About the program
The Xavier University of Louisiana 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: "In the spirit of academic excellence, the mission of the Xavier University Physician Assistant Program is to educate physician assistants to become ethical, competent, and compassionate physician assistants who are dedicated to providing superior quality healthcare that contributes to the promotion of a more just and humane society by improving the healthcare of the diverse communities we serve."
Excellence in teaching the art of medicine; Partnership with clinical affiliates at Ochsner Health; a 28-month program that has a 12- consecutive month didactic phase, and a 16-month clinical phase which includes a Capstone Project; On campus Physical diagnosis lab space, Lab (wet) space, i.e. anatomy.
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.
Prerequisite coursework
Recency: No Requirement
Program overview
Xavier University of Louisiana offers a 28-month Master of Health Science degree through an ARC-PA accredited physician assistant program based in Louisiana. The program accepts out-of-state and, with certain exceptions, international applicants, making it accessible beyond Louisiana residents, though it operates entirely on campus with no distance learning or part-time options. The January start date and rolling admissions process mean competitive applicants benefit from submitting materials well before the August 1 deadline, as applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The curriculum is organized around organ-based and systems-based learning, moving through a 12-consecutive-month didactic phase followed by a 16-month clinical phase. The clinical portion culminates in a Capstone Project, and students benefit from a partnership with Ochsner Health for clinical affiliate placements. On-campus resources include a physical diagnosis lab and wet lab anatomy space, supporting hands-on learning from early in the program. The program's mission centers on producing ethical, competent, and compassionate practitioners committed to serving diverse communities and advancing health equity - language that suggests the program actively values students oriented toward underserved or varied patient populations.
The admissions bar is moderate on paper: a minimum 3.00 GPA is required for both overall and prerequisite coursework, with no time limit on how recently prerequisites were completed. However, the patient-care threshold is notably low at just 80 hours, though paid direct patient care experience is required rather than simply preferred - a meaningful distinction. Healthcare experience is also required. Applicants must submit GRE scores (MCAT is accepted as a substitute), and international applicants must provide IELTS or TOEFL results. Three letters of reference are required, and all interviewed candidates must attend an onsite interview, which uses both a panel format and multiple mini interview (MMI) stations.
Prerequisite coursework is substantial, requiring eight credits each - all with labs - in general chemistry, general biology, human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology, plus three credits of statistics. The combined anatomy and physiology requirement of 16 credits with lab is particularly heavy and worth flagging for applicants still completing their science foundation.
Total tuition is $88,256 with a $1,000 seat deposit; there are no separate tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students. The incoming class size of approximately 38 students reflects a relatively intimate cohort. An applicant weighing this program should honestly assess whether the mission around health equity and community service aligns with their professional goals, and whether they can submit a strong, complete application early in the rolling cycle.