Navigating Your Path to Becoming a Physician Assistant at Gannon University

Gannon University offers a comprehensive Physician Assistant (PA) program designed to equip aspiring healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this rapidly growing field. The program emphasizes hands-on experience and a strong foundation in medical science, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality patient care as part of a collaborative healthcare team. This article outlines the key requirements and considerations for prospective students interested in pursuing a PA career through Gannon University.

The Role of a Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are nationally certified and state-licensed medical providers who practice medicine in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of medical services, including:

Obtaining patient histories
Performing comprehensive physical examinations
Ordering and interpreting diagnostic laboratory tests
Developing diagnoses
Implementing treatment plans for common illnesses
Delivering patient education and counseling
Performing certain surgical procedures
Providing emergency care
Assisting in surgery and delivering pre-operative and post-operative care

Career Outlook for Physician Assistants

The demand for PAs is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. Employment of PAs is expected to grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job opportunities for PAs should be good, particularly in rural and inner-city clinics because those settings have difficulty attracting physicians. This growth is driven by factors such as the aging population, increasing access to healthcare, and the expanding scope of practice for PAs. Job openings will result both from employment growth and from the need to replace PAs who retire or leave the occupation permanently.

Gannon University's Physician Assistant Program: An Overview

Gannon University's PA program is designed primarily for first-time students seeking a direct path to becoming a PA. The program offers a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree available through a post-baccalaureate curriculum at the Ruskin Campus. The curriculum is predominantly clinical during the final year of the program. Adjunct regional medical faculty, in conjunction with various health care institutions, introduces the students to professional physician assistant training.

Important Program Features:

Limited Enrollment: The program is highly competitive, with only 58 seats available for each incoming freshman class.
Hands-on Experience: The curriculum includes human cadaver dissection (in-person, hands-on, using real human tissue).
Clinical Focus: The final year of the program is heavily focused on clinical rotations.

Admission Requirements for First-Time Students

To be considered for acceptance into Gannon University's PA program as a first-time student, applicants must meet the following requirements:

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Application Submission: Submit a completed application (application, official transcripts and letters of recommendation) by November 15th of their senior year. Applications submitted by the November 15th deadline will be guaranteed full review.
High School Coursework: Completion of 16 academic units at the high school level, four of which must be English; four in social sciences, at least two units of math, including algebra, both with B's or higher.
Interview: Qualified applicants will be required to participate in an interview day.

Interview Process

Qualified applicants who meet all admissions criteria and apply by November 15 will be invited to participate in one of five scheduled interview days. The interview days provide an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess the applicant's communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and overall suitability for the PA profession.

In-person interview days will be October 13, November 7, November 14 and December 5 of 2025. A virtual interview option will be available December 8, 2025.

Admission Decisions

Up to 12 early admission offers may be extended following each of the first three interview dates. The remaining admission decisions will be made after the final interview day on December 9. Students admitted into the program must submit a $350 enrollment deposit. Students who apply after the November 15 priority deadline may still be considered for placement on the waitlist on a case-by-case basis.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students

Gannon's physician assistant program is designed for first-time students. Due to limitations on class size, the only option available for transfer students is to enter the program at the freshman level. Up to 3 three seats will be reserved for transfer students in each cohort. This will require students to remain at Gannon for a full five years regardless of the number of credits the student transfers in with.

In order to be considered for the program, students must submit a completed application (application, official college transcript(s) and official high school transcripts if necessary) by November 15th. In order to be considered, transfer students who have earned 30 credits or more college credits must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a GPA of 3.0 for science courses. If a transfer student has earned fewer than 30 college credits, an official high school transcript is required. Qualified applicants must complete an interview.

Patient Interaction Experience

30 hours of patient interaction experience must be completed prior to matriculating. Additional hours are required each summer during the first four years of the program.

Advanced Placement

Advanced placement is not available in the fourth or fifth year of the program. Applications for the post-baccalaureate option will be reviewed on a space available basis. Prospective students may contact the Gannon University Office of Graduate Admissions for additional information. A limited number of seats are anticipated for the Fall of 2026.

Important Considerations During the Program

Employment: Employment during the didactic phase of the PA Program is not recommended due to demanding courses and time constraints. Employment during the clinical phase of the PA Program is strongly discouraged. Students will spend an average of 40 hours per week at their clinical site, plus complete reading assignments to prepare for end of rotation exams. Students may need to relocate every five weeks, precluding steady employment. PA students will not be required to work in the PA Department and will not substitute for or function as instructional faculty, clinical or administrative staff.
Work-Study: Students may be eligible for employment through the Work-Study program of the University. PA students are not eligible to work in the PA Department.

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