to provide your GPA in certain situations during your bachelor’s or master’s degree program in any pa school.
For example, when applying for a scholarship, joining an organization or club, doing extracurricular activities, and applying for graduate or post-graduate program(Master’s, Ph.D.)
NOTE: Whatever the case is, your GPA is not an absolute indication of your worth as a student or whether you are smart enough for college.
What Is A Low GPA For PA Schools?
Many pa schools have a limit for GPAs below 3.0. The average GPA at most pa schools is between 3.6 and 3.8.
But it is important to know where you stand and what you need to do to gain an interview to a PA program. The minimum GPA required for most schools is 3.0 (both overall and science), with some being slightly higher or lower.
In addition, the admission procedure for the pa schools is extremely competitive. PA School students have to work hard and strive to achieve a good GPA score to be included in a top-notch program.
Can I Still Go To PA School With A Low GPA?
Admission to the pa school with a low GPA is more common than you think. The number of pa schools that accept a low GPA will of course be less than the number that students with high GPAs take into account.
However, this does not mean that you should feel bad because you are not going to a high school.
Admission into pa school with a low GPA requires persistence and determination to outperform the opportunities.
Like a lot of students who have been in your position before having a low GPA and still attend a pa school and they are successful in the industry.
Beside, if you can show the approval team during your interview that despite your low GPA levels, you have what it takes, then they are ready to consider you.
How To Go About A Low GPA When Applying To PA Schools?
Before you continue bothering yourself and give up, here are ways on how to go about your low GPA when applying to a pa school.
Gain High Score On GRE
While there are more PA programs that don’t require the GRE many programs look at your application holistically.
Therefore, scoring higher on the GRE, MCAT, or other standardized test scores can only improve your chances of being accepted.
Apply To Programs That Accept Low GPA Because They Look At Application
This means while your GPA should meet minimum requirements, having more direct patient care experience or scoring higher on standardized tests improve the possibility of you being accepted.
Direct Patient Experience
Many PA programs with low GPA requirements state that you have a minimum amount of direct patient care. While the specific number may vary from 200 to 2,000, having more than the minimum is a great way to possibly overcome a low GPA.
Therefore, having direct patient care experience is a great way to overcome low grades.
List Of The Best Physician Assistant(PA) With Low GPA Requirement.
Every school is looking for something special for its applicants. Even if you’re below your medium GPA, it doesn’t mean you can’t get in. Something else in your application may spark your interest.
So, after thorough research, we came up with the some of the best pa schools with low GPA requirements.
#1. Marquette University
Marquette University is a private Jesuit research university in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Established by the Society of Jesus as Marquette College on August 28, 1881.
The Physician Assistant Studies at Marquette combines the school’s Jesuit tradition of caring for the whole person with the ideals of concern for the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of the individual.
Also, Marquette takes into consideration the total and science GPAs, as well as the quantity and performance in science coursework. Other selection factors include a personal interview and a knowledge of the PA profession and its role in health care.
Each year, the PA program accepts roughly split 50/50 between Marquette undergraduate students and external candidates from a total of 55 students. So, here are some of the admissions requirements:
- Submission of the completed application to the CASPA
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Minimum of 200 hours of patient contact and other health care experience
In addition, the minimum GPA score as calculated by CASPA is 3.0
#2. The George Washington University
George Washington University is a private research university in Washington, D.C. It was chartered in 1821 by an act of the United States Congress.
However, George Washington University is designed to teach a superior academic foundation also offer an abundance of clinical experience.
The Physician Assistant Program has been nationally recognized as the #3 PA Program in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.
Also, it introduces students to health care and social services through an innovative curriculum and a different community service component.
The admission requirement at GWU is a GRE score, 3.0 GPA (Cumulative and Science), 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
In addition, the school requires prerequisite coursework in the last ten years in Anatomy and Physiology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics. Also, the minimum GPA is 3.0
#3. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) is a private medical school based in Kirksville, Missouri, founded in 1892. It was the world’s first osteopathic medical school.
The courses and curriculum of the Advanced Masters in Physician Assistant Studies are designed to broaden the clinical knowledge and skill level of practicing physician assistants.
However, the key topics include ethical issues, health care delivery systems, and evidence-based medicine, and clinical research design.
ATSU states that applicants must be a licensed or certified physician assistant before applying for the Advanced Physician Assistant Studies program.
In other words, the requirement is you must graduate from ARC-PA accredited PA program, official transcripts, and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
The minimum GPA for A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is 2.50 (Overall and PA Program).
#4. South University
Founded in 1899, South University is a private university with its main campus in Savannah, Georgia, United States. The university is regionally accredited by the Southern Accreditation of Colleges and Universities.
However, The Physician Assistant (MS) at South University offers courses that concentrate on the fundamental medical concepts and theories in the key functions of physician assistants, which are evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, counseling, Therapeutics, and referral.
Also, the PA program admission requirement for the south university include:
- 3.0 GPA (overall and Biology-Chemistry-Physics)
- GRE scores (preference will be given to those with GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above)
- One reference from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner whom you have worked with or shadowed
The minimum GPA for south university is 3.0 (Overall and Science).
#5. Barry University
Barry University is a private Catholic university in Miami Shores, Florida. Founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
It is one of the largest Catholic universities in the Southeast and is within the territory of the Archdiocese of Miami.
However, the Physician Assistant Program at Barry educates students in the practice of collaborative medicine and encourages life-long learning and professional development.
Also, it promotes a technology-rich environment and clinical training experiences to help different patient populations.
In addition. the admission requirements of Barry university require you to complete this General / Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology.
Also, you should submit these: 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science), GRE scores, official transcripts, and evidence of experience in health care is highly recommended, and the minimum GPA for Barry university is 3.0(Overall and science)
#6. Midwestern University
Founded in 1900, Midwestern University (MWU) is a private graduate medical and professional school with the main campus in Downers Grove, Illinois, and an additional campus in Glendale, Arizona.
Furthermore, Midwestern university is designed to teach the skills you need in becoming a vital member of the health care team.
The Physician Assistant Program is taught by caring faculty experts who will prepare you to apply evidence-based medicine and compassionate decision making to benefit a diverse community of patients.
Also, The student-centered curriculum and clinical experiences teach you how you can become a competent, caring physician assistant and the minimum GPA is 3.0.
In admission requirement of Midwestern university is:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- GRE scores
- Completion of prerequisite courses.
#7. Missouri State University
Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University, is a public university in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1905.
However, Missouri State University designed the physician assistant studies for full-time students to complete in as little as two years, also strives to fully prepare you for success on the national certification exam through:
- Clinical experiences at every stage of the program
- Small student-faculty ratio
- Individualized attention
- State-of-the-art facilities
The program teaches the intellectual and interpersonal skills needed by physician assistants, through the rigorous curriculum and mentorship with experienced faculty.
In addition, the PA program admission requirement at Missouri state which is through the CASPA include 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and GRE / MCAT scores.
#8. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University is a Seventh-day Adventist health sciences university in Loma Linda, California. Established in 1905.
However, the Physician Assistant Program teaches primary care physician assistants to provide health care in collaboration with physicians as active members of a health care team.
Also, this program is designed specifically to teach compassion for the whole person and to provide quality health care for under-served communities locally and globally.
Furthermore, While all bachelor’s degrees are acceptable, a strong science background is encouraged. Also, the pa program admissions requirements at Loma Linda university includes:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Prerequisite courses in science and general education (C- grades are not accepted)
- 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to enrollment
- Three letters of recommendation
#9. University of Utah
Established February 28, 1850. The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. As the state’s public flagship institution and top-tier research university.
The Physician Assistant Program at Utah is committed to training PAs who will be prepared to meet the challenges of providing high-quality care to patients in medically underserved and rural communities. Also, one of the pa programs in the country.
In addition, the program has refined its curriculum and format to give a blend of didactic and clinical training to provide hands-on experience in the field.
The admissions requirements for the PA program at Utah include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 3.0 GPA (though 2.7 GPAs are considered)
- 2,000 hours of health care experience, with at least one year of full-time equivalent
- Prerequisite courses (such as Human Anatomy and Human Physiology)
#10. Western University of Health Sciences
Established in 1977, Western University of Health Sciences is a private non-profit university with its main campus in Pomona, California.
Basically, the Physician Assistant Studies is designed to meet the increasing need for PAs as valued and vital members of the health care team.
The two-year program prepares students to demonstrate:
- Competency in established and evolving medical and clinical sciences
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Effective, patient-centered, and compassionate care
- Critical analysis, evaluation, and improved patient care to a diverse patient population
In addition, as with the other PA programs that admit a low GPA, the admissions requirements for the PA program at Western include the fact that you need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
#11. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is a private graduate school in North Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1912.
Basically, the 24-month Physician Assistant Program at Rosalind Franklin was created in 1991 and the faculty takes pride in teaching its students to provide competent, compassionate, and ethical medical care through dynamic lectures and innovative labs.
Also, the mission of this program is to educate and prepare PAs who will be complete members of the interprofessional health care team and provide quality, patient-centered care.
Furthermore, The prerequisite courses for the PA program admission requirement at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Introduction to Psychology, and Microbiology.
Also, other requirements include:
- 2.75 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Special consideration will be given to the last 60 hours of completed coursework
- All prerequisite grades must be a “C” or higher
- GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
#12. Thomas Jefferson University
Thomas Jefferson University is a private university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in its earliest form in 1824.
The program is designed to prepare you as a leader in health care, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies strives to translate your knowledge and skills into evidence-based, innovative medical practice.
Plus, the school can rely on Philadelphia’s rich culture of medical education coupled with our long-established history of educating outstanding healthcare providers.
Also, Jefferson has collaborated to create a curriculum to make sure that students are prepared to be successful clinicians who can influence healthcare and impact public health.
In addition, here are some of the PA program admissions requirements at Thomas Jefferson University:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Direct patient care (no minimum hours, though the school recommends at least 200 hours)
#13. University of New England
Established in 1831. The University of New England is a private university in Biddeford, Maine. It has additional campuses in Portland, Maine, and Tangier, Morocco.
Actually, drawing from the experience and expertise of faculty members, the Master of Science Physician Assistant prepares you to work as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver care to patients through coursework and clinical experiences.
However, the full-time program takes 24 months and is built upon a foundation in science and pathophysiology to promote understanding of disease processes and clinical medicine.
In addition, UNE does not require that you submit a GRE score or any other standardized test score as part of your application.
Some of the other admissions requirements for PA program at University of New England includes:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- 500 hours of direct patient care
- PA shadowing for a minimum of 20 hours
- Three letters of recommendation
CONCLUSION
Careful reading through this article as show you that they are school you can be admitted into even with your low GPA. In other words, no need for you to panic about having a low GPA, you just read through the school know their GPA and admission requirement and apply.
Always remember that to have a successful application for a PA school, is not just about showing how to fix your mistakes. You have to give the schools a positive reason to accept them.
Good luck!!!
FAQS
Is it possible to get into PA school with a low GPA?
Yes, most PA schools have overall GPA and science GPA minimums of 3.0. Some are higher and some are lower, but the AVERAGE student accepted to these programs definitely has GPA scores over 3.0. Even if you have a heart of gold, rarely are PA schools going to consider applicants with GPAs of less than 3.0.
How can I raise my GPA for PA school
If you are looking to take on extra courses to increase your credit hours to try to move your GPA a bit, upper-level courses are the way to go. With one exception. Some PA programs consider a separate prerequisite GPA for candidates. If your target programs do this, retaking entry-level courses may make sense.
Does GPA matter in PA school?
No, GPA doesn’t matter. Well, you miss out on our program if you get more than 2 C’s, but they’ve definitely hammered into our heads that it doesn’t matter if you make all B’s.
Does low GPA ruin your life?
A low GPA doesn’t necessarily ruin your future, and you can pull bad grades up with hard work. However, a very low GPA can have serious consequences both for your academic life and after graduation. But not worry there are ways you can tackle it.
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