FAQs
- How do I get an application?
Applications are available May 1 each year through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The WSU PA Studies program only accepts applications submitted through CASPA. The CASPA application must be completed and submitted by September 1 in order to be considered for admission to the program.
Additionally, students must submit a WSU General Graduate Application. The WSU General Graduate Application will be available September 8 and is due by October 1. Use "Spring/Summer" of the following year as the projected start date on the application.
- From whom should I request evaluations?
You should request evaluations from a work supervisor who can comment on the direct hands-on patient care that you provide. Detailed recommendations on seeking evaluations appears on our admission requirements page under "Evlauations."
- Will you accept MCATs instead of the GRE?
No; all applicants need to complete the GRE.
- Do I need to take a subject test for the GRE?
No; only the general test of the GRE is required. The GRE must be taken within the last five years from the deadline date of the application. This applies even if the student holds a master's, doctoral or other advanced academic degree.
- Can I finish my prerequisite courses in the semester prior to admission to the spring/summer semester at WSU?
No; all prerequisite courses must be completed by the September 1 CASPA application deadline. The WSU PA Studies program begins in May of each year. Submit any questions to PAadmit@wayne.edu.
- Do you accept coursework from other colleges or universities?
Yes, we accept undergraduate coursework from all accredited schools and universities for consideration of prerequisite and cumulative GPA. Coursework completed outside of the United States must be evaluated by Wayne State University approved transcript evaluation service. See the PAS program's transfer credit policy and the college's transcript evaluation guide for more information.
- Do you grant advanced placement?
The WSU PAS Program does not provide waivers of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for applicants to the program or currently enrolled students which results in the student advancing in the curriculum. Students must complete all required curriculum components regardless of previous training or experience.
- I have taken a specific course, but I am unsure if it meets a specific prerequisite. What should I do?
All WSU PA Studies admission information can be found on the program's admission requirements page. Please consult this page for all admission information.
- Does my bachelor's degree have to be completed before I apply to your program?
You may submit your CASPA application to the program without having completed the bachelor's degree, as long as you will complete the degree prior to the start of the physician assistant program. Submit any questions to PAadmit@wayne.edu.
- What kind of health care experience are you looking for?
Please review the "Direct patient care experience" section of the admissions requirements page.
- How should I prepare if I am invited to an interview?
Please review the "Personal interview" section of the admissions requirements page.
- What kind of student are you looking for? Is there a specific profile?
There is no specific profile. However, we aim for students whose goals are aligned with the mission of our program, having beliefs and actions consistent with professionalism in medicine, an academic record reflective of high achievement, hands-on direct patient care experience high in quality and quantity, favorable recommendations, leadership and commitment to community service, and the motivation to study intensively for long hours!
- How much does the program cost?
Graduate tuition is established yearly by the Wayne State University Board of Governors. The WSU PA Studies program is a 75 credit hour graduate program, of which 30 credits are in the first year and the remaining 45 credits in the second year. For more information about tuition, review Wayne State University tuition information. Additional course fees of $3,786 (subject to change) for the two-year curriculum should be incorporated into the total estimate of tuition. This does not reflect costs for housing, computer, medical equipment (estimated $1,000) and textbooks. The WSU PAS program strives to give the best education at an affordable price.
- How many students do you accept?
We accept approximately 48-50 students into our program yearly.
- Is your program accredited?
Yes. See the WSU PA Studies program accreditation page for more information.
- What medical centers are you affiliated with?
We are affiliated with major health systems in Detroit, throughout Michigan and beyond, including Ascension, Beaumont Health, Cleveland Clinic, Detroit Medical Center, Henry Ford Health and Spectrum Health.
- Am I required to arrange my own clinical rotations?
No. Per WSU PAS program policies, students are prohibited from arranging or soliciting their own clinical rotations.
- Can I continue to work at my job while enrolled in your program?
Students are strongly urged not to engage in employment for the duration of the program. Due to time commitments and scheduling, students enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies program are not excused from program classes or clinical obligations because of full, part-time, or contingent employment. All classes and program sponsored/authorized activities are mandatory. If a student does engage in employment, he/she must insure that the employment shall in no way interfere with classes or program related activities