About the program
The Penn 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 Penn State College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program’s mission is to prepare graduates to be academically, clinically, professionally and culturally competent physician assistants who are devoted to serving patients in their communities through the application of clinical reasoning, critical thinking, and evidence-based practice to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care."
The Penn State PA Program is positioned within the College of Medicine at an Academic Health Center; offers small class sizes, personalized learning experiences, dedicated Humanities curriculum and team-based learning coupled with phenomenal student resources and an emphasis on student wellness and burnout prevention; high student retention rates, exceptional outcomes, a state-of-the-art simulation center, and cadaver lab.
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: 7 Years
Program overview
Penn State University's College of Medicine offers a 24-month, full-time program awarding the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, with the next cohort beginning May 2027. The program holds continued ARC-PA accreditation and accepts applications on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis through December 1, 2026, making early submission a practical priority for serious applicants.
The program is situated within an Academic Health Center at the College of Medicine, which meaningfully shapes the training environment. Class sizes are capped at approximately 30 students, and the curriculum blends traditional didactic instruction with organ- and systems-based learning and team-based, collaborative models. A dedicated Humanities curriculum is an unusual and deliberate feature, reflecting the program's mission emphasis on cultural competency and compassionate care. Students also have access to a simulation center and cadaver lab, and the program explicitly addresses student wellness and burnout prevention as part of its educational philosophy. The mission centers on producing graduates capable of applying clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice across diverse community settings.
Academically, this program is selective. Matriculants carry an average overall GPA of 3.85 and a science GPA of 3.80, well above the stated minimums of 3.00 in each category. Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the past seven years and includes general chemistry, general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics, each at three credits. The GRE is required, though the MCAT will also be accepted. Three letters of reference are required. Healthcare experience is mandatory, though paid direct patient care is recommended rather than required, giving applicants with volunteer or supervised clinical hours a pathway to meet this bar.
The program accepts both out-of-state and international applicants, with separate tuition rates applicable and some exceptions for international candidates noted on the program's website. There is no part-time or distance learning option. Interviews are traditional and panel-format, and they do not require an onsite visit. A seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance.
Applicants who are competitive for this program typically combine a strong academic record well above the minimums, meaningful healthcare exposure, and genuine alignment with a mission that values humanistic and team-oriented care in community settings. Prospective students should honestly assess whether their GPA and healthcare experience profile matches the actual matriculant averages rather than just the published minimums before investing in an application here.