How to Apply

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 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 7 or TOEFL scores as follows: 650 paper; 114 Internet; 280 computer).
• Demonstrate evidence of ability to complete this intensive program of study and clinical training, personal maturity, and a professional attitude.

Please note, due to the pandemic applicants will be reviewed on a case by case basis and exceptions will be granted where necessary.

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. Length of each shadowing experience must be a minimum of 4 hours. (Shadowing Hours Documentation Form PDF)

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.

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, and Seton Hill's selection process, or would like to speak to a Seton Hill faculty member, please e-mail gadmit@setonhill.edu.