The hardest area to improve is generally one with a low GPA.
This makes sense because it took a long time to plan and cannot be undone quickly. To raise a high 2.x GPA above 3.0 in upper level science courses, it can take around a year. It will take longer for your academic record to reflect improvements the lower your GPA and the more classes you’ve taken.
Enrolling in a physician assistant PA school is actually not a simple procedure, and competing in the process is challenging. Moreover, there is the worry that your poor GPA would prevent you from being admitted to a PA program.
But don’t panic, there are PA programs that accept students with low GPAs. We’ve listed the PA schools with low GPA requirements and their prerequisites in this page.
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3 Strategies for Getting Past Low GPA When Applying to PA Schools
The required GPA does not guarantee that you will be accepted. In fact, the average GPA may be higher than the minimal due to the great demand for physician assistant graduate schools. For instance, Thomas Jefferson University argues that a 3.3 GPA may be more competitive despite having a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Additionally, the University of New England requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, but reports that matriculated students typically have a 3.5.
1. Obtain a high GRE score
Some graduate programs don’t require the GRE. The direction of certain other PA programs is in that direction. Many programs take your application into account overall. That implies that you should consider all factors, not just one.
Better MCAT, GRE, or other standardized test results. Your chances of being approved can go up as a result.
2. Apply to Programs that Accept Low GPA because they Look at Application “Holistically”
Numerous PA programs review your entire application, as was previously indicated. This indicates that your GPA should be at least acceptable. However, your chances of being accepted increase if you have more experience providing direct patient care or have higher exam scores.
3. Patient-Directed Experience
There are many PA programs with low GPA requirements that specify you must have at least some direct patient care experience. The precise amount of time spent varies. Having more than the bare minimum might be beneficial. Since you may be able to handle the demands of pursuing a graduate degree, your GPA is a consideration in the application process. Thus, getting hands-on health care experience is an excellent method to make up for poor academics.
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PA Schools with Low GPA Requirements
Each institution seeks something unique in its applicants. Even if your GPA falls below the median, you can still get admitted. Your attention might be piqued by something else in your application.
So, following extensive study, we identified some of the top PA schools with low GPA requirements:
- Marquette University
- The George Washington University
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
- South University
- Barry University
- Midwestern University
- Missouri State University
- Loma Linda University
- University of Utah
- Western University of Health Sciences
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of New England
1. Marquette University
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there is a private Jesuit research institution called Marquette University. On August 28, 1881, the Society of Jesus founded Marquette College.
The Jesuit tradition of caring for the full person and the principles of attention to the person’s spiritual, emotional, and physical growth are combined in Marquette’s Physician Assistant Studies.
Marquette also takes into account the quantity and quality of the science curriculum, as well as the overall and science GPAs. Personal interview and familiarity with the PA profession and its function in healthcare are further selection criteria.
A total of 55 students are accepted into the PA program each year, largely split 50/50 between Marquette undergraduate students and outside candidates. So, these are some prerequisites for admission:
- Application completion and submission to CASPA
- GRE results
- Three recommendation letters
- 3.0 GPA
- 200 hours minimum of patient interaction and additional healthcare experience
Additionally, the CASPA’s minimum GPA requirement is 3.0.
2. The George Washington University
A United States Congress legislation established George Washington University as a private research university in Washington, D.C., in 1821.
However, George Washington University offers a wealth of clinical experience in addition to teaching a stronger academic background.
The Physician Assistant Program has been ranked as the third-best PA program nationwide by U.S. World Report and News.
Additionally, it introduces students to social and health services through a creative curriculum and a different kind of community work.
GRE scores, a 3.0 GPA (in both the liberal arts and sciences), 1,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts are prerequisites for admission to GWU.
Additionally, this PA school has one of the lower GPA requirements. The program requires preparatory courses in statistics, chemistry, psychology, and anatomy and physiology from the previous ten years. Additionally, a 3.0 GPA is required.
3. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
Established in 1892, Kirksville, Missouri-based A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) is a private medical institution. It was the first osteopathic medical school ever established.
The Advanced Masters in Physician Assistant Studies courses and curriculum are created to increase the clinical knowledge and proficiency of working physician assistants.
The most important subjects, however, are clinical research design, evidence-based medicine, and systems for delivering healthcare.
Before applying to the Advanced Physician Assistant Studies program, ATSU specifies that candidates must be licensed or certified physician assistants.
The prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally qualified college or university, official transcripts, and graduation from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
Additionally, this PA school has one of the lower GPA requirements. The prerequisite GPA for A.T. University of Health Sciences is still 2.50. (Overall and PA Program).
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4. South University
South University, a private institution with its main campus in Savannah, Georgia, was established in 1899. The Southern Accreditation of Colleges and Universities has granted the university regional accreditation.
The Physician Assistant (MS) program at South University, on the other hand, offers classes that emphasize the fundamental medical theories and concepts in relation to the primary duties of physician assistants, which include evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, counseling, therapeutics, and referral.
The South University’s PA program admission requirements also include:
- 3.0 GPA (overall and Biology-Chemistry-Physics)
- GRE results (preference will be given to those with GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above)
- One recommendation from a medical professional you’ve worked with, shadowed, or who is a physician assistant or nurse practitioner
South University requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. (Overall and Science).
5. Barry University
In Miami Shores, Florida, there is a private Catholic university called Barry University. The Sisters of Adrian Dominic were established in 1940.
The Archdiocese of Miami’s jurisdiction includes one of the largest Catholic universities in the Southeast.
Although Barry University’s Physician Assistant Program promotes lifelong learning and professional development, it also instructs students in the practice of collaborative medicine.
Additionally, it encourages a technologically advanced atmosphere and clinical training opportunities to assist various patient populations.
Additionally, you must pass Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, or Biochemistry as part of Barry University’s admission requirements.
Additionally, send in your 3.0 cumulative and science GPA, your GRE results, your official transcripts, and any additional documentation of your work in the healthcare industry. Barry University requires a 3.0 GPA as a minimum (Overall and science).
6. Midwestern University
A private graduate medical and professional institution with its main campus in Downers Grove, Illinois, and a second campus in Glendale, Arizona, Midwestern University (MWU) was established in 1900.
Additionally, Midwestern University teaches the abilities required to be a crucial member of the medical team.
The compassionate faculty members who instruct the Physician Assistant Program will equip you to use compassionate decision-making and evidence-based care to the advantage of a wide range of patients.
Additionally, you learn how to develop into a capable, compassionate physician assistant through the student-centered curriculum and clinical experiences, and the required GPA is 3.0.
The Midwestern University’s admission requirements are:
- 3.0 GPA
- GRE results
- Finishing the needed classes.
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7. Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri’s Missouri State University, formerly Southwest Missouri State University, is a public university. Built in 1905.
The physician assistant program at Missouri State University, which is intended to be completed in as short as two years by full-time students, also aims to thoroughly prepare you for success on the national certification exam.
- Clinical experiences across the program’s stages
- Low professor to student ratio
- Personalized consideration
- Cutting-edge facilities
The program imparts the analytical and communication abilities required of physician assistants through a demanding curriculum and close academic supervision.
In addition, the Missouri state’s CASPA requires a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and GRE or MCAT scores for admission to the PA program.
8. Loma Linda University
In Loma Linda, California, there is a Seventh-day Adventist school of health sciences called Loma Linda University. constructed in 1905.
As active members of a healthcare team, primary care physician assistants are taught to offer healthcare in partnership with physicians through the physician assistant program.
Additionally, this program is specifically created to promote compassion for the full person and to deliver high-quality medical treatment to underserved areas both locally and internationally.
Additionally, while bachelor’s degrees from any university are recognized, a background in science is preferred. The Loma Linda University’s prerequisites for admission to the PA program also include:
- 3.0 GPA
- Courses in general education and science that are prerequisites (C- grades are not accepted)
- Previous to enrollment, 2,000 hours of practical patient care experience
- Three recommendation letters
9. University of Utah
Founded on February 28th, 1850. In Salt Lake City, Utah, there is a public research university called the University of Utah. as the premier research university in the state and its public flagship institution.
In order to tackle the obstacles of providing high-quality care to patients in medically disadvantaged and rural settings, the Physician Assistant Program at Utah is dedicated to teaching PAs. Moreover, one of the national pa programs.
Additionally, the program’s curriculum and structure have been improved to provide a mix of didactic and clinical training to provide students hands-on experience in the field.
The following qualifications must be met for admission to Utah’s PA program:
- A bachelor’s degree from a school with accreditation
- 3.0 GPA (but 2.7 GPAs are considered) (though 2.7 GPAs are considered)
- 2,000 hours in the medical field, including at least one full year’s worth.
- Courses required before (such as Human Anatomy and Human Physiology)
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10. Western University of Health Sciences
Western University of Health Sciences, a private non-profit institution with its main campus in Pomona, California, was founded in 1977.
The Physician Assistant Studies essentially fill the growing requirement for PAs to be respected and important members of the healthcare team.
The two-year course of study equips students to demonstrate:
- Proficiency in medical and clinical sciences, including established and emerging
- Social and communication abilities
- Care that is efficient, patient-centered, and kind
- Critical analysis, assessment, and better patient care for a wide range of patients
Additionally, just like other PA schools that accept students with low GPAs, Western’s PA program requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from an authorized university.
11. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
In North Chicago, Illinois, there is a private graduate school called Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. constructed in 1912.
Basically, Rosalind Franklin’s 24-month Physician Assistant Program was established in 1991, and the staff takes pride in instructing students in competent, considerate, and moral medical treatment through engaging lectures and cutting-edge labs.
Additionally, this program’s goal is to train and prepare PAs who will work effectively as full-fledged team players in interprofessional healthcare teams and deliver high-quality patient-centered care.
Additionally, the prerequisite courses for Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s PA degree admission requirement include Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Human Physiology, Introduction to Psychology, and Microbiology.
Other needs consist of:
- 2.75 GPA (cumulative and science) (cumulative and science)
- The final 60 hours of completed coursework will receive special consideration.
- A “C” or above is required for each requirement.
- 50th percentile or higher on the GRE
- Two recommendation letters
- Individual Statement
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12. Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Thomas Jefferson University is a private institution of higher learning. It was started in its original form in 1824.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program aims to translate your knowledge and skills into evidence-based, cutting-edge medical practice. It is designed to prepare you as a leader in the healthcare industry.
Additionally, the school may draw on Philadelphia’s strong tradition of medical education and its long history of producing top-notch healthcare professionals.
Additionally, Jefferson has worked with other institutions to develop a curriculum that would ensure students are ready to become successful physicians who can influence public health and healthcare.
The following are additional prerequisites for Thomas Jefferson University’s PA program admissions:
- 3.0 GPA
- Authentic transcripts
- Essay or personal statement
- Immediate patient care (no minimum hours, though the school recommends at least 200 hours).
13. University of New England
Established in 1831. In Biddeford, Maine, there is a private university called the University of New England. It also maintains campuses in Tangier, Morocco, and Portland, Maine.
Actually, the Master of Science Physician Assistant trains you to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide care to patients through coursework and practical experiences, drawing on the experience and knowledge of faculty members.
The full-time program, on the other hand, lasts 24 months and is based on research and pathophysiology to advance clinical medicine and understanding of disease processes.
Furthermore, you are not required to submit your GRE or other standardized test results to UNE as part of your application.
Other prerequisites for enrollment in the University of New England’s PA program include:
- 3.0 GPA
- 500 hours of direct patient care
- Observing a PA for at least 20 hours
- Three recommendation letters
Additionally, this is a PA school with one of the lowest GPA requirements.
What is the Role of a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant (PA) is a qualified medical practitioner with a higher education who can give direct patient care. They provide diagnosis, treatment, and small procedure work for patients of all ages in almost all primary and specialized care settings.
PAs are an essential component of today’s team-based approach to healthcare because to the growing provider scarcity. They expand the number of populations and communities that have access to high-quality healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do PA colleges have a cumulative GPA?
Yes, the majority of PA schools need a least 3.0 GPA in both science and overall. The AVERAGE student admitted into these schools has a GPA score over 3.0, while some are better and some are lower. Rarely would PA schools admit applicants with GPAs below 3.0, even if you have a heart of gold.
Which kind of course(s) may I take to get more credit hours?
Upper-level courses are the best option if you want to enroll in additional courses to add to your credit hours and raise your GPA a little. save for one. Some PA programs take into account a candidate's independent prerequisite GPA. Retaking entry-level courses might make sense if your goal programs operate in this way.
Does a high grade affect your GPA?
No, your GPA is unimportant. Well, if you earn more than two Cs, you have to leave the program, but they've drilled it into our heads that it doesn't matter if you get all Bs.
Does having a bad GPA damage one’s future?
Your future is not ruined by a low GPA, and you can improve weak grades with effort. A extremely low GPA, however, might have negative effects on both your academic career and your post-graduation prospects. However, there are ways you can deal with it, so don't worry.
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