About the program
The Northeastern 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 NSU PA program is to produce competent and compassionate physician assistants for northeastern Oklahoma. The program is dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare for medically underserved communities, with particular attention to rural areas and communities that reflect the rich cultural heritage and history of the region."
Cadaver lab reserved for PA Students only; Point of Care Ultrasound training begins early (comprehensive training); Small program fosters family-like environment with ample support from faculty; Some simulation lab availability; Most rotations are in rural or underserved areas; Plenty of hands on experience and exposure
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.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 7 Years · up to 2 outstanding at application
Program overview
Northeastern State University in Oklahoma offers a 27-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, with the next cohort beginning October 2027. The program currently holds ARC-PA accreditation on probation, which applicants should investigate carefully before applying, as probationary status carries implications for accreditation standing during and after training.
The mission is straightforward and geographically specific: train competent, compassionate PAs to serve northeastern Oklahoma, with deliberate emphasis on rural areas and medically underserved communities that reflect the region's cultural and Indigenous heritage. This focus shapes the clinical year meaningfully - most rotations are placed in rural or underserved settings, so applicants who want predominantly urban clinical experiences will find a poor fit here. For those drawn to rural or community health practice, the immersive exposure is a genuine asset.
The curriculum follows an organ- and systems-based learning model. The program is small, with an incoming class size of around 20 students, and faculty describe it as a close-knit environment with strong support structures. Practical training features include a cadaver lab reserved exclusively for PA students, early and comprehensive point-of-care ultrasound integration, and simulation lab access - a reasonable combination of hands-on resources for a program of this size.
On the academic side, the program sets a 3.00 floor for both overall and science GPA, though matriculant averages run considerably higher at 3.8 overall and 3.7 science, signaling that meeting minimums alone is unlikely to yield admission. Paid direct patient care experience is recommended but not required, and the same applies to general healthcare experience - a more permissive stance than many programs, though competitive applicants will still benefit from meaningful patient contact. Prerequisites must have been completed within the last seven years, with no more than two outstanding at the time of application. Required science coursework includes eight credits of general chemistry with lab, four credits each of human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, and microbiology with lab, plus three credits of statistics.
Three letters of reference are required. Admission decisions are made after the application deadline of October 1, 2026, using a traditional interview process conducted on site. A seat deposit of $500 is required upon acceptance. Out-of-state and international applicants are accepted, though international applicants should review program-specific requirements on the website. The program does not offer part-time enrollment or distance learning options.
Applicants should weigh the probationary accreditation status carefully alongside their genuine interest in rural Oklahoma practice before pursuing this program.