Application Process & Admission Requirements

Please apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Helpful Hints for Navigating the Application Process Through CASPA

• All applications and supporting materials (transcripts, references, etc.) must be received by CASPA before processing of your file can begin. It takes 2 - 4 weeks for CASPA processing once your file is complete.
• If English is not your first language, TOEFL or IELTS scores must be submitted with your CASPA application. Instruct the testing agency to use the following code when submitting your scores directly to CASPA: TOEFL designate code 2812. (Scores required for admission noted below.)
• No supplemental application is required for our program.

Deadlines for Application & Admission Interview Dates

Our CASPA cycle will open in late April.  The deadline for application through CASPA is January 15 for the subsequent January class. Eligible candidates will be interviewed for admission to the program in February, March and April, with most candidates receiving an admissions notification by May 1.

Admission Requirements

Students who have completed a bachelor's degree and are applying to the Master of Science Program, must:

• Apply online through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
• Have a minimum 3.2 CASPA evaluated undergraduate GPA or a 3.2 completed Graduate Degree GPA at the time in which your application is submitted.
• Have completed the prerequisite courses within the past seven years at a CASPA-verified U.S. institution and with a combined GPA for these courses of at least 3.2 at the time your application is submitted. There is an exception to the seven-year rule for candidates who have been continually enrolled - with a gap of no more than one year - in a health science program since completion of prerequisite coursework.
• Participate in an interview (if invited) with faculty from Seton Hill and the Physician Assistant Program. 
• Possess strong oral and written language skills (international students are required to have an IELTS score of 8 or TOEFL scores as follows: 650 paper; 114 Internet; 280 computer; 135 Duolingo).
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to complete this intensive program of study and clinical training, personal maturity, and a professional attitude.

Note:  Applications that do not meet the initial required 3.2 cumulative GPA or 3.2 prerequisite GPA will be automatically denied.  We do not allow submission of additional materials after your application is verified by CASPA if you do not meet the initial criteria. 

Prior to beginning study in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant program at Seton Hill, all prospective students must:

• Have a minimum of 300 hours of health care experience. (Healthcare Hours Documentation Form PDF)
• Have completed three physician assistant shadowing experiences in different medical or surgical specialties. The length of each shadowing experience must be a minimum of 4 hours. (Shadowing Hours Documentation Form PDF)

For further admissions information, view our admissions screening rubric.

Application & Interview Process

Seton Hill's Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee reviews all applications for the combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science and Master of Science in Physician Assistant Programs. Selected applicants are invited for an interview on campus with program faculty members and alumni. The interview process includes standard interview questions, a communication exercise, and a writing assessment. The interview process takes one-half day to complete.

How to Succeed at the Program Interview

Our program receives hundreds of applications from qualified prospective students for a small number of available seats. To improve your chances of being placed in one of those seats, you must prepare for the interview. Here is a list of items that will prepare you and give you an edge in the interview process:

• Research Seton Hill University and read the Physician Assistant Program web pages.
• Attend a Seton Hill University Physician Assistant Program Information Session - this is especially important for high school applicants.
• 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, 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.

Tuition & Fees

Estimated Student Expenses: Updated 4/2024

Tuition 

Didactic Component

• Spring I: $16,276
• Summer I: $16,276
• Fall I: $16,764
• Spring II: $16,764

Clinical Year (includes rotation course fees)

• Summer II: $16,764
• Fall II: $17,267
• Spring III: 17,267

Total Tuition Cost: $117,378

Course Fees

Course fees include:

• Medical Equipment
• White Coats
• BLS/ACLS certification fee
• McGraw Hill textbook packages (Access Medicine)
• Elsevier textbook package (Clinical Key Student)
• UpToDate subscription
• Live patients for history-taking training; male and female reproductive exams, pregnant woman exams
• EhrGo subscription
• Typhon
• Packrat Exam fees
• Live on-campus PANCE review course
• Rosh PANCE review course subscription
• HIPPA for Healthcare Workers Certification fee
• PAEA end of rotation exams and summative exam
• Cadavers for Human Gross Anatomy
• Complete Anatomy study package
• Lab supplies, models and mannequins
• Biomedical hazardous waste disposal
• Grand Rounds guest speakers
• Medical liability insurance

Total Course Fees: $4,350

Clinical Travel Fees Per Semester (Summer II, Fall II, Spring III)

Students are presented with a standard travel, lodging and living budget per semester of clinical rotations.

• Housing and Meal Allowance: $5,408
• Books/Supplies: $500
• Personal Expense Allowance: $1,750
• Transportation Allowance: $250

Total Clinical Travel Fees Per Semester: $7,908

Miscellaneous Costs

Miscellaneous costs can include, but are not limited to, clearances, background checks, required vaccines and immunizations, a physical exam. They DO NOT include the PANCE exam or state licensure fees.

Estimated Misc. Costs: $750

Graduation Fee: $100

Total Estimated Cost: $130,486

Notes:

• Tuition increase based on an estimated 3% annual increase.
• All costs are subject to change.
• Cost of clinical travel in an estimate and will be different for each student.
• Personal health insurance is not included in the cost of attendance.

For More Information

• If you have questions about the application process or the status of your application to the Seton Hill Physician Assistant Program, direct your questions to CASPA.
• If you have questions about prerequisites, deadlines, screening, interviews, cost or Seton Hill's selection process, or would like to speak to a Seton Hill faculty member, please e-mail gadmit@setonhill.edu.