» Admission Information

MMS- PA/BS Bridge

This program guarantees an interview and preferential consideration fo admission for excellent undergraduate Health Science students from Chapman University in the Masters of Medical Science PA Studies Program contingent that they satisfactorily meet the following criteria:

• B.S. in Health Sciences core courses (BIOL 204, BIOL 208, BIOL 410, HSK 365, HSK 366, CHEM 140, CHEM 150, CHEM 230, and PSY 203 or courses determined by the Director of Undergraduate Health Sciences Program and Post Bachelor Program to fulfill the major course requirements):
• Must be taken at Chapman University or at a science transfer agreement program*
• May only be taken once
• Must be taken for a letter grade
• Health Science core courses be completed by the end of the spring semester junior year
• GPA > 3.6 in Health Science core courses
• Meet the Technical Standards
• Interview in senior year
• 100 PA shadowing hours are completed and documented. Observational experiences to be arranged by the student. Program will not arrange nor recommend observational sites
• All B.S. Health Science degree requirements are completed and degree bestowed by the University in any term their senior year  
• Personal statement: 350-500 words, 12 Font, Times New Roman describing how your personal goals are in line with the mission of the program and on how those goals will contribute the community and to the profession.                            
• Cumulative Undergraduate GPA at graduation > 3.4
• Successful completion of background check.
• A formal declaration through the Office of the University Registrar as a pre-PA major during the sophomore year, and for students enrolled in the Health Science post bachelor program, at time of enrollment into the Post Bachelor program

     * A science transfer agreement program is a formal agreement between Chapman University and a partner community college

 

All prerequisite coursework must be obtained from an accredited college or university with a grade of “C” or better. All coursework must be completed by the time of matriculation into the program.

 Local University Prerequisite Equivalents

Quarter to semester unit conversion chart

Local University Prerequisite Equivalents 2019

(Please note that this list is not comprehensive and does not show all prerequisite equivalencies.)

Prerequisite Coursework

Basic Sciences:
Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II with labs	8 semester units
General Chemistry I & II with labs	8 semester units
General Biology I & II with labs	8 semester units
Microbiology with lab	4 semester units
Genetics	2 semester units
Medical Terminology	1 semester unit
*Human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and microbiology, may not be taken by an online or correspondence format.
General:
English Composition	3 semester units
General Psychology	3 semester units
Intro to Sociology	3 semester units
Intro to Statistics	3 semester units
Pre-Calculus or Calculus	3 semester units
Recommended Courses:
Medical Ethics
Medical Spanish

Admission to the Chapman University MMS PA Studies program is very competitive.  Our selection process is based on a combination of your CASPA application, academic performance (GPA & GRE), letters of recommendation, shadowing hours, patient contact hours, personal statement of intent and performance during an in person interview if invited. 

Persons who have been dismissed from another PA program are not eligible for admission to Chapman University's MMS PA Studies Program.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college prior to matriculation into the Chapman University MMS PA Studies Program;
• Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a “C” or better;
• Overall cumulative GPA minimum 3.2;
• Cumulative science pre-requisite GPA minimum 3.2;
• All applicants must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  No minimum GRE score is required, although your score will be taken into consideration in the overall assessment of your application.  The GRE must have been taken with the last 5 years from the application deadline (no later than October 1, 2012).  The official GRE score report must be received by Chapman University no later than October 1, 2017 for your application to be considered for admission.  Chapman University’s institution code is 3681.  A department code is not needed.
• A TOEFL score is required if bachelor’s degree was completed at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction. TOEFL score must meet minimum standard requirement of 80.
• Technical Standards: qualified applicants must have abilities and skills in the following areas:  observation, communication, motor, intellectual, conceptual, integrative, qualitative, and behavior/social.
• Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a practicing PA or physician);
• 1,000 hours of patient contact in a health care related work experience, voluntary or paid; click here to view the approved patient contact list
• Personal statement/Narrative: Please describe your motivation towards becoming a PA.  5000 characters limit = approximately 625 words;
• Personal interview: After initial assessment and screening of applications, selected candidates will be invited to interview on campus in Irvine, CA.; 
• Background Check: successful completion;
• Due to new government regulations, we are unable to accept international students into this program at this time.  We hope to be able to accept students for the next academic year.  We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to receiving your application at that time.  If you have any questions, please contact intladmit@chapman.edu.
• Observational/shadowing experience with a licensed and practicing PA, MD or DO is preferred. Shadowing hours will not count towards the 1000 required patient contact hours. Applicants must enter any shadowing experience and the health care related area of the official CASPA application. Observational experiences to be arranged by the student. The PA Studies program will not arrange nor recommend observational sites. Please check the following website on shadowing:http://capanet.org/pa-students/ Clinical work experience as well as any formal health career training (EMT, CAN, LVN, RN, RT, PT, MT, etc.) cannot be substituted for observational/shadowing hours;

Accreditation standards require that admission criteria into a PA program are established by the PA program faculty but must include Technical Standards for Admission developed by the accrediting agency, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). 

The MMS-PA Studies Program signifies that the graduate is prepared for entry into the practice of medicine. It shows that the graduate must have the skills and knowledge to function in a broad variety of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. It is essential for good patient care to require minimum standards for the education of the physician assistant.

In the admission process, the University must judge not only the scholastic accomplishments and potential of the applicant, but also consider the applicant's current physical and emotional status, cumulative and progressive disability, and drug-induced impairments that may pose obstacles to the safe application of the student's knowledge and skill or prevent effective interaction with patients and co-workers.

In accordance with University policy and as delineated by Federal and California law, the University does not discriminate in admission, educational programs or employment against any individual on the basis of that individual's handicap or disability and will make good faith efforts at providing reasonable accommodation as required.

Candidates for the PA program must possess the intellectual ability to learn, integrate, analyze and synthesize data. They must have functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, equilibrium and taste. Their exteroceptor (touch, pain, and temperature) and proprioceptor (position, pressure, movement, stereognosis, and vibratory) senses must be sufficiently intact to enable them to carry out all the activities required to complete the activities described below. Candidates must have sufficient motor function capabilities to meet the demands of the PA program and the demands of total patient care. They must be able to complete the didactic and clinical curriculum in its entirety.

The candidate for the PA program must possess ability, aptitude and skills in five areas: observation, communication, motor, intellectual, behavioral and social.

1. Observation: The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, laboratory evidence and microbiologic cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms, and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A candidate should be able to observe a patient accurately and completely at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation and is enhanced by a sense of smell.
2. Communication: A candidate should be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive non-verbal communication, describe changes in mood, activity and posture. A candidate should be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. Communication in oral and written form with the health care team must be effective and efficient.
3. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to carry out basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, wet mount, gram stain, etc.), carry out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (phlebotomy, venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes), and read ECG's and X-rays. A candidate should have motor function sufficient to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment for patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonably required of a physician assistant are cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medications, the application of pressure to arrest bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such skills require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
4. Intellectual: Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of PA's requires all these abilities. The candidate must also be able to comprehend three dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: A candidate should possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients. Candidates should be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads, and to function effectively under stress. They should be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainty inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the Admission and education processes.

• No transfer credits are accepted from other PA programs or other degree programs.
• No courses will be waived.
• Prerequisite coursework will be accepted for AP classes with exam scores of 4 or 5 in accordance with Chapman University undergraduate AP transfer credit equivalencies. Applicants need to submit their AP exam scores for verification purposes. We accept AP credit for the Pre-calculus or Calculus, Intro to Statistics, General Psychology, English Composition and Intro to Sociology requirements ONLY, and only if your undergraduate institution has awarded you credit for your AP scores (must be reflected on your undergraduate transcript). We do not accept AP credit towards any of the science prerequisites.

No advanced placement of transfer credit may be applied toward fulfilling the MMS curriculum regardless of previous foreign, domestic, graduate or undergraduate coursework.  No didactic or clinical phase courses will be waived and no transfer credit for any previous coursework will be permitted.

Advanced Placement is defined as “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 students advancing in the curriculum without completing required curriculum components at the sponsoring institution.” (ARC-PA Standards, Glossary, September 2012).

The CASPA application period for Spring 2019 is now open through October 1^st, 2018. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications and supporting documents as early as possible.  Applicants are responsible for following up with CASPA to ensure all necessary documents are received. After CASPA confirms receipt of all necessary documents and completes the application, students must forward any updated transcripts for courses in progress at the time of application to the Office of Graduate Admission.

The supporting documents include:

• All official transcripts; must include degrees posted
• GRE scores
• TOEFL scores (if English is not first language)
• Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a practicing PA or physician)
• Patient Contact experience(s) hours
• Observational/shadowing experience(s) hours
• Personal statement of intent

The CASPA application period for Spring 2019 is now open through October 1^st, 2018.

Apply Now

The application cycle is the time span in which CASPA is open and you are able to create and access your CASPA account.  Applicants may not create an account prior to the start date of the cycle.  Once the application cycle closes, you will NOT be able to create or access your CASPA account.  Please be sure you are eligible to apply and are creating an account for the correct cycle before creating a new account.

Application deadline for classes beginning January 2019 is October 1, 2018. All applications must be e-submitted, verified, and all documents received by the October 1, 2018 deadline.

Submitting your application materials early will ensure timely processing and help avoid delays. Once your application has a complete date, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to verify and mail to your designated programs.

Your application is considered complete when CASPA has received all of the following:

• 1) electronic application;
• 2) all official transcripts;
• 3) three letters of recommendation; and
• 4) official GRE scores
• 5) CASPA processing fee. 

Only completed applications, with all supporting documents received prior to the application deadline, will be verified and sent electronically from CASPA to Chapman University’s Office of Graduate Admissions.

For 2018 Admissions Cycle (for classes beginning January 2019)

• Step 1: Application will open April 26, 2018. Submit application and official transcripts via CASPA no later than October 1^st, 2018.
• Step 2: Beginning in June 2018, a select group of qualified applicants will be contacted by phone or email, and invited in for an on-campus interview.
• Step 3: Complete the interview process.
• Step 4: Admissions decisions will be made on a rolling basis until all class seats have been filled.
• Step 5: Once accepted, submit a letter of confirmation with a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 to the program to secure your seat in the upcoming class.
• Step 6: Complete a background check.

The PA studies program hosts information sessions each spring to provide information about the program and the application process. Please watch the website for upcoming dates, times, and locations.

Learn more about Graduate Information Sessions.

Tuition rate varies per graduate program.  Students are encouraged to review Chapman University's Tuition & Fee Information.

A certified background check, drug screening, and professional insurance is required of all accepted applicants prior to matriculation into the program. Additional certified background checks and drug screenings may be required by clinical sites.

Withdrawals & Refunds 

Tuition deposits are non-refundable.
Students must officially withdraw by the posted deadlines.
The tuition refund schedule for graduate students is:

• Withdrawal prior to the first day of classes:    100%
• Withdrawal within the first week of classes:      90%
• Withdrawal within the second week of classes: 70%
• Withdrawal within the third week of classes:     50%

Students must follow the Chapman University’s Refund Policy and visit the Student Business Services Office to submit a request for a refund.

Registration

The Office of the University Registrar provides information and training tools for students, faculty, and staff to facilitate student academic progress; specifically course registration.

Textbooks

            Textbooks will be listed on the course syllabus/outline and WebAdvisor
            Bathal Textbook Store  or email at chapman@bkstr.com

Financial Aid 

Click on the links below for more information about Financial Aid.

Chapman University’s Federal School Code for Financial Aid is 001164

Federal Student Aid Office

Chapman Financial Aid

Our program is pleased to be able to award a limited number of merit-based scholarships to incoming students who have excelled in the following categories: Academics; Community Service/Volunteerism; Leadership; Diverse Educational and Life Experiences. Scholarships are awarded for one academic year only and are renewable each academic year as long as the scholarship renewal criteria is met. Applicants need not fill out a separate application to be considered. Scholarships are not need based, and all accepted students are considered.

PA students can receive scholarships for serving communities in need and primary care providers can pay off student loans while service in communities with limited access to health care. For scholarship and loan information please visit the National Health Service Corps website

This is a guide for courses at Chapman University that can be used to satisfy the Masters of Medical Science PA Studies Program prerequisites.  

PA Prerequisite Requirement	Chapman Course Equivalent	Semester Units
Basic Sciences:
Human Anatomy with Lab	HESC/BIOL 210 Human Anatomy/ HESC/BIOL 210L Human Anatomy Lab	4
Physiology with Lab	HESC/BIOL 365 Human Physiology Part A/ HESC/BIOL 365L Human Physiology Part A Lab BIOL 366 Human Physiology Part B/ BIOL 366 Human Physiology Part B Lab	4
General Chemistry with Lab I	CHEM 140 General Chemistry I/ CHEM 140L General Chemistry I Laboratory	4
General Chemistry with Lab II	CHEM 150 General Chemistry II/ CHEM 150L General Chemistry II Laboratory	4
Microbiology with Lab	BIOL 417 Microbiology BIOL 417L Microbiology Lab	4
General Biology with Lab I	BIOL 204 From Molecules to Cells: Evolution of Life on Earth (Gen Biol I) BIOL 204L From Molecules to Cells: Evolution of Life on Earth (Gen Biol I) Lab	4
General Biology with Lab II	BIOL 205 Evolution and Diversity of Multicellular Organisms (Gen Bio II) BIOL 205L Evolution and Diversity of Multicellular Organisms (Gen Bio II) Lab	4
Medical Terminology	HUM 201 Medical Terminology: Latin and Greek Roots for Health Care Professionals
*Human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology may not be taken by an online or correspondence format.
General:
English Composition	ENG 103 Writing in Academic Environment	3
General Psychology	PSY 101 Psychology	3
Intro to Sociology	SOC 101 Sociology	3
Intro to Statistics	MATH 203 Intro to Statistics	3
Pre-Calculus or Calculus	MATH 104 Pre-Calculus Mathematics	3
Strongly Recommended Courses:
Medical Ethics	PHIL 314 Medical Ethics

All Foreign Academic records must be translated to English and certified by University Language Services and submitted to CASPA. If foreign transcripts are in English applicants still need to submit the foreign transcript to CASPA and also have them evaluated by one of the following services: World Education Services (WES), International Education Research Foundation (IERF), and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

All foreign coursework and degrees must be evaluated for North American equivalencies with calculated GPA’s on a 4.0 scale by one these services and submitted to CASPA.  We will only recognize the degree, course credentials and GPA that they have evaluated.

Depending on the circumstances, the applicant might have to begin with the language services because WES, IERF, and ECE will not evaluate the credential or coursework or calculate GPA without an English translation. All of these services are the responsibility of the applicant.