Penn College updates physician assistant program admission

Pennsylvania College of Technology has approved enhancements to the selective admissions process for its physician assistant program.

Four key changes that align with the college’s strategic priorities of recruitment, retention and graduate education growth will be implemented for Fall 2028 applicants. Updates are designed to strengthen the program’s ability to identify candidates who are academically prepared for success in a rigorous physician assistant curriculum while also supporting Penn College students interested in continuing their education at the graduate level.

“Each year, the PA program evaluates the effectiveness of its admissions process as part of an ongoing commitment to continuous self-assessment and improvement,” said Melissa E. Sedor, physician assistant program director. “As the program has transitioned to a standalone master’s degree, applicants now come from a wide variety of undergraduate institutions and academic backgrounds. To ensure a consistent and objective measure of applicants’ scientific knowledge, the program sought a standardized assessment tool.”

All applicants will be required to submit scores from the Physician Assistant College Admission Test, a nationally recognized standardized examination that evaluates knowledge in foundational science disciplines. The enhancement not only will aid in identifying candidates who are positioned to succeed in the program but also ensures a more consistent and equitable evaluation of applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, Sedor said.

The program also will establish a reserved-seat pathway for highly qualified Penn College biomedical sciences students. The curriculum in the biomedical sciences program was designed to prepare students for success in advanced health professions programs, including physician assistant education. Up to three seats in each entering cohort will be reserved for students who meet established academic and experiential criteria.

“Many of the courses within the curriculum provide the scientific foundation and academic rigor that align closely with the expectations of a PA program,” Sedor said. “In addition, supporting qualified internal applicants helps strengthen the undergraduate-to-graduate pipeline, encourages student retention within the institution and creates a clear pathway for students to continue their education at the college while advancing their professional goals.”

Although science GPA remains the primary factor in the admissions ranking process, the weighting has been revised to support a balanced review process that evaluates academic preparation and personal characteristics (measured through a Casper exam) associated with success in healthcare professions. An applicant’s admission score will be calculated using science GPA (60%), PA-CAT score (20%), cumulative GPA (15%) and Casper assessment score (5%).

Applicants who have completed undergraduate coursework at Penn College will be eligible to earn additional admission points based on the number of qualifying credits completed.

Sedor expects the changes will support student achievement, progression and overall program outcomes.

“The biggest benefit is the program’s improved ability to identify applicants who are well prepared for the academic rigor of physician assistant education while also supporting qualified Penn College students in continuing their education through a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate study,” she said.

To learn more about the physician assistant program, call 570-327-4519.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.