Admissions
We are here to help with your application, prerequisite questions, and anything else you need. Email us at paprogram@ucwv.edu or book an appointment. We look forward to receiving your application.
Apply to the UC PA Program
We offer three distinct pathways for admissions:
- Fast Track Pathway: Designed for current UC undergraduate students.
- Traditional Pathway: Intended for applicants who will have a bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation.
- Transfer Pathway: Meant for applicants currently or recently enrolled in an ARC-PA-accredited program.
Prior Education Requirements
Traditional and Transfer Pathway applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university before matriculating into the UC PA Program. Fast Track Pathway applicants planning to work in a state that requires a bachelor’s degree for licensure will only be considered for a seat in the program after earning a UC bachelor’s degree.
Prior Work Experience Requirements
Work experience is not required, but it may increase the strength of an application.
Admissions Preferences
The UC PA Program values applicants with academic strength and rigor, average to above average performance on standardized tests, healthcare experience/exposure, PA shadowing, social engagement (volunteerism, community service, leadership, extracurricular activities), a propensity to work with the underserved, a connection to West Virginia, a propensity to stay in West Virginia after graduation, moral reasoning, maturity, grit, commitment, and a passion to become a PA. Additional consideration is also given to West Virginia residents, bordering state residents, and UC students and alumni.
The UC PA Program also values life experiences, self-awareness, professionalism, strong references, and a healthcare provider (MD, DO, or PA) reference letter, as well as communication, decision-making, problem-solving, organization, critical thinking, and team skills. We are also looking for applicants who will be a “good fit” for the program.
International Applicants
International students are welcome to apply through any admissions pathway. Degrees from an institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by any National Association of Credentials Evaluation Services (NACES).
Admitted international students will work with the Director of International Students to complete any documents required for entry. Advanced placement and exemption from application requirements will not be granted to international medical students and graduates.
Program Curriculum
The University of Charleston PA Program consists of 110 credits over 7 contiguous semesters with a new cohort starting every January. The didactic part of the curriculum is delivered over 4 semesters (67 credits). The clinical part of the curriculum is delivered over 3 semesters (43 credits). There are eight (8) rotations: Primary Care, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, and an Elective. Spring, Fall, and Holiday breaks are provided between semesters.
Details of our program curriculum are available online.
| Semester | Credit Hours | Didactic or Clinical Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 17 | Didactic |
| Summer 1 | 15 | Didactic |
| Fall 1 | 17 | Didactic |
| Spring 2 | 18 | Didactic |
| Summer 2 | 16 | Clinical |
| Fall 2 | 16 | Clinical |
| Spring 3 | 11 | Clinical |
Advanced Placement
Only students admitted through the Transfer Pathway may have PA coursework taken from an ARC-PA-accredited program eligible for consideration for advanced placement. Medical school, health science courses, or other types of medical education, training, or experiences will not be considered. Should a transfer applicant be offered a seat, notification regarding advanced placement, if any, will be detailed in the seat offer letter. Advanced placement will be considered on a case-by-case basis if certain conditions are met.
