About the program
The Central Michigan 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: "Through The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions we strive to produce well-educated and highly trained physician assistants who provide evidence-based medical services within interdisciplinary primary care environments to include medically underserved and diverse populations."
Mentorship experience in didactic year, on site simulation lab, devoted IPE center
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: yes. DACA status applicants are not 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: 6 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Central Michigan University offers a 27-month MPAS program housed within the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, holding continued ARC-PA accreditation and accepting its next cohort beginning May 2027. The program trains physician assistants oriented toward evidence-based practice in interdisciplinary primary care settings, with a stated emphasis on serving medically underserved and diverse populations - a mission that signals this program will appeal most to applicants who have sought out patient care experience in community or under-resourced health environments.
The program is moderately competitive by GPA standards. Matriculants average a 3.71 overall and 3.67 science GPA, though the minimum threshold sits at a 3.00 for both overall and prerequisite coursework. Prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past six years, and applicants may carry no more than two outstanding prerequisites at the time of application. Required science prerequisites include Human Anatomy with lab (4 credits), Human Physiology with lab (4 credits), and Microbiology (4 credits). Paid direct patient care experience is required, with a minimum of 500 hours, and healthcare experience beyond that is also expected - making this a program that takes the quality and nature of hands-on clinical background seriously.
The curriculum integrates collaborative and team-based learning, problem-based learning, organ and systems-based instruction, and early clinical exposure. Distinctive program features include a mentorship component during the didactic year, an on-site simulation lab, and a dedicated interprofessional education center - all of which reinforce the interdisciplinary care model central to the program's mission. There is no distance learning or part-time option; the program is fully in-person and full-time.
The incoming class size is 60 students. Total tuition is estimated at $175,000 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate, and a seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance. The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants. Admission is rolling on a first-come, first-served basis with an application deadline of September 1, 2026, so submitting early provides a meaningful advantage. The interview process includes both a traditional interview and a group interview format, conducted on-site.
Applicants should honestly assess whether their paid patient care hours, GPA trajectory, and genuine interest in primary care and underserved populations align with what this program explicitly trains for and values.