The School of Physician Assistant Studies at Marshall B. Ketchum University offers a 27-month, post-baccalaureate program leading to the degree, Master of Medical Science. To apply, you must use the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and complete all the requirements listed there. Click this link to access the CASPA website.
Save time and avoid processing delays by completing the following steps BEFORE starting your CASPA application:
- First, preview the application. Read through CASPA’s Instructions and FAQs and the CASPA Admissions Code of Cooperation and Policy Regarding Investigations and Violations. You are responsible for understanding this information and will be asked to confirm your agreement prior to submitting your application.
- Review requirements carefully regarding prerequisites, transcripts, foreign evaluations, etc. to ensure you meet the minimum requirements.
- Contact three references. As three letters of recommendation are required for the MBKU Admissions process, it is recommended that you contact three evaluators early in your application process to ensure they are willing to complete a letter of recommendation (LOR) on your behalf.
- Request transcripts. Ask that official copies be sent to you directly to aid in completing the coursework portion of the CASPA application. Please note that these transcripts cannot be the same ones later sent to CASPA.
- Compose your essays using a word processor. The application includes CASPA's standard questions, as well as MBKU's supplemental application questions. For more information on our supplemental essay questions, review this page.
- Remember all dates and deadlines, as timing is crucial for submitting documents and completing your CASPA application. A “complete date” status is given when an application is "e-submitted" and all transcripts, payments, and at least three letters of reference have been received by CASPA and attached to the application. Documents should be sent to CASPA several weeks prior to this date to ensure items arrive before the deadline. No exceptions will be considered.
- Criminal Background Check. A Criminal Background check is required after a provisional acceptance. Please note that a conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from admission. More information can be found on the Criminal Background Check page of the MBKU website.
Supplemental Application Fee
After you hit submit on your application, it can take 2-3 weeks for CASPA to verify your application and release it to MBKU. Once we receive your completed application, you will be prompted to pay a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once this fee is paid, the Admissions office will begin the review process.
Important Dates and Timelines
MBKU’s School of Physician Assistant Studies does not participate in rolling admissions, so meeting application deadlines is extremely important. To be considered for the first two interview dates*, your completed CASPA application must be verified by CASPA on or before June 30. Applicants whose completed CASPA applications are verified on July 1 or after will be considered for our remaining three interview dates. No preferential selection is given to students who interview earlier. Decisions will not be issued until all interviews have been conducted.
*For students who are invited to interview during the first two interview days but cannot attend, they will be able to register for one of our three remaining interview sessions.
General Timelines:
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April-September 1: Applications accepted through CASPA
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October-November: Interviews Conducted
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Late November: Decision Notifications sent out
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February-July: Onboarding requirements and assignments due
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Early August: Orientation
How to Apply
Visit the CASPA website to begin your application process. Contact the Admissions office if you have any questions.