Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: MS in PA Studies; 24 months; Scranton; May 2027 entry.
- ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Continued; next review January 2036.
Official program · ARC-PA directory
Admission requirements
External applicants need a bachelor’s degree, 3.0 overall and prerequisite GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, three recommendations including one from a PA-C, GRE scores, and 500 direct-patient-contact hours by matriculation including 50 PA-C shadowing hours. Official program
Important dates
- Late April 2026: CASPA cycle opens.
- January 31, 2027: external application closes.
- May 2027: matriculation.
How selection works
Competitive review rewards stronger GPA and GRE performance, patient-contact and shadowing volume, service and leadership. A required virtual interview informs the acceptance decision. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
The virtual interview day runs either 9:00-11:30 or 1:00-3:30 and includes a programme presentation, individual committee interview, timed writing sample, student Q&A and final Q&A.
Not published
Exact interview dates, station count, interviewer file access, rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
Marywood may suit applicants with substantial patient contact who prefer a structured virtual interview and a compact Scranton programme. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your example is specific and evidence-based. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Deadline?
January 31, 2027.
Care minimum?
500 direct-contact hours, including 50 PA-C shadowing hours.
Interview?
Virtual.
Sources
Source check: August 22, 2026. The cycle-specific PA admissions page controls and explicitly sets January 31, 2027; the general deadline source is less specific. The internal assurance route remains separate from this external application. ARC-PA lists Continued status and a January 2036 review.
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