About the program
The Ashland University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "Educate physician assistants based on a foundation of evidence-based medicine, to competently practice patient-centered care, exercise cultural humility and cultivate a team approach. Graduates will be prepared for the changing landscape of medicine to serve individuals locally, nationally and globally. Physician assistants will be taught on the basis of the Dwight Schar College Nursing and Health Science’s guiding values: integrity, caring, accountability, respect and excellence (ICARE), interprofessional collaboration and lifelong learning."
On campus simulation lab, cadaver lab, Interprofessional Education Simulation scenarios throughout didactic year
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: no. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. On-campus housing is available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Ashland University in Ohio offers a 24-month program leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, currently holding Continued accreditation status from ARC-PA. The program is structured around organ- and systems-based learning and is grounded in the ICARE values of its host college - integrity, caring, accountability, respect, and excellence - alongside a clear emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and lifelong learning. The mission orients graduates toward patient-centered, evidence-based practice with cultural humility, preparing them to work locally, nationally, and globally in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
The program accepts out-of-state applicants but does not accept international students and offers no part-time or distance learning options. The incoming class is estimated at 36 students. Matriculants have arrived with an average overall GPA of 3.55 and a science GPA of 3.31, though the stated minimums are 3.00 for both. Paid direct patient care and general healthcare experience are recommended but not required, making this a realistic option for applicants still building their clinical hours - though competitive candidates should understand that most admitted students likely have meaningful patient exposure despite the lack of a formal floor. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past ten years, and applicants may have no more than two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application.
Required prerequisites include general chemistry (4 credits), general biology (4 credits), human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology with lab (3 credits), microbiology (4 credits), and statistics (3 credits). The GRE is required - the program will not accept the MCAT in its place - and applicants must also complete CASPer as part of the process. Three letters of reference are required. The interview process is notably multifaceted, combining a group interview, a Multiple Mini Interview, and a scenario room, all conducted onsite.
Didactic training is supported by an on-campus simulation lab and a cadaver lab, with interprofessional education simulation scenarios woven throughout the didactic year. These features suggest a program that takes hands-on skill-building seriously before students move into clinical rotations. The program cohort begins in August 2027, with a rolling admissions process and an application deadline of April 1, 2027 - because applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, earlier submission meaningfully improves an applicant's chances of interview consideration. Total tuition is $105,000 with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance.
Applicants should honestly assess whether Ashland's competency-based, interprofessional curriculum model, its GRE requirement, and its multifaceted onsite interview format align with how they learn and present themselves best before applying.