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Physician Assistant FAQ

How long is the program?

DUPAP is 27 consecutive months that begins in August with graduation in November.

What degree does DUPAP offer?

We will award a Master of Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS).

When does the application cycle open for Drury University’s PA program?

The application cycle opens in April and closes April 1, 2025. 

When do you recommend applying to the program?

We recommend submitting your best and most complete application early in the application cycle.

How do I get an application?

DUPAP uses the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).  Please follow this link to apply to our program: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login.

Is there a supplemental application?

We do not require a supplemental application via CASPA or other application services.

Is there a seat deposit for admitted students?

Yes, there is a $1000 non-refundable seat deposit.

Do I need a bachelor’s degree to get into the program?

Yes. You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university from the United States.  The degree must be completed by June 1 of the year of matriculation.  For example, if you are accepted into the program in March, you must have your undergraduate degree by June 1 of the same year to start the program in the fall.  This does not apply to applicants completing a master’s degree.

What if I have a bachelor’s degree from another country?

At this time, we are not accepting bachelor’s degrees from other countries.

Do you require the GRE, MCAT, or PA-CAT?

We require either the GRE or PA-CAT.  We do, however, consider your grades and course work of primary importance in terms of academic preparation.

What is the deadline to complete my prerequisite courses?

All prerequisite courses must be complete by June 1 in the year of matriculation.

What does it mean to have a rolling admissions process?

We review applications as they are received and invite the most qualified candidates for interviews.  We will start reviewing all completed and verified applications throughout the coming months.  We will invite candidates to interview for our program starting in late fall.

Am I able to update grades and experiences after submitting the CASPA application?

CASPA allows you to add coursework, grades, and experiences to your application after it has been submitted.

My institution offers combined anatomy/physiology course. Do I need to take separate courses? Do I need to take a lab for both courses?

You may take anatomy and physiology either as a combined course or as separate courses.  If you take them as a combined course, they must be taken over two semesters.  We require anatomy and physiology courses have a lab and highly encourage face-to-face experiences for anatomy labs.

We do not accept comparative animal or mammalian anatomy and physiology.

How will your curriculum be taught?

We provide student-centered education in a collaborative environment using problem-based learning in combination with classroom-based teaching to emphasize early clinical experience and re-enforce critical thinking skills.  

Do you offer any international elective rotations?

No, we do not offer international rotations.

Is it okay to take online courses to cover prerequisites?

Yes, online courses will meet the prerequisite course requirements.  We recommend prerequisite courses be of sufficient rigor to ensure success in PA school.

How many years may elapse between my application and time when I have taken my prerequisite courses?

All prerequisite courses must be taken within the last ten years.  We do recommend anatomy and physiology be taken within the last seven years.

Can I use AP credit to fulfill prerequisite requirements?

AP credits are not accepted to fulfill prerequisite requirements.  IB and CLEP exam credits are also not accepted.

How will I know if a prerequisite course I have taken/plan to take will meet the program requirements?

If you are unsure whether a course meets prerequisite requirements, email a copy of the catalog course description and/or syllabus to PAProgramAdmissions@drury.edu.

How will the application process by affected by the pandemic?

There are no adjustments to the admissions process due to the pandemic.  Any adjustments will be communicated on our website.  If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email us at PAProgramAdmissions@drury.edu.

Does the program offer a waiver to only review the last 60 credit hours?

No. We will review all academic performance but consider improvement over the last 60 hours completed.

What kind of students are you seeking for your program?

Students accepted into our program will demonstrate maturity, academic success, leadership skills, and grit.  We seek applicants with strong communication skills who will be advocates for their patients.

How should I prepare if I am invited to an interview?

This is your time to shine and to demonstrate why you want to be a physician assistant.  Our best advice is to be yourself and to answer all questions honestly.  The interview process is for both the Drury University Physician Assistant Program and for you.  Through the interview we can both learn whether we are a good fit for each other.

Can I interview by Zoom?

At this time, we are only conducting interviews in person.  We feel it is important to meet you in person so we can better get to know you, and you can get to know us, our program, and our campus.  We feel the interview process is a two-way street and that we are both making a decision.

Address: 1423 North Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65802

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