Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the program?
Does the tuition differ for in and out-of-state residents?
What is the minimum prerequisite GPA required for admission?
What is the minimum GRE score required?
What type of setting is best to obtain patient contact hours?
Will I be able to work while in school?
How many applicants were there this year?
How many students are accepted each year?
Am I required to take my prerequisite courses at Marietta College?
What is your NCCPA Board pass rate?
What is the employment trend for PAs?
What is the difference between a PA, NP, RN, etc.?
Should I get a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies?
Is advanced placement available for foreign degrees?
What do our preceptors have to say about our students?
Q: Is the PA Program accredited?
A: We are fully accredited by the Accrediation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Our next site visit is scheduled for 2010.
Q: What is the length of the program?
A: 27 months. Classes begin in June and graduation is held at the end of the second year in August.
Q: Does the tuition differ for in and out-of-state residents?
A: Tuition is the same for in state as well as out-of-state residents.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Information on financial aid can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid at 1-800-331-2709.
Q: What is the minimum prerequisite GPA required for admission?
A: 2.8
Q: What is the minimum GRE score required?
A: There is no minimum GRE score required. Each applicant must take the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE.
Q: What type of setting is best to obtain patient contact hours?
A: Health care hours are not required, though they are recommended. Examples of experiences include: shadowing PAs or physicians, EMT and observing patient care settings.
Q: Will I be able to work while in school?
A: It is recommended that you do not work during your didactic year, and you are NOT permitted to work during your clinical year.
Q: How many applicants were there this year?
A: Approximately 425.
Q: How many students are accepted each year?
A: 30
Q: What is the alternate list?
A: When the class is selected, a group of alternates is also selected. Applicants from this list may be called upon to fill a vacancy if a selected applicant decides not to accept a position in the class.
Q: Am I required to take my prerequisite courses at Marietta College?
A: No. You can take the prerequisite courses at any accredited college or university.
Q: What is your NCCPA First-Time PANCE pass rate?
A:
| Class Name | Students | Program First-Time Pass Rate | NCCPA National First-Time Pass Rate |
| Class of 2004 | 15 | 87% | 90% |
| Class of 2005 | 18 | 61% | 91% |
| Class of 2006 | 21 | 90% | 92% |
| Class of 2007 | 21 | 100% | 93% |
| Class of 2008 | 21 | 95% | 95% |
| Class of 2009 | 22 | 95% | 93% |
Overall first-time pass rate for six graduating classes is 95%.
Q: What is the employment trend for PAs?
A: The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the PA profession 4th on their list of the fastest-growing occupations from 2004 to 2014. Projecting that the number of PA jobs will increase by 50%.
Q: What is the difference between a PA, NP, RN, etc.?
A: PAs and NPs receive education that is competency based. Both are mid-level practitioners that in the family of medicine are between a physician and a nurse. Physician assistants are individuals trained using the medical school model, which has an expectation of strong basic science background and clinical experience of between 1,500 to 2,000 hours during their educational program. Nurse practitioners are individuals trained using the nursing school model, and are often trained in a specific area such as pediatrics, etc., following their training as a nurse.
Q: Should I get a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies?
A: Of the 142 current PA Programs, the majority now offer Master's degrees. Beginning in 2008, Ohio will require a Master's degree to practice.
Q: Is advanced placement available for foreign degrees?
A: The PA Program does not have advanced standing for placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning for all applicants.
Q: What do our preceptors have to say about our students?
A:
"The program is well organized and professional. I enjoy the students."
"I have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of education that your students are receiving."
"Students are intelligent, motivated and show a lot of promise."
"Students are enthusiastic, quick learners and work well with others."
"Excellent knowledge base and basic diagnostic exam skills. Diligent, attentive, and interested in learning."
"MC starts with quality applicants which makes a big difference in the quality of the final product."