Frequently Asked Questions

Master's Degree Physician Assistant Program Accreditation Status

The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears 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 five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-mary-hardin-baylor

A degree of Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) will be awarded upon successful completion of the UMHB MSPA program.

The UMHB MSPA program is 28 consecutive months long starting in January and ending in late April.

The UMHB MSPA program accepts forty students per admissions cycle.

The pre-clinical phase is designed to provide students with basic medical knowledge, understanding of disease processes, and skills to evaluate and treat healthy and ill patients across the life span.

The clinical phase includes clinical experiences in inpatient and outpatient internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology (women’s health), behavioral and mental health, surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine, and elective experiences. A clinical preparation week and a graduation preparatory month are included in the clinical curriculum.

No. The UMHB MSPA program pre-clinical phase is a fixed sequence and all students must enroll on a full-time basis.

We recommend that you review medical terminology, human physiology, and human anatomy to prepare for the first year of didactic courses. The curriculum is rigorous with a large quantity of information delivered in a short amount of time. Preparation before the start of school will allow for an easier transition into the first semester subjects.

Yes. The UMHB MSPA program will offer on-campus information sessions throughout the year. View more information at: https://www.umhb.edu/graduate/physician-assistant/information-sessions#1845

The second phase of the Accreditation-Provision process is a program self-study and site visit within six months prior to the graduation of the first class of students. If the UMHB MSPA program fails to maintain Accreditation-Provisional, the current first year and second year students will receive full training throughout the end of the program and be considered graduates of an Accredited program. No further applicants will be accepted into the UMHB MSPA program.

Clinical rotations will be scheduled by the MSPA program. Students are not permitted to schedule their own clinical rotations.

No. However, students are required to obtain health insurance with coverage during the entirety of the program.

The program does not allow deferment.

All transcripts and other application materials should be sent to CASPA.

No. Neither the GRE and/or MCAT will be considered in reviewing a candidate’s application.

Yes. Applicants need to apply through https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

Late April: CASPA Application Opens

June-September: Rolling Admissions

August 1: CASPA Application Closes

No. Upon completion of your application the Graduate Admissions Office will notify the MSPA Admissions Committee that it is complete for review.

It is recommended by CASPA that applicants complete their application 4-6 weeks prior to the deadline. Your application may be completed later; however, you may risk processing delays which could impact your admission status. The UMHB MSPA program uses a rolling admission process so it is recommended you complete your application early.

Please review the prerequisite course requirements at: https://www.umhb.edu/graduate/physician-assistant/prerequisite-requirements#1845

All prerequisite courses must be completed by August 31st in the year prior to matriculation. Prerequisite courses may be pending during the application process. A course in progress during the Spring or Summer semesters prior to enrollment should be indicated on the CASPA application.

Yes. The UMHB MSPA program accepts prerequisites from any regionally accredited university or college, online or in person, including community college.