About the program
The Ottawa 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 Ottawa University PA program is to prepare graduates to serve their communities* with evidenced-based, patient-centered care, leading to service to humanity and professional fulfillment. *Communities: medically underserved, health profession shortage areas, and rural communities."
on-campus simulation lab, two elective options, Anatomage Tables
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. Veteran support programs are available; consult the program directly for details.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: 7 Years
Program overview
Ottawa University's PA program in Kansas offers a 24-month, full-time curriculum leading to a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program currently holds Provisional ARC-PA accreditation and is scheduled to begin its inaugural cohort in January 2027. Its mission explicitly centers on preparing graduates to work in medically underserved areas, health profession shortage areas, and rural communities, so applicants motivated by community-oriented and service-driven practice will find this program's values a natural fit.
The curriculum blends case-based learning with organ- and systems-based learning, giving students exposure to both traditional and problem-solving instructional formats. On the clinical skills side, the program features an on-campus simulation lab and Anatomage Tables, which support anatomy and procedural training. Students also have access to two elective options, allowing some degree of individualized focus within the degree plan. No distance learning or part-time enrollment is available, so applicants must be prepared for a fully residential, full-time commitment.
The program accepts 48 students per incoming class and is open to both out-of-state and international applicants, though international candidates should review specific eligibility requirements on the program's website. Total tuition is $109,000 with no differential rate structure, and a seat deposit of $750 is required upon acceptance.
Applicants need a minimum of 1,000 direct patient care hours; paid experience is recommended but not required, and healthcare experience beyond those hours follows the same guidance. The prerequisite science courses carry a seven-year time limit and include eight credits each of human anatomy and human physiology, both with labs, four credits of microbiology with a lab, and three credits of statistics. Three letters of reference are required, and interviews are conducted in a panel format without a mandatory on-site component.
Admissions operate on a rolling basis with a final application deadline of October 1, 2026, meaning earlier submission meaningfully improves consideration. An applicant should weigh fit here primarily around two factors: genuine commitment to serving rural and underserved populations, and readiness to pursue those goals in a newer program still building its accreditation record.