About the Program
 
Describe the composition of your class.
The composition of our classes varies from year to year. In general, the female to male ratio is usually 60% to 40%, respectively.  Average age of students is 29.  A mixture of in-state and out-of-state students are accepted.  The program strives to select students with diverse backgrounds and unique life experiences.  

Can I take some of the prerequisites at MUSC?
No. All prerequisite course work must be completed before matriculating into the program. In the case of exceptional applicants, provisional acceptance may be granted with the proviso that they satisfactorily complete the outstanding prerequisites before matriculation.

How many courses of anatomy and physiology must I take before entering the program?
We require four semester hours of anatomy and four semester hours of physiology or eight semester hours of combined anatomy/physiology.

What does accreditation mean?
Learn More

About the interview

How do I prepare for the personal interviews?
Think of the types of questions we might ask, and then prepare your answers.  We also recommend applicants practice by having mock interviews. Make sure you have a strong understanding of the PA profession.  Other comments offered by previously accepted students, include these:

• Be yourself.
• Be professional in your dress, but allow it to reflect who you are. Black and navy blue are not the only colors in the interview rainbow.
• Be a participant in a PA Program or College of Health Professions Information Session, (843) 792-1913 or (843) 792-3789, hosted by PA faculty. These sessions are open to all prospective applicants and provide a forum for questions.
• Be prepared. Do your homework regarding the profession and MUSC. 

About Applying

What can I do to improve my chances of getting into the MUSC PA Program?
There are two major hurdles for acceptance into the Medical University of South Carolina Physician Assistant Program (PA). First, we as faculty must believe, based upon your academic performance, that you possess a high probability of success during the didactic phase. Hence, good grades and standardized test scores are a must. Second, you must demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills. If selected for an interview, expect to be interviewed in two to three 20-minute interviews.

Are there any courses that will make my application more competitive?
First, nothing can replace good grades in the prereqisite courses. But for those prospective applicants who have strong academic credentials, we suggest electives in the following areas: computer skills, immunology, communication skills, advanced foreign languages, public health. 

I've never had human anatomy or physiology, but many of my courses covered this material. Can I get a waiver for the anatomy/physiology prerequisites?
We would require a formal request for waiver. This would include a letter to the admission's coordinator, a course description for each class involved, a copy of your final grades and a syllabus for each. Once this material has been received, the admission's coordinator and the program director will determine whether or not a waiver will be granted. Our goal is not to be a stumbing block or force one to spend more money on courses. We want to be sure that each prospective student has the educational foundation that will provide the basis for his/her success in graduate level anatomy and physiology.

I know my grades aren't the best, but I have a lot of clinical experience. Doesn't that count for something?
Yes, it does. We find that our students with patient care experience understand the language of medicine and have a greater understanding of the patient/provider relationship. However, studies have shown that a history of scholastic weakness can never be overcome by experience alone. Hence, we consider experience AFTER assuring ourselves that one has superior academic credentials.

What can I do to improve my application for next year since I didn't get in?
If you have a grade of "C" or less in any prerequisite, repeat the course. Most of the applicants we accept have grades of "B" or above. Applicants accepted with a grade of "C" usually have only one and their "A's" with a few "B's" counters this. One's competitiveness academically and interpersonally is the key to successfully navigating the admissions process.