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: MPAS; 24 months; Erie; summer start.
- ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Continued; next review April 2029.
Official program · ARC-PA directory
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. or Canadian bachelor’s degree, 3.2 overall and prerequisite GPAs, 200 healthcare hours, three letters and a personal statement. Current webpages do not publish a GRE requirement. Official program
Important dates
- April 26, 2026: CASPA opens.
- December 1, 2026: completed application deadline.
- Summer 2027: expected entry; exact start date is not published.
- Interviews are rolling while seats remain.
How selection works
The committee reviews requirements, academics, direct-patient experience and interview performance. Higher GPA, prerequisite GPA and direct-care experience are more competitive. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete a personal interview on the Mercyhurst campus. Current policy also describes a group presentation and optional tour.
Not published
Current interview dates, duration, interviewer count, file access, prompts, rubric and weights are not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
Mercyhurst may suit applicants seeking a two-year Erie programme with rolling review and an on-campus personal interview. 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?
December 1, 2026.
Care minimum?
200 healthcare hours.
Interview?
A personal on-campus interview.
Sources
Source check: August 22, 2026. The current admissions page controls dates and requirements. It publishes TOEFL 69+ while an older policy says 79+, so this guide omits a TOEFL threshold. ARC-PA lists Continued status with an April 2029 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