CMU Bechtel Physician Assistant Program Application Requirements
All applicants must meet the following GPA requirements:
- Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (as calculated by CASPA)
- Must have a minimum Science GPA of 3.0 (as calculated by CASPA)
- Must have a minimum Prerequisite GPA of 3.0
Quality of GPA above the minimum required 3.0 will be considered during the applicant screening process.
Prerequisite Science Courses
| Course | Description | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy with Lab | A two-semester combined Human Anatomy and Physiology course is acceptable. Course(s) must cover all body systems. | 3 One semester with lab required (or combined A&P) |
| Human Physiology | A two-semester combined Human Anatomy and Physiology course is acceptable. Course(s) must cover all body systems. | 3 One semester (or combined A&P) |
| Genetics | Course must be human focused. Lab recommended but not required. This is an additional biology course and cannot count towards Biology total of 6 semester credits. | 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits |
| Biological Sciences |
Recommended biology courses designed for biology or physiology majors: General Biology, Advanced Physiology, Microbiology, Gross Anatomy |
6 |
| Chemistry |
Recommended course sequence designed for chemistry or biology majors Recommended: General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry |
6 |
Prerequisite Non-Science Courses
| Course | Description | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics* | May be taken in any department. Calculus coursework will not be accepted | 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits |
| Psychology* | Must be a course in general, introductory, abnormal or life span/developmental psychology | 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits |
|
*The program will accept AP or IB credit towards the Statistics and Psychology prerequisite requirement with college transcripts that verify credits were given towards these courses. AP credit or IB credit will not be accepted to fulfill any science course prerequisite. |
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Requirements reflective of the 2024 application cycle for matriculation in January 2025.
- All prerequisite coursework must be COMPLETED and transcripts for outstanding prerequisite coursework must be RECEIVED by CMU no later than October 1 of the year prior to matriculation.
- No more than nine semester credits may be outstanding at the time of application. A plan to complete outstanding coursework, including the bachelor's degree, must be documented in the CASPA application.
- Any outstanding prerequisites must be completed with a grade of “B” or higher by October 1 of the year prior to matriculation. Any outstanding prerequisite grades under “B” can disqualify any applicant from matriculating into the program. All applicants must complete the required prerequisites.
- A bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university must be completed by October 1 of the year prior to matriculation.
- Coursework completed in quarter credits should be converted to semester credits. One quarter credit is equivalent to 0.667 semester credits. The program does not make exceptions to the minimum semester credit requirement for each prerequisite.
- All prerequisites completed by the time of application must have a grade of “C” or higher.
- All prerequisite course work must be earned from a regionally accredited U.S. Higher Education institution and be verifiable through official transcripts. View requirements for International Applicants
- A single course cannot be used to meet multiple requirements.
- Online coursework may be accepted. Contact [email protected] if you have questions about whether specific courses will meet the program's prerequisite requirements.
- No prerequisite course may be taken on a “pass/fail” or “credit/non-credit” basis.
- If an applicant believes the requirements have been met for a prerequisite course but that course is not listed on our prerequisite course list (below), they may fill out the prerequisite waiver form with appropriate documentation (i.e., syllabus or course description from the university website). This waiver form and supporting documents must be emailed to [email protected] prior to the application deadline for it to be considered for the current application cycle.