About the program
The Indiana State 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 Indiana State University Physician Assistant Program is to create a student-centered educational environment that engages individuals to become compassionate, competent physician assistants who possess the clinical skills to contribute positively to the dynamic health care needs of rural and underserved populations."
The Indiana State University physician assistant program is a great program with many unique features. Students receive early clinical experience through simulations with standardized patients at the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative (RHIC), we have a fully functional cadaver lab for studying anatomy, our class sizes are 30 students per cohort, and we have several community service opportunities.
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, with exceptions. please visit the program's website. 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: No Requirement
Program overview
Indiana State University offers a 27-month MSPAS program based in Indiana, with a January 2027 cohort start and a rolling admissions process that closes November 1, 2026. Because applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, submitting early carries real strategic weight. The program accepts out-of-state and international applicants, though prospective international students should review the program's website for applicable exceptions.
The program carries ARC-PA accreditation on probation, which is a significant consideration for any applicant. Probationary status means the program has been found out of compliance with accreditation standards, and applicants should research the current status carefully before committing, as it can affect licensure eligibility in some states.
The mission is explicit about purpose: preparing clinicians to serve rural and underserved populations. This is not incidental language - the curriculum and clinical infrastructure are built around it. Students gain early hands-on exposure through simulations with standardized patients at the Rural Health Innovation Collaborative, and a functional cadaver lab supports anatomy instruction. The pedagogical approach is broad and active, incorporating case-based, problem-based, systems-based, and team-based learning alongside asynchronous and hybrid elements. Cohorts are capped at 30 students, which keeps the learning environment small and focused.
Academically, matriculants have averaged a 3.5 overall GPA and a 3.4 science GPA, though the stated minimums are 3.0 for both overall and prerequisite coursework. There is no time limit on prerequisites. Required science coursework includes human anatomy with lab (3 credits), human physiology with lab (3 credits), microbiology with lab (3 credits), and statistics (3 credits). Paid direct patient care experience is required, along with broader healthcare experience - applicants should come in with substantive hands-on clinical hours, not just shadowing. Three letters of reference are required, and finalists participate in a traditional, required on-site interview.
Tuition is offered at separate in-state and out-of-state rates, so cost will differ meaningfully depending on residency. A $500 seat deposit is required upon acceptance. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options, so applicants must be prepared for a full-time, in-person commitment across all 27 months.
An applicant drawn to rural medicine, comfortable with active learning formats, and ready to apply early given the rolling deadline should weigh the probationary accreditation status carefully alongside the program's mission alignment before deciding whether this is the right fit.