Presbyterian College
Clinton, SC | Ownership not categorized | MPAS: Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Snapshot
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Start term | October 2027 |
| Review model | Rolling - Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis |
| Delivery | Campus-based |
| Part-time option | No |
| Testing | Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) - will not accept MCAT |
| Accreditation | Accreditation-Continued |
| First accredited | 2019/06/21 |
| Next ARC-PA review | 2033/10 |
Mission and Program Differentiators
Published Mission
The mission of the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Studies Program is to develop the medical, mental, moral, and physical capacities of each student in preparation for a lifetime of service to patients and those in need. To fulfill this mission, our top priority is fostering an environment that empowers faculty, students, and practitioners to learn, grow, and expand their knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the communities they serve.
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 | 3.20 |
| Minimum science GPA | 3.20 |
| Minimum prerequisite GPA | Not reported |
| Reported matriculant overall GPA | 3.7 |
| Reported matriculant science GPA | 3.6 |
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 8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biology (general)8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Biochemistry 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Microbiology 3 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Chemistry (general)8 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Organic Chemistry 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Human Physiology 4 Credit(s), Lab Required
- Genetics 3 Credit(s)
- Medical Terminology 1 Credit(s)
- English 6 Credit(s)
- Humanities 6 Credit(s)
- Math (general)6 Credit(s)
- Math (algebra)6 Credit(s)
- Psychology 3 Credit(s)
- Social Science 6 Credit(s)
| Item | Program information |
|---|---|
| Additional course policy | For details on our prerequisites please refer to our checklist which can be found here: https://www.presby.edu/doc/PA/PCPARequirementsChecklist.pdf |
| Course recency | 7 Years |
| Outstanding-course deadline | July 31, 2027 |
| Maximum outstanding prerequisites | Not reported |
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 | Required |
| Volunteer healthcare experience | Required |
| Healthcare experience hours | 200 |
| Healthcare experience time limit | 5 Years |
| Paid direct patient care | Required |
| Volunteer direct patient care | Required |
| Direct patient-care hours | 200 |
| Direct patient-care time limit | 5 Years |
| PA shadowing | Required |
| Physician shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Other-provider shadowing | Recommended but not required |
| Clinical or non-clinical research | Recommended but not required |
| Virtual healthcare accepted | No |
| 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 | Apr 1, 2027 |
| Reported resident tuition | Not reported |
| Reported non-resident tuition | Not reported |
| Deadline status requirement | Blue-Submit only: the applicant must only submit the application by your posted deadline. |
| Supplemental application | No |
| Supplemental deadline | Not reported |
| Supplemental fee | Not reported |
| Reference letters | 3 |
| Reference types | PA; Academic Reference (e.g. Teacher/Professor or Academic Advisor) |
| Seat deposit | Yes, $1,500 |
| 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 | No |
| On-campus housing | Yes |
| Veteran support | Not reported |
Applicant Fit Analysis
Published Admissions Considerations
For full admission requirements please see our website: https://www.presby.edu/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-program/admissions/
Mission alignment
The mission of the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Studies Program is to develop the medical, mental, moral, and physical capacities of each student in preparation for a lifetime of service to patients and those in need. To fulfill this mission, our top priority is fostering an environment that empowers faculty, students, and practitioners to learn, grow, and expand their knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the communities they serve.
Recent cohort context
Reported matriculant averages were 3.7 overall and 3.6 science GPA. These are context, not admission cutoffs.
Potential Constraints to Resolve Before Applying
- Rolling review means an application submitted well before the deadline may receive earlier consideration.
- At least 200 direct patient-care hours are reported.
- The reported overall GPA floor is 3.20; meeting a floor does not indicate competitiveness.
- The reported science GPA floor is 3.20.
- Prerequisite recency policy: 7 Years.
- An interview is required (Traditional Interview, Panel Interview, Group Interview, Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)).
- International applicants are not accepted under the reported policy.
Interview Preparation
Reported requirement: Yes · Traditional Interview · Panel Interview · Group Interview · Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)
| Format | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| Traditional Interview | Prepare concise answers for motivation, readiness, ethical judgment, and program-specific fit, supported by concrete examples. |
| Panel Interview | Practice maintaining eye contact across a panel, answering the person who asked, and keeping examples concise enough for follow-up questions. |
| Group Interview | Show collaborative leadership through active listening, constructive additions, and space-making rather than dominating the discussion. |
| Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) | Practice timed ethical, communication, teamwork, and health-system scenarios. Explain the reasoning process, not just the conclusion. |
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-Continued. First accreditation: 2019/06/21. Next review: 2033/10.
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 5th, 2026) | Program-supplied admissions, curriculum, and matriculant data |
| ARC-PA accreditation source | Accreditation status and review history |