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PA Program Admissions Policies and Preferences

Fair Practices in Admissions

Along with the University, the PA Program strives to create a safe and welcoming environment that embraces differences. The University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or in violation of federal, state and local laws or executive orders.

Applications from students who meet minimum requirements will be reviewed, but meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance to the program. The Rowan-Virtua SOM’s PA program reserves the right to update or revise admissions criteria, with each admissions cycle.

Title IX

Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and supporting regulations, Rowan does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates; this extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its supporting regulations may be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education or to the University’s Associate Vice President and Title IX Coordinator.

Policy and grievance procedures: Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault

Admission and enrollment practices that favor specified individuals or groups (In compliance with ARC-PA Standard A3.13a)

The admissions committee considers all information provided on the CASPA application, including required components and other components, in a holistic review of all applicants. Please see details of the pre-screening process, faculty screening, applicant interviews, and committee selection on the Admissions Process page for more information regarding preferential considerations for applicants. The admissions preferences listed below will be provided to students who fully embody the mission and goals of the PA program.

  • Rowan University undergraduate Pre-PA Pathway (3+2) students who have met all progression requirements and completed all components successfully of the undergraduate phase are guaranteed an interview. These students are not guaranteed admission. In some instances, this may include the ability to apply the credits of the first and second semesters of the graduate PA Program towards their academic credit requirements for their bachelor’s degree.
  • Rowan University graduate students of the Masters of Biomedical Sciences degree who have met all progression requirements and completed all components successfully of their degree are guaranteed an interview. These students are not guaranteed admission.
  • Rowan University students of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Career Changer program in the Pre-PA Pathway and only such students, who have met all entry and progression requirements and completed all certificate components successfully are guaranteed an interview. These students are not guaranteed admission.
  • GPA
    • 3.2 or higher cumulative GPA is preferred, as calculated by CASPA
    • 3.2 or higher prerequisite GPA is preferred, as calculated by CASPA
  • Academic Rigor
    • Preference is given to applicants who completed prerequisite science courses and labs in person, as these experiences may better prepare students for the rigor of PA school.
  • Rolling admissions
    • Applicants with a completed application (meeting all requirements and fulfilling all hours, and all course work) through CASPA and a completed supplemental application will be given consideration for admission earlier and over those who have an incomplete application or are missing requirements, course work, hours, or letters of recommendation. Students who have incomplete applications or missing requirements are encouraged to update their applications in a timely manner.
  • Values
    • The Rowan-Virtua PA Program prefers candidates whose experiences and aspirations align with our core values, as these qualities are essential for success in PA education and practice.
  • As described in the Admissions Requirement Details document.

Advanced Placement A3.13c

The PA Program does NOT award or grant “Advanced Placement” as defined by the ARC-PA - A3.13c: “A waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for applicants to the program and/or a waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for currently enrolled students in the program which results in the student advancing in the curriculum without completing required curriculum components at the sponsoring institution.”

  • For example, the PA program will not accept courses taken at an outside institution or another PA program or Medical School to take place of any of the curriculum requirements of the Rowan-Virtua SOM MSPAS degree.
    • Please note there is a difference between “Advanced Placement” as defined by the ARC-PA and “AP credits”.
      • If you, as an applicant, were awarded AP credits in high school, and your college or university accepted these AP credits, and they appear on your transcript, the PA program will accept AP credits to meet the course prerequisite requirements as listed above.
For admissions and program related questions, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. For any additional questions, please contact us: AdmissionsPA@rowan.edu.