How to Apply

You can apply online for free using the University application. On the application, in the section for major of interest, please indicate the Physician Assistant Program as the major. (Note: You cannot transfer into the combined B.S./M.S. in Physician Assistant Program from another college or university; you must enter as a first-time college freshman. Seton Hill also offers an M.S. in Physician Assistant.)

B.S./M.S. in Physician Assistant Application Checklist:

  • A Seton Hill University undergraduate application.
  • Official high school transcripts.
  • Three letters of recommendation (one from a science teacher).
  • An essay on why you want to become a physician assistant.
  • SAT and/or ACT scores.
  • Health Care & PA Shadowing Form (PDF) not required, but highly recommended

To be considered for the program, high school students must:

  • Have one of the following:
    • A minimum new SAT score of 1160 (evidence-based reading and writing and math) OR
    • A minimum ACT score of 24.
  • Have a minimum overall GPA of 3.2.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.2 for all science courses.
  • Participate in an interview with representatives from Seton Hill and the Physician Assistant Program.
  • Demonstrate strong oral and written language skills, evidence of ability to complete this intensive program of study and clinical training, personal maturity and a professional attitude.
  • High school student applicants are also encouraged to provide evidence of health care/patient contact and physician assistant shadowing experience.

For further admissions information, view our admissions screening rubric.

Deadlines 

To be considered for admission, we highly encourage you to apply by October 30. Interviews for the program are typically held from September through February. The earlier you turn in a complete application, the greater the opportunity for being selected for an interview. Students typically receive admissions decisions within a month of their interview.

Becoming Eligible to Interview

After qualification, applicants become “eligible to interview.” At this stage in the admission process candidates are ranked by assigning points to application requirements, as shown below. The Physician Assistant faculty will interview approximately 80 of the highest-scoring applicants. Applicants can receive a maximum of 21 points.

Requirements 1 Point 2 Points 3 Points 4 Points
GPA 3.20-3.60 3.61-3.75 3.76-3.90 3.91-4.0
SAT 1160-1220 1230-1250 1260-1290 >1290
ACT 24-25 26 27 28 or >
Extracurricular Activities 1 2 3 or more N/A
Recommendation Letters 1 positive letter submitted 2 positive letters submitted 3 positive letters submitted N/A
PA Shadow Experiences 1 2 3 or more N/A
Health Care Hours 1-25 26-50 51-75 >75

Scoring Example:

Alivia Smith has earned a high school GPA of 3.87, scored 1280 on the SAT, and has been involved in two activities. She submitted three positive recommendation letters and has shadowed 1 PA and 1 nurse. She volunteered at her local nursing home for 28 hours. She will score as follows:

GPA: 3.91 = 4 points
SAT/ACT: 1280 = 3 points
Extracurricular Activities: 2 = 2 points
Recommendation Letters: 3 positive = 3 points
PA Shadow Experience: 1 PA Shadow = 1 point (Other healthcare providers do not count.)
Health Care Hours: 28 hours = 2 points
Total Points: 15 

The Interview

The admissions committee selects approximately 80 students to interview. The interview activities are designed to give applicants an in-depth look at our program. Applicants will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their strengths and suitability for the program and the PA profession.

This interview will include:

  • Program overview and a chance to meet some of the program faculty.
  • A review of the Physician Assistant Program curriculum.
  • An individual interview with a faculty member or alumni.
  • A group activity to observe your ability to work as a group member.
  • A review of technical standards.
  • Assessment of writing skills.

Tips for preparing for the interview:

  • Research Seton Hill University and our Physician Assistant Program.
  • Attend a Seton Hill University Physician Assistant Program Information Session.
  • Research the profession. (Some websites that will help: American Academy of Physician Assistants, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, and Physician Assistant Education Association.)
  • Research possible interview questions and think about your responses.
  • Talk with physician assistants.
  • Think about why you want to be a physician assistant.
  • Get adequate sleep the night before your scheduled interview.
  • Arrive early for the interview.

Technical Standards

The Seton Hill University Physician Assistant Program accepts applicants who we believe have the ability to become highly competent physician assistants. Admission and retention decisions are based not only on prior satisfactory academic achievement but also on non-academic factors outlined in our Technical Standards.

To contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, fill out our online Request for Information form. You may also call us any time at (724) 838-4281 or (800) 826-6234, or send an email to admit@setonhill.edu.