About the program
The Oakland 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: "To prepare high quality physician assistants, exceptionally trained to practice evidence-based medicine and embrace culturally diverse and inclusive environments, who will serve each person with compassion and professionalism."
Anatomage (Anatomy simulation tables), SimCapture (a cloud-based learning management system used to manage, record, assess, and debrief simulation training, capturing video, audio, and data for improved learning outcomes), favorable location surrounded by multiple healthcare systems
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 not 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: 10 Years
Program overview
Oakland University's program in Michigan awards a Master of Physician Assistant Science and runs 28 months, with the inaugural cohort beginning January 2027. The program currently holds Provisional ARC-PA accreditation status, which applicants should factor into their decision-making. Out-of-state and international applicants are both welcome, though international candidates should consult the program's website directly for applicable exceptions.
The minimum GPA threshold sits at 3.00 for both overall and prerequisite coursework, and all prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past ten years. Required science prerequisites include human anatomy with a lab component, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics, each at a minimum of three credits. The patient care bar is set at 500 hours of paid direct patient care experience - the paid requirement is a meaningful distinction that rules out volunteer-only experience. General healthcare exposure beyond those hours is also required.
Curriculum is structured around an organ-based and systems-based learning framework. The program has invested in simulation technology, specifically Anatomage tables for anatomy work and SimCapture, a cloud-based system that records and debriefs simulation training sessions for more deliberate skill development. The program's location within proximity to multiple healthcare systems supports clinical training access. The mission emphasizes evidence-based practice alongside cultural competency and compassionate, professional care.
Incoming class size is capped at 40 students, which is a relatively small cohort. Applicants should be aware that this program uses a post-deadline batch review process rather than rolling admissions, with an application deadline of August 1, 2026. The CASPer exam is required, and candidates must submit at least two letters of reference. Finalists will complete a panel interview conducted onsite. There is no distance or part-time option.
Tuition rates vary depending on residency status, so applicants should consult the program directly for current figures. A seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance.
A candidate who values small cohort learning, is comfortable entering a provisionally accredited program, can meet the paid patient care requirement, and wants access to modern simulation tools in a health-system-rich Michigan setting should weigh this program seriously against their overall list.