Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

• Is housing available on campus for graduate students?

  No. Housing is available in the school's vicinity. Contact Residence Life for a listing.

• When do classes begin?

  Classes begin every September.

• What is the program's accreditation status?

  The ARC-PA has granted accreditation-provisional status to the California Baptist University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. 

  Accreditation-provisional is an accreditation status granted to a proposed program, which has not yet enrolled students, when the plans and resources allocation, if fully implemented as planned, appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA standards or appear to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. 

  Accreditation-provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than 5 years from matriculation of the first class.

• How long is the course of study?

  The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) is an intensive 2-year program consisting of 1 year of didactic, followed by 1 year of clinical education. 

• Can I work while I am enrolled in the program?

  Because of the fast pace and attendance requirements, it is recommended that students not work while enrolled in the program.

Application Process

• What are the requirements to apply to the program?

  The requirements to apply to the program are found at the following link:

  https://www.calbaptist.edu/programs/new-master-physician-assistant-studies/application-requirements

• When can I apply to the program?

  Applications for the next class will be conducted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The application cycle runs from April 26, 2018 to December 1, 2018.

• How many classes are admitted each year?

  One cohort of students will be admitted in September of each year.

• What GPA must I have to apply to the program?

  Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.2, a science GPA of 3.0 and a prerequisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to apply to the program.

• Is there a time limit on courses taken previously?

  It is recommended that science courses be taken in the past 5–7 years.

• Is the GRE or MCAT required to apply to the program?

  The GRE or MCAT is not required. Local testing in basic math, English composition and medical terminology will be given during the time of the interview.

  Medical terminology screening is used only for applicant self evaluation and not for determining whether an applicant is admitted to the program. 

• Is healthcare experience required?

  1,000 volunteer/paid health care hours are required in order to apply. Must be verifiable.

• Are there preferences in the selection process?

  Yes, the following are preferences:

  • California Baptist University graduates 
  • Students with an interest in serving in the Inland Empire and shortage areas in California
  • US citizens and legal permanent residents 
  • Applicants with a history of volunteer community service 
  • Applicants from underrepresented/underserved populations 
  • Applicants with an interest in global health engagement (providing service to medically disadvantaged populations)
  • Applicants with PA/MD/DO shadowing experience
• How do I apply to the program?

  Applications must be submitted through CASPA.

• If I meet the minimum requirements, will I be invited for an interview?

  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation for an interview or acceptance to the program. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited.

• When will interviews begin?

  For the entering class, interviews will begin in October 2018.

• What are my chances of getting into the program?

  The chances of getting into the program varies and depends on the characteristics of the applicant pool, such as the number of applicants, their GPA, backgrounds and the number of interviews.

• Can I be admitted to the program while still completing prerequisites for my undergraduate degree?

  As a general rule, all prerequisites must be completed by January 31, 2018 and your bachelors degree must be posted by December 31, 2018. In rare instances, an exceptional candidate may be invited for an interview while a course or two are in progress. The PA admissions committee is solely responsible for making this decision. Candidates in this category will have GPAs above 3.7, meet all or most of the preference items, and have provided exceptional service to CBU or the community. There is no guarantee that such candidates will be accepted to the program.

• Can prerequisites be waived?

  Prerequisites may not be waived.

• When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?

  Notifications of acceptance to the program will be made by March 31, 2019 by phone, with a followup notification by mail. Please note that notifications are subject to change. 

 

Financial Aid

• Does the institution provide assistance with financial aid?

  Yes. To apply for financial aid, please contact CBU's Financial Aid Office.

• Does the physician assistant program provide grants or scholarships?

  The physician assistant program does not provide grants or scholarships at this time.

 

Graduation

• What degree will be given upon successful completion of the program?

  Graduates who successfully complete the program will be given a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.

• After program completion, is job search assistance provided?

  As part of the program, CBU will provide information and workshops in the job-seeking process. The program will also provide leads to potential jobs. However, job-seeking is an individual process and CBU cannot guarantee that an employer will hire you.

• How do I begin clinical practice?

  Upon completing an ARC-PA accredited program, graduates are eligible to sit for the professional board given by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Upon passing the exam, candidates are given the designation of Physician Assistant–Certified (PA-C). The candidate may then apply for state licensure and for a DEA certificate to prescribe controlled medication. The licensure process and requirements for each state vary and candidates must check with the Board of Physician Assistants in the state of planned practice for specific requirements.