Department of Physician Assistant Studies

1. Submit both CASPA and NAU applications by the September 1 deadline. CASPA applications must be verified by CASPA no later than October 1 in order to be considered.
2. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
3. A minimum of an earned bachelor’s or higher degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution OR equivalent*.
4. Overall and science course GPA of 3.0 or higher (CASPA calculation).
5. Complete prerequisite courses from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
6. Minimum of nine (9) credits of science courses completed in the last five (5) years.
7. Complete a minimum of 500 hours of health care experience by September 1. Both volunteer and paid experiences are acceptable.
8. Three (3) letters of reference/recommendation submitted through CASPA must be received by September 1. Please note: CASPA will mark your application complete with only two (2) of three (3) letters of reference/recommendation but NAU PA requires all three (3) letters to be received by CASPA by September 1.
   
   * For degrees earned outside of the U.S., applicants must:
   
   1. Submit official transcripts in the language of instruction and an official English translation evaluated by either WES or ECE to the NAU Graduate College and to CASPA no later than September 1. WES or ECE evaluation fees are the responsibility of the applicant;
   2. Complete prerequisite courses from a U.S. regionally-accredited institution; and
   3. Demonstrate English proficiency by submitting TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 100 on the iBT (internet-based testing) and a minimum of 26 on the speaking component.
   4. Completion and submission of all minimum requirements, including, prerequisite coursework, official transcripts, and letters of reference/recommendation MUST be received in CASPA on or before September 1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree must be completed or conferred prior to matriculation. The program does not waive any prerequisite requirements.

The university publishes a non-discriminatory policy in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972 and consistent with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations. Additionally, in accordance with the PA program mission, philosophy, and goals, the program will give preference to applicants who indicate a high potential for remaining in the state of Arizona to work following graduation as well as individuals from targeted populations. This includes individuals who are first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented populations, military veterans, and those from rural backgrounds.

Please send questions regarding the minimum requirements for admission to PAProg@nau.edu. Please note that the options for Additional Science courses have changed: CASPA course subjects that contribute to the Science GPA are accepted as Additional Sciences for this requirement. Science courses intended for science majors and/or upper division level are more competitive for admission purposes.

Both the CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants) and the NAU Office of Graduate and Professional Studies application must be completed by September 1 for consideration.

The application cycle begins in April and closes September 1 each year.

If you have any questions, or you wish to receive e-mail updates, send your request to PAprog@nau.edu. We look forward to hearing from you.

With our Doctor of Medical Science degree and graduate certificates, you’ll build the skills to lead change, navigate complex healthcare systems, and champion health equity in your own community.

The Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree for Physician Assistants (PAs) is an eight-course, 24-credit online post professional doctorate degree program designed to elevate PAs' knowledge and competencies, enabling you to increase their contributions to a patient-centered, safe, and cost-effective health care system.

This flexible, affordable program is offered completely online with no in-person or synchronous attendance requirement. While most students choose to attend part-time, the program can be completed in as little as one year with full-time enrollment.* Take your courses in any sequence or pace that you like. Each of our courses is approved for 15 hours of AAPA Category 1 CME (120 category 1 hours for the full program).

Students may apply to the program at any time.

• Degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
• Official transcripts from bachelors and masters-level degree-granting institutions (must hold a master’s degree for consideration).
• Minimum overall graduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.

• Degree from an ARC-PA accredited PA program.
• Official transcripts from bachelors and masters-level degree-granting institutions (must hold a master’s degree for consideration).
• Minimum overall graduate cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”), or the equivalent.
• Current resume or curriculum vitae.
• The program offers three enrollment cycles: fall, summer, and spring.

Each of the courses in the graduate certificate curriculum are approved to offer 15 credit hours of AAPA Cat 1 CME. Apply now.