About the program
The Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville 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: "Consistent with the mission and purpose of Lincoln Memorial University, the primary mission of the LMU-Knoxville PA Program is to train future PAs to provide high-quality patient-centered care in the Appalachian region and beyond by providing a rigorous educational experience, with expanded training in surgical sciences, which supports each student’s academic success and professional development."
In addition to providing a solid foundation in primary care medicine, the LMU-SMS-Knoxville PA Program offers expanded training in surgical sciences. This includes 3 semesters of clinically oriented anatomy where students review prosections, complete dissections, and perform procedures on donors (human cadavers). Students also practice scrubbing, suturing, and knot tying each Didactic Phase semester. And students may complete all 12 weeks of elective rotations in surgical disciplines.
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. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
up to 3 outstanding at application
Program overview
Lincoln Memorial University's Knoxville PA program awards a Master of Medical Science degree and runs 27 months, with the next cohort beginning August 2027. It holds Continued accreditation from ARC-PA, accepts out-of-state and international applicants (with noted exceptions for the latter), and enrolls an estimated 100 students per class, making it one of the larger programs in the region.
The program's mission centers on preparing PAs to serve the Appalachian region and beyond, with a particular emphasis on surgical sciences alongside a solid primary care foundation. That surgical focus is built meaningfully into the curriculum rather than offered as a token elective: students move through three semesters of clinically oriented anatomy that include prosection review, cadaveric dissection, and hands-on procedures with human donors. Each didactic semester also incorporates scrubbing, suturing, and knot-tying practice. During clinical rotations, students may dedicate all 12 weeks of elective time to surgical disciplines if they choose. The didactic curriculum overall follows an organ-based and systems-based learning model.
The GPA bar is accessible compared to many programs. The minimum required overall and science GPA is 2.80, though matriculants typically arrive with a 3.61 overall and a 3.51 science GPA, so competitive applicants should aim meaningfully above those floors. Healthcare experience is required, and while paid direct patient care is recommended, it is not mandatory. The GRE is required; the MCAT will not be accepted as a substitute. Applicants may have up to three outstanding prerequisites at the time of application.
Prerequisite coursework includes seven credits each of general chemistry and general biology, four credits each of human anatomy and human physiology, three credits of microbiology, and three credits of statistics. Three letters of reference are required, and admission decisions follow a rolling review process with an application deadline of January 15, 2027, meaning earlier submission meaningfully improves a candidate's standing.
Total tuition is $107,975 with a $500 seat deposit. The program requires an onsite traditional interview; there is no distance learning or part-time option.
An applicant should pursue this program if they have genuine interest in surgical PA practice, want extensive hands-on anatomy and procedural exposure woven throughout the didactic year, and are comfortable with a large cohort environment in a region-focused mission.