About the program
The George Washington 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 George Washington University Physician Assistant Program's mission is to prepare physician assistants who demonstrate clinical excellence; embrace diversity, equity and inclusion; advocate for their patients; lead and advance the profession; and serve their communities."
Located in nation's Capitol, 50+ years of PA education, at or above national average in PANCE pass rates each of last five years
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 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: 10 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
George Washington University offers a 24-month program awarding a Master of Science in Health Science, based in Washington, D.C. and accredited by ARC-PA with continued status. The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, with no part-time or distance learning options available. The incoming class runs approximately 58 students, with a June 2027 start date.
Applicants should be aware that while the minimum GPA thresholds sit at 3.20 for both overall and science coursework, matriculants typically arrive with a 3.80 overall and 3.70 science GPA, signaling meaningful competition above the floor. The program requires a minimum of 1,000 direct patient care hours, and critically, those hours must be paid - volunteer or unpaid clinical work will not satisfy this requirement. Healthcare experience beyond paid patient care is not separately required. Prerequisite coursework includes human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics, each at three credits, all completed within the past ten years. Applicants may enter with up to two outstanding prerequisites remaining.
The curriculum blends traditional didactic instruction with case-based learning, giving students exposure to both structured content delivery and clinical reasoning through patient scenarios. The mission explicitly emphasizes clinical excellence, diversity, equity, and inclusion, patient advocacy, professional leadership, and community service - themes that an applicant's essays and interview performance would reasonably need to reflect. The program notes PANCE pass rates at or above the national average for each of the past five years, and points to more than 50 years of PA education as part of its institutional foundation. Its location in the nation's capital offers a distinctive environment for those interested in health policy, advocacy, or diverse patient populations.
Tuition is $56,203, with a $1,000 seat deposit required upon acceptance. The application deadline is October 1, 2026, under a rolling admissions process, meaning earlier submissions are reviewed first and waiting carries real risk. Three letters of reference are required. Interviews are conducted via Multiple Mini Interview format and are not required to be completed onsite.
An applicant should judge fit here by honestly assessing whether their paid patient care hours, competitive GPA, and genuine alignment with the program's advocacy and equity-focused mission distinguish them enough to stand out in a rolling process that rewards early, well-prepared submissions.