We are pleased that you are considering becoming a Physician Assistant, a very satisfying and important career. Each fall, approximately 50 well-prepared applicants matriculate into the Emory PA Program, and begin a rigorous 28-month graduate program. Emory's graduates are very well prepared and well-regarded across the country and the globe. Once again, Emory's PA Program has been recognized as one of the top three graduate PA programs in the  US News & World rankings.

From this page you will find the admissions process, a full description of the curriculum and Program, and more information about living in Atlanta and attending the Emory PA Program. If you've not already done so, please view our video introduction.

Ashley Goebertus Moloney, Dr. Jodie Guest, Brittany Hill as the first graduates of the Dual Degree Program with advisor ,Dr. Guest

Please note that we have a page of Frequently Asked Questions. Many of your questions about the Emory PA Program may be answered there. After reviewing the above pages, please feel free to contact us if you have questions. You can also reach our Admissions department at 404-727-7857.

Emory now offers a dual degree option (MMSc-PA/ MPH) in collaboration with the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory. You can read more about this program here.

Application Process

Emory University is a participant in CASPA (Centralized Application Service for PAs). This is a web-based service which allows candidates to apply to multiple participating programs. CASPA verifies your application for accuracy processes the application electronically and forwards your application materials to your designated PA Programs.Please note that CASPA requires all materials be received, including letters of recommendation and payment, before sending information to the PA Program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure these materials are received by CASPA.

For further information on CASPA:

            Telephone: 240.497.1895            Email: apply@caspaonline.org            https://secure.caspaonline.org

Supplemental Application:

A supplemental application is required of ALL applicants to the Emory PA Program. This is in addition to the CASPA application. Your application to Emory is not complete, and cannot be processed, until we receive your supplemental application. There is a $50 fee for the supplemental application. You will need to start your CASPA application and have a CASPA number before completing the Emory supplemental application.  There are two options to access the Emory Supplemental Application:

1. After setting up your CASPA account and designating Emory as one of your schools, you will find a link to our Supplemental Application in the "My Programs" list of your CASPA account.

or

2. You can request access to our Supplemental Application directly through this website by following this link.

Early Priority Deadline:

Meeting this deadline affords the candidate the opportunity to be considered for a Fall 2010 interview. All supporting materials, including supplemental application, must be received by August 1, 2010 to be considered.

Deadlines:

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the Emory PA Program is highly competitive. The Admissions Committee makes every attempt to select those candidates who show promise of becoming outstanding physician assistants. Admissions requirements are reviewed and revised annually. Applicants should verify current requirements with the PA Program and be sure to use the current application materials and requirements. Decisions are made based on a thorough evaluation of all aspects of the candidate’s completed application, including:

1.                  Academic record and potential, including GRE performance within the past 5 years (submit to institution code 5187; if unable to select a numeric code in the GRE reporting process, select "Emory University" and then select "Allied Health" from list of programs)

2.                  Written narrative statements

3.                  Personal references      

4.                  Previous health care experience

5.                  Personal, on-site interview

As health care providers, PAs have daily interactions with patients and families from diverse backgrounds. The Emory PA Program highly values diversity within our profession and our classrooms. Our students represent a wide range of educational experiences, health care backgrounds, socioeconomic backgrounds, geographic origins, ethnicity, and religion. The PA Program continues to actively recruit and matriculate students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The following is a snapshot of the class entering Fall 2009. This information may be used by the candidate to personally assess their application. Please note that these are average results among the accepted class, however, we evaluate each applicant and completed application on its own merits. Admissions decisions are based not only on academic history and potential, but also on motivation, maturity, interpersonal skills, knowledge of the PA profession and the healthcare system and the mission of the Emory PA Program.

 Prerequisite requirements

 Academic Course Requirements

All applicants must have completed an academic core of undergraduate course work which consists of:

 Natural Sciences:       15 semester hours (22 quarter hrs)   (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Required natural science courses:

Biology with Lab                      1 semester (2 quarters)

General Chemistry with Lab       1 semester (2 quarters)

Organic* OR Biochemistry *       1 semester (2 quarters)

* Note: “survey of” or “principles of” courses may not meet this requirement. May need approval of the Director of Admissions.

 All required courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better

 Recommendations

We also strongly recommend courses in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Statistics, and Microbiology in order to best prepare for the PA Program curriculum.

All courses taken to satisfy the requirements must be taken from an accredited institution. Each course must be completed at a grade level of “C” or better and must be completed prior to matriculation. All courses are subject to approval by the Admissions Committee and cannot be taken on a Pass/Fail basis, as CLEP credit, or audited.

Graduates of International Institutions

All graduates of international institutions must present transcripts of at least one full academic year (24 semester or 36 quarter hours) as a full-time student, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada. Preferably with coursework in sciences and English. Applicants whose native language is not English must successfully complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Testing (TOEFL iBT) with a minimum of 25 for the Speaking component and a total score of at least 93. 

Health Care Experience

Working in a health care environment with other members of the health care team is valued for the indication of interest and commitment of the applicant to a career in healthcare. It can offer the applicant an opportunity to understand the role of the PA on the healthcare team and better appreciate the interrelationships of all healthcare providers in the care of the patient. Experience can be gained in a wide variety of areas, including as a few examples: hospital/ED technician, nursing assistant/aide, EMT/Paramedic, OR technicians, PT assistant, respiratory therapy aide, etc. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek out interactions with PAs in a variety of healthcare settings to better understand the role of a PA in various specialties See what current students have done

Background Check

Prior to matriculation into the Program, consent for a criminal background check is required. Most hospitals and clinics require a criminal background check prior to allowing a student to be scheduled for a clinical education experience.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Further information about Financial Aid opportunities can be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid at Emory. Other PA-Program specific scholarships are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit this section of the website to review frequently asked questions about the Emory PA Program.

Program History and Emory University School of Medicine

We are proud of our Program's place within Emory University School of Medicine

PANCE Test Results

A summary of the last five years of PANCE test results can be viewed here.

Program Costs

The cost of attending the Emory PA program is competitive with other high quality PA programs across the region and the nation. Current cost estimates can be viewed here.

Students

We invite you to learn more about our students in this section of the website.

Technical Standards

Please review the Technical Standards expected of those who matriculate and successfully complete the Emory PA Program.

Other Important Information

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, or any factor that is a prohibited consideration under applicable law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor outlined above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations, and follows the principles outlined above in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.