The Master of Medical Science in physician assistant studies at Charleston Southern University accepts applications each April through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
Starting your path to becoming a PA can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The Charleston Southern University PA Program is here to help you through your journey by fostering your dedication to studies and academic success. Students will be provided with an engaging learning environment and the tools necessary for fostering relationships with peers, faculty, staff and preceptors.
Step 1 : Review Application Requirements
Review the application requirements here.
This Self-appraisal Form can be used to assess where you are with all of the program requirements.
Step 2 : Apply
The Charleston Southern University Physician Assistant Program utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for application processing. A supplemental application is not required.
Get started on your CASPA Application.
Step 3 : Interview
Interview invitations are extended to the most competitive applicants for admissions. Exact dates will be communicated to candidates with an offer to interview.
Step 4 : Acceptance Requirements
For the accepted applicant, the program requires a response by the date established at the time of the offer. A $1,000 nonrefundable payment to the CSU Office of Enrollment Services is required to reserve the seat in the program at the time the offer is accepted and will be applied to your first semester’s tuition. Instructions for payment will be provided with the acceptance letter.
If an applicant commits to another program, we request the professional courtesy of notifying the CSU PA Program so that other candidates may be considered.
Candidates offered a position will be required to complete the following prior to enrollment:
- Official Transcripts from all College and Universities for any work in progress courses by October 1st.
- Proof of Health Insurance (Must be maintained throughout the program)
- Technical Standards Attestation
- Immunization Records
- Background Check
- Urine Drug Screen
- Permission to Release Information Form
Detailed instructions on how to complete the above requirements will be communicated to candidates.
The program uses a rolling admissions process. The Admissions Committee scores completed verified CASPA applications that meet the minimum requirements for admissions. Scoring is based upon GPAs (cumulative, prerequisite, and science). The committee also awards points to applicants with the following qualities: applicants who are CSU alumni, applicants who are military veterans, applicants with foreign language proficiency, applicants with additional medical training, licenses, or certifications, applicants with a Master’s or Doctoral degree, and applicants with leadership and volunteer experience. Finally, preference is given to candidates who have completed a greater number of healthcare experience hours.
Based upon these factors, the Admissions Committee will invite qualified individuals for interviews. These interviews will be conducted using a multiple mini interview approach to assess the following:
-Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
-Compassion
-Cultural Awareness
-Ethics
-Leadership and Service
-Maturity
-Passion, Motivation, and Understanding of the Profession
-Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills
-Teamwork
-Understanding of the Program’s Mission Statement
Interviewees will be notified of the admissions decision within one month of their interview. During each applicant review process, applicants will be placed in one of three categories: Accept, Waitlist*, or Decline.
*Waitlist: These candidates will initially be notified within one month of completing their interview. All candidates on this list will be reviewed during each subsequent interview selection process. At that time, their status will be updated to one of the following: Admit Now, Continue Waitlist, or Declined.
Admissions Policies
Technical Standards
The Charleston Southern University PA Program requires that all of our PA students meet technical standards for matriculation, continuation in and graduation from the program. These skills are necessary to master the educational content of the didactic and clinical year curricula, with the ultimate goal of safely and competently caring for patients. The practice of medicine demands not only high intellectual capability but also the ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with patients and the health care team, function appropriately in stressful situations, assess the patient through various sensory and motor skills, learn and master content through a variety of teaching modalities and adapt to the ever-changing health care environment.
The following Technical Standards are necessary for acceptance to and continuation in the program: