About the program
The Franklin Pierce 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: "The mission of the Franklin Pierce University Physician Assistant Program is to prepare PAs who demonstrate clinical excellence; embrace diversity, equity and inclusion; advocate for their patients; lead and advance the profession; and serve their communities."
Focus on rural and underserved populations. On campus simulation 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: no. DACA status applicants are considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Franklin Pierce University offers a 27-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies program in New Hampshire, accredited by ARC-PA with Continued status. The program admits a small cohort of 24 students, beginning in November 2027, and accepts applicants from out of state, though international applicants are not eligible. There is no part-time option and no distance learning component, so candidates should plan for a full-time, on-campus commitment.
The program sets a minimum overall GPA of 3.00, a science GPA of 3.20, and a prerequisite GPA of 3.20, and matriculants have typically arrived with stronger numbers - a 3.64 overall and 3.62 science GPA. Paid direct patient care experience is required, as is broader healthcare experience, making this a program best suited to applicants who have invested meaningful time in hands-on clinical roles. Prerequisite coursework includes eight credits each of general chemistry, human anatomy, and human physiology - all with labs - plus four credits each of general biology and microbiology with labs, and three credits of statistics. There is no time limit on prerequisites, and up to two outstanding prerequisites are permitted at the time of application.
The curriculum blends case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning approaches, reflecting a practical orientation toward clinical reasoning rather than purely lecture-driven instruction. The program's mission centers on clinical excellence, patient advocacy, community service, and professional leadership, with a stated emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. A distinguishing feature is the program's focus on preparing graduates to serve rural and underserved populations - a meaningful signal for applicants drawn to primary care or community-oriented practice settings. An on-campus simulation center supports clinical skills development before students enter supervised practice.
Total tuition is $124,020 with no separate in-state or out-of-state rate differential, and a seat deposit of $1,500 is required upon acceptance. The application deadline is October 1, 2026, and admissions are rolling on a first-come, first-served basis, which means early submission is a practical advantage. Three letters of reference are required. Interviews include both a traditional interview and a group interview format, and an onsite interview is not required.
Applicants who are competitive here will have solid science coursework, substantial paid patient care hours, and a genuine interest in underserved or rural healthcare - and they should apply early given the rolling admissions process.