Cycle note. Program-supplied directory information was checked Aug 10, 2026. Requirements can change during an application cycle, so confirm final eligibility and deadlines on the official program site and in CASPA before submitting.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Hickory, NC | Ownership not categorized | MS: Master of Science
Program length24 months
Class size36 seats
Application deadlineSep 1, 2026
PCE minimum500 hours
Minimum GPA3.00
Reported tuitionTotal $90,000
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | January 2027 |
| Review model | Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Delivery | Campus-based |
| Part-time option | No |
| Testing | None |
| Accreditation | Accreditation-Provisional |
| First accredited | 2025/06/28 |
| Next ARC-PA review | TBD |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
Program Mission The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA Studies) is an innovative program designed to create the next generation of highly competent and empathetic medical providers renowned for their excellence in patient-centered care in collaborative healthcare settings both regionally and nationally.
Use these details only when they genuinely connect to your prior clinical, service, academic, or teamwork record.
Academic Thresholds and Cohort Context
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Minimum overall GPA | 3.00 |
| Minimum science GPA | Not reported |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | Not reported |
Interpretation: Minimums are eligibility screens. Matriculant averages describe a recent entering cohort and should not be treated as guarantees or hidden cutoffs.
Prerequisite Planning
- Human Anatomy 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biology (general)6 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biochemistry 3 Credit(s)
- Microbiology 3 Credit(s)
- Chemistry (general)6 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Human Physiology 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Medical Terminology 1 Credit(s)
- Statistics 3 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | See website: https://www.lr.edu/admission-and-aid/graduate-admission/apply#a42221 Labs must be in person. Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – 1 semester will be accepted. Upper-level Biology – 1 semester; Highly recommend Genetics. |
| Course recency | 10 Years |
| Outstanding-course deadline | September 1st |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | 2 |
Compare labs, semester or quarter conversion, minimum grades, recency, online-course rules, and completion timing course by course.
Clinical Experience and Shadowing
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Healthcare experience | Yes, required |
| Paid healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Recommended but not required |
| Healthcare experience hours | 500 |
| Healthcare experience time limit | No Requirement |
| Paid direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Recommended but not required |
| Direct patient-care hours | 500 |
| Direct patient-care time limit | No Requirement |
| PA shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Physician shadowing | Not Required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Not Required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Not Required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | Yes |
| Virtual shadowing accepted | No |
Strategy: Even when hours are recommended rather than required, describe role scope, patient contact, clinical judgment, teamwork, and what you learned about the PA profession.
Application Mechanics
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| CASPA deadline | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Reported resident tuition | Not reported |
| Reported non-resident tuition | Not reported |
| Deadline status requirement | Green-Verified: the application has been submitted, payment, all transcripts, and at least two evaluation letters must be received by CASPA by the posted deadline, and the application has a verified status, meaning all GPAs have been calculated by CASPA. |
| Supplemental application | No |
| Supplemental deadline | Not reported |
| Supplemental fee | Not reported |
| Reference letters | 3 |
| Reference types | PA |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $1,000 |
| Deposit refundable | No |
Eligibility and Access Policies
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state applicants | Yes |
| Transfer applicants | No |
| DACA applicants considered | Yes |
| International applicants accepted | Yes, with exceptions. Please visit the program's website. |
| On-campus housing | No |
| Veteran support | Veteran faculty: Faculty members who have veteran status. |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Published Admissions Considerations
See website https://www.lr.edu/admission-and-aid/graduate-admission/apply#a42221
Mission alignment
Program Mission The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA Studies) is an innovative program designed to create the next generation of highly competent and empathetic medical providers renowned for their excellence in patient-centered care in collaborative healthcare settings both regionally and nationally.
Potential Constraints to Resolve Before Applying
- Rolling review means an application submitted well before the deadline may receive earlier consideration.
- At least 500 direct patient-care hours are reported.
- The reported overall GPA floor is 3.00; meeting a floor does not indicate competitiveness.
- Prerequisite recency policy: 10 Years.
- No more than 2 prerequisite courses may remain outstanding.
- An interview is required (Traditional Interview, Group Interview).
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Traditional Interview · Group Interview
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Traditional Interview | Prepare concise answers for motivation, readiness, ethical judgment, and program-specific fit, supported by concrete examples. |
| Group Interview | Show collaborative leadership through active listening, constructive additions, and space-making rather than dominating the discussion. |
Interview formats can change. Confirm whether the current cycle is onsite or virtual and whether writing, group, or timed scenario components are included.
Accreditation and Outcome Questions
Current status: Accreditation-Provisional. First accreditation: 2025/06/28. Next review: TBD.
Read the ARC-PA action history. Accreditation-Provisional requires closer review of the official status, effective dates, and any program response before applying.
Questions worth answering before enrollment
- What are the latest first-time and ultimate PANCE pass rates, with cohort year and denominator?
- What are the latest graduation and attrition rates?
- How far may students travel or temporarily relocate for clinical rotations, and who bears those costs?
- Are core rotations assigned by the program, and can students be required to secure elective sites?
- What remediation, deceleration, and dismissal policies apply during didactic and clinical training?
Sources
| Source | What it supports |
|---|---|
| Official program website | Current program policies, curriculum, outcomes, and application instructions |
| PAEA program profile (updated February 6th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |