Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Allocate a limited same-day appointment
Practise making a fair, patient-safe recommendation when capacity is limited. Review whether you identify missing clinical information, avoid blaming either patient, explain your prioritization, and offer a workable alternative; then record again.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 24 months and 117 credits.
- Delivery site: Hagerstown, Maryland.
- Cohort: up to 25 students.
- Entry: May 2027.
- Interview: in-person MMI, group interaction and writing sample.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued. The ARC-PA directory lists July 2033 for the next review, while Frostburg lists October 2033.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite GPAs, C-or-better science prerequisites, 500 direct-care hours, eight PA-shadowing hours, two specified letters and mission-focused writing. GRE, PA-CAT and MCAT are not required. Official admission
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- August-December 2026: interviews.
- November 1, 2026: completed and verified CASPA deadline.
- May 2027: classes begin.
How selection works
Holistic screening considers academics, care, leadership, service, rural or underserved ties and mission alignment. Application and interview scores inform rolling offers, normally one week after interview. Official admission
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants interview in person in Hagerstown through an MMI, group interaction and writing sample.
Not published
Exact dates, station count and duration, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official admission
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants drawn to rural and underserved practice who can demonstrate ethical reasoning, teamwork and written communication in person. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response to a resource-allocation scenario. Review whether you name stakeholders, tradeoffs and a fair decision. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the program taught?
At the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown site.
What is the interview format?
An in-person MMI, group interaction and writing sample.
When do classes start?
May 2027.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published