About the program
The Randolph-Macon College 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 Randolph-Macon College Physician Assistant Program is to address gaps in healthcare delivery and equity by producing highly-qualified, compassionate PAs, prepared through a blended biomedical science and liberal arts education, equipped to impact health system, provider, and patient needs."
Problem-based learning. Non-competitive small class size and cohort culture. Diverse clinical rotation experiences with strong community partnerships. Strong faculty support and mentorship. Opportunities for simulation, interprofessional learning and hands-on experience.
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: no. DACA status applicants are not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
Randolph-Macon College in Virginia offers a 24-month program awarding the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program currently holds Provisional ARC-PA accreditation and is scheduled to begin its inaugural cohort in January 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis, with a deadline of September 1, 2026, so early submission carries a practical advantage.
The program's mission centers on addressing gaps in healthcare delivery and equity, drawing on a blended biomedical science and liberal arts foundation. That framing signals a preference for applicants who think broadly about health systems and patient populations, not just clinical mechanics. The curriculum is built around case-based, problem-based, and systems-based learning, with collaborative and team-based approaches woven throughout. Early clinical exposure is incorporated, and students have access to simulation and interprofessional learning experiences. Clinical rotations are described as diverse, supported by community partnerships, which suggests placements in varied settings rather than a single health system. Class size is set at 40 students, and the program emphasizes a non-competitive cohort culture with faculty mentorship.
The minimum GPA threshold - 3.00 overall and 3.00 in science - is accessible compared to many programs, making this a reasonable option for applicants who are solid but not at the very top of the GPA range. Notably, paid direct patient care is recommended but not required, and healthcare experience more broadly falls into the same category. This distinguishes the program from more competitive programs that set firm patient-care hour floors, though applicants without hands-on experience should understand that "recommended" carries real weight in committee review.
Prerequisite coursework includes general chemistry with lab (7 credits), general biology with lab (7 credits), human anatomy with lab (4 credits), human physiology (3 credits), and statistics (2 credits). There is no time limit on when these prerequisites must have been completed. The GRE is required - the MCAT is explicitly not accepted - and applicants must also complete CASPer. International applicants are not accepted, though out-of-state students are welcome. The program is fully on-site with no distance learning or part-time option.
Total tuition is $103,926 with a seat deposit of $750. Finalists participate in a required on-site Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), and three letters of reference are required. Given that this is a new program launching in January 2027 with Provisional accreditation, applicants should factor that status into their decision - accreditation processes have timelines, and prospective students should research what Provisional accreditation means for board eligibility and employment before applying.
An applicant is likely a strong fit here if they are drawn to a liberal arts-influenced approach to healthcare equity, can demonstrate meaningful healthcare interest even without formal hour requirements, and value a small, mentorship-oriented cohort environment at a program still establishing its track record.