Undergraduate Admission

5-Year Physician Assistant Program

Admission to the physician assistant program at the freshman level requires the following:

• Successful completion of four years of lab science in high school
  (biology, chemistry, anatomy/physiology, and physics recommended)
• Successful completion of pre-calculus math
• Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher*

*Preference will be given to students who demonstrate higher achievement in these areas and class rank.

It is highly recommended that students begin shadowing and observing a physician assistant while in high school to become more familiar with the profession. The local state physician assistant society or academy is the best way to connect to practicing PAs from the area.

Students who submit results of AP examinations are eligible to receive credit for the undergraduate BSHS degree in accordance with the table published in the University General Catalog, under the “Advanced Placement Program” section.

Available Seats.  The Valparaiso University PA Program is a high-demand area of study, and there are 45 seats available for each incoming graduate class. Students admitted to the 5-Year PA Program with a direct-entry seat will be admitted into the graduate phase of the PA program (MSPA coursework) after successfully completing the BSHS degree program requirements. For the undergraduate BSHS progression criteria, please refer to the University General Catalog.

Students who were not admitted into the 5-Year PA Program with a direct entry seat will be considered for admission to the MSPA Program once a year in December, pending available seats. [See Graduate Admission Eligibility and Application Requirements]