Requirements
Admission Information
We will begin the interview process as soon as eligible applications are received from CASPA. Interviews will be offered to qualified applicants and student positions will be offered on a rolling admissions basis. We accept 50 students each year so early application is strongly encouraged. Selection for a place in our PA program is very competitive as we average over 300 applications each year.
Statistically, the ideal applicant has presented with a 3.0 overall GPA, 1000/3.0 GRE scores, completed 300+ hours of healthcare experience, 100 shadowing hours, and 80 science hours before applying to the program. These applicants have gone on to be very successful PA students. Therefore, we encourage all applicants to have scores similar to the ones mentioned above. Applicants who have scores that deviate significantly from the average will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Application Requirements
To apply you should have the following:
- Completed CASPA application
- Completed supplemental application and fee received
- GRE scores received by the Program. Applicants with a graduate degree from an accredited university may request a waiver from the GRE requirement. It will be at the discretion of the admissions committee to determine if the waiver will be granted.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited university
- Official transcripts from all universities attended. Original transcripts need to go to CASPA and to our program for review
- Three letters of recommendation: Two (2) of your letters of recommendation must be from a PA, MD, DO, or FNP. One (1) letter can be from a university professor or advisor. We do not accept letters of recommendation from family members.
- Non-native speakers of English: Achieved TOEFL IBT (internet based testing) scores of at least 87 with the minimum section requirements of: Reading: 21, Speaking: 26, Listening: 20, and Writing: 20.
- Completion of our nine pre-requisite courses.
- Completion of GRE and results received by Program.
Pre-requisite Course Work
Consists of the following classes:
- Two Semesters - General Biology (or equivalent)
- Two Semesters - General Chemistry (or equivalent)
- Two Semesters - Human A & P
- One Semester - Microbiology or Bacteriology
- One Semester - General Psychology
- One Semester - Genetics
Students may apply before the completion of some pre-requisite courses but should inform the university as to when and where the needed course(s) will be taken. Such candidates may gain conditional acceptance.
No prerequisites older than 5 years will be accepted unless you have been employed full time in the health care field since completion of those prerequisites.
Advanced placement is not possible.
There is no credit for experiential learning.
No Physician Assistant credits from another institution may be transferred into the didactic or clinical years. BUPAP students must complete the entire program at Bethel University.
An applicant who possesses a degree from an accredited institution outside of the US may also be considered for admission. These students must have their transcript verified and translated by an approved organization (such as World Education Services) and should meet all other requirements.
Averages of Current Class
The following is an overview of averages for the Class of 2013. This information may be used by applicants to help assess their application. Please note that these are AVERAGES. We evaluate each application on its own merit. Admission is based on academic achievement, high quality performance in science and/or healthcare related courses, demonstrated motivation and professional potential, and strong interpersonal skills. Admission committee decisions are final.
Cumulative GPA – 3.3
Healthcare Experience – 5500 hours
Shadowing Hours – approximately 200
Science Hours – 82
Average Age – 27
GRE Scores – 1050/4.0
Recommended Courses
These courses are not required but are recommended to help better prepare you for our PA program. Our recommended courses consist of the following classes:
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Introductory statistics or critical thinking
Additional Selection Factors
The following applicants have a slight advantage:
- Applicants having shadowed a physician assistant
- Applicants with significant healthcare experience
Healthcare and/or shadowing experience provides students with an awareness of the intricacies of the medical care delivery system as it exists today and provides information that enables them to realistically commit themselves to a profession that helps the sick and injured. (The Additional selection factors assist in evaluating an applicant for admission and do not guarantee admission to the PA Program.)
Deadline
Classes begin each January. CASPA will begin accepting applications in April and will continue to accept applications until September 1. You should apply and submit required forms and documentation to the Bethel University Physician Assistant Program by October 1. If received after October 1, your application may not be reviewed and you may not be considered for the entering class. APPLY EARLY.
Dates to Remember:
* April 15 - start applying to CASPA
* September 1 - deadline to apply to CASPA
* October 1 - deadline to have all materials to Program (example: original transcripts, supplemental application, etc.)
* May - October - interviews will be conducted
* January - classes begin
Forms
These forms are to be used if you have already completed your CASPA application. If you wish to send additional letters of recommendation or proof of shadowing hours earned, have these forms completed and mail them to the address located under "contact us".