About the program
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis) 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 Physician Assistant program is to prepare a diverse group of highly skilled Physician Assistant practitioners who are dedicated to improving access and providing high quality primary and/or specialty health care as part of interprofessional teams and who are committed to lifelong learning and to increasing the knowledge base of the profession."
We have an excellent faculty to student ratio, A small class size. 24 month program with a January start. Numerous clinical placements throughout Tennessee. World class simulation center on campus.
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: 5 Years
Program overview
This ARC-PA accredited program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis awards a Master of Medical Science degree and runs 24 months, with the next cohort beginning January 2027. The rolling admissions process means applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the deadline for that cycle falls on September 1, 2026, so early submission is a practical advantage.
The program carries a minimum overall and science GPA requirement of 3.00, though matriculants have typically arrived with overall and science GPAs of 3.64 and 3.62, respectively, giving applicants a realistic sense of where competitive candidates tend to land. Paid direct patient care is recommended but not required, and the same applies to broader healthcare experience, making this a reasonable option for applicants still building their clinical hours alongside strong academics. The prerequisite GPA minimum is 2.00, and all science prerequisites must have been completed within the past five years. Required coursework includes two semesters each of general chemistry with lab and general biology with lab, plus human anatomy with lab, human physiology, microbiology, and statistics.
The program's mission centers on preparing a diverse group of clinicians committed to improving access to primary and specialty care, functioning within interprofessional teams, and engaging in lifelong learning. There is no specific curricular focus, meaning the training is generalist in nature rather than built around a particular specialty track. The incoming class is small at approximately 30 students, which the program notes supports a strong faculty-to-student ratio. Clinical placements are distributed throughout Tennessee, and the campus hosts a simulation center that is part of the training infrastructure. Total program delivery is on-site only, with no distance learning or part-time option available.
Tuition differs for in-state and out-of-state students, and both out-of-state and international applicants are accepted, though prospective international applicants should consult the program website directly for specific eligibility conditions. A seat deposit of $1,000 is required upon acceptance. Applicants must submit at least three letters of reference and sit for the PA-CAT. Interviews are conducted on-site and include both a traditional interview and a Multiple Mini Interview format.
An applicant weighing this program should honestly assess whether the January start date, Tennessee-based clinical rotations, and a generalist curriculum within a small cohort align with their timeline and geographic flexibility.