FAQ

The PA Program does not offer advanced standing or accept transfer of credit for the Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. All relevant coursework required for graduation must be completed in the Campbell PA Program.

May be possible under extenuating circumstances. Each case is evaluated by the admissions committee.

Yes, Campbell does require a supplemental application to address specific information not addressed in the CASPA admission application.

The admissions process is complex and there is no single answer that applies to all applicants. Faculty members review all applications and recommend which applicants should be invited for an interview. Applicants who are interviewed should receive notice of their status within a few weeks following the interview. During the time application materials are being reviewed, no status updates are provided. Applicants who are not considered for interviews will receive a letter to this effect at some point during the application period after their application is reviewed by faculty.

Yes, a deposit of $1,500 is required for all accepted students. If you are accepted for the dual MPAP/MSPH program, a deposit of $1,750 is required.

• Average GPA: 3.41
• Average hours of health care experience: 5268
• Average Age: 24.8

The program accepts one class every year with classes starting in late July. The program is approved for an entering class of 54 students.

Applicants may be asked to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores if English is a second language.

Applicants are required to self-disclose any misdemeanors of felony convictions, other than minor traffic violations, including deferred adjudications, with the understanding that non-disclosure/falsification may lead to dismissal and disclosure may prevent enrollment. Additionally, in response to requirements in the professional practice environment stating that facilities providing care to patients must minimize the risk to patients that may be presented by persons with prior criminal activity, a criminal background check will be completed on all accepted applicants prior to matriculation and again prior to clinical rotations.

Substance abuse testing is mandatory at many health care facilities prior to participating in patient care either as a student or a staff member. In light of this situation, a negative substance abuse screening test is required before matriculation into the PA Program, and again before advancement to the clinical year. Repeated screening tests may be required as determined by the PA program or the clinical training site. Clinical education sites may require a copy of the results of any substance abuse test performed on students immediately prior to and for the duration of their placement at the site. Clinical education sites may set their own standards in regard to who they will admit based on the results of the substance abuse screening or require further testing. Students who are not willing to allow the release of the required personal information may not be able to be placed at an affiliated clinical education site, and thus cannot meet the requirements for graduation.

Yes, you may apply prior to the completion of all of your prerequisites, as long as you show verification that your outstanding prerequisites will be completed no later than Dec. 31 of the year prior to matriculation.

No, there is no limit on the amount of time that has passed since you completed your prerequisites.

No, we do not accept substitutions for any required prerequisites.

No, you must obtain a “C” or better in all of the required prerequisite courses.

Yes, if we require a lab in addition to the required course, you will need to complete the necessary lab.

No, all prerequisites must be completed no later than Dec. 31 of the year prior to matriculation.

No; however, an undergraduate degree earned at a regionally accredited U.S. institution is required (regardless of major), as well as the required prerequisites.

No, we will only evaluate applications with degree(s) earned at regionally accredited U.S. institutions.

Yes, as long as all your prerequisites were completed at a regionally accredited U.S. institution.

No, at least 1,000 hours of direct hands-on patient care experience must be completed at the time of submitting your application. Hours obtained for course credit during educational training will not count toward the required 1,000 hours.

No, we do not count shadowing experience towards your 1,000 hours of direct patient care. However, we do recommend at least 20 hours of shadowing a PA in order for you to better understand the role of the PA.

It depends. If your volunteer experience involved direct patient care and direct contact with patients, then on a case-by-case basis we will evaluate your volunteer experience to determine if it will be acceptable for our health care experience requirements.

While we do not have a time limit on previous health care experience, we do strongly recommend up-to-date and current health care experience.

No, we do not count pharmaceutical or medical sales representative experience towards the recommended amount of direct patient care hours.

No, hours obtained during an academic program are not counted towards your direct patient care hours. Direct patient care hours must be obtained outside of an academic program or curriculum.

We realize that the demands, expectations, and responsibilities particular to health care present unique challenges. Applicants are required to have been exposed to the health care setting in an effort to eliminate any erroneously preconceived notions about a medical career.

Seek a job or volunteer in a setting that provides direct clinical patient contact. Sample jobs include emergency medical technician, nurse aid, medical assistant, etc.

GRE scores must be submitted through CASPA using the following code: 0406.

We recommend a total scaled GRE score of >300.

No, we require GRE scores as part of the application process.

Yes.

Please refer to the tuition & financial aid portion of our website. The tuition changes each year.

Outside employment during the didactic or clinical phases of the program is strongly discouraged. Required program activities cannot be altered by outside activities. Outside obligations cannot interfere or impede class attendance or completion of assignments and program requirements. Students are not permitted to perform any clerical, administrative, or physical work for the PA program as a graduate assistant. Students must not substitute for faculty or staff by performing any administrative, clerical, or clinical duties while on supervised clinical education rotations.

Refer to the Professional Organizations page for links to the following:

• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
• American Academy of Physician Assistants
• Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
• North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants
• North Carolina Medical Board
• Physician Assistant Education Association

Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE) results for Campbell University graduates can be found by viewing our PANCE Pass Rates.

We have arranged numerous clinical rotation sites for students to complete their supervised clinical training. Sites will be assigned by the clinical coordinator and students will be notified of their rotations during the spring semester of the didactic year. These sites are located in Harnett, Wake, Johnston and other surrounding counties in North Carolina.

Upon graduation, students will have earned a Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Graduating from the PA Program does not satisfy certification or licensing requirements. After graduation, students will have received adequate preparation to take the PANCE. A passing score on the PANCE gives a PA program graduate certification as a physician assistant (PA-C). Licensing requirements vary state to state.

Part of the curriculum includes professional preparation and will allow for networking opportunities. It is up to the graduate to find suitable employment. However, job opportunities that are sent to the program will be available to students to explore.

Take a look at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics outlook on PAs.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm