Pre-PA Pathway

Pre-PA is a 3+2 pathway program that guides students from their undergraduate studies into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at College of Saint Mary. The benefit of a pathway like this is a clear, accelerated route to your career, allowing you to become a licensed, practicing physician assistant in as little as five years after high school.

Pre-PA students apply for their desired bachelor’s degree program. Common majors include:

• Psychology (Pre-PA)
• Pre-Health (Biology)

Students meet with a dedicated advisor each semester to stay on track with GPA, prerequisite courses, and patient care experience. As benchmarks are met, students progress toward eligibility for the MSPAS program, creating a clear, guided path from undergraduate study to graduate-level training.

In the final stage, students transition into the MSPAS program, where they develop advanced clinical knowledge, complete hands-on training, and gain the experience needed to succeed as a physician assistant.

Admission for the Pre-PA Pathway will occur on a semester basis. If minimum requirements are met, the PAS Admissions Committee will send out a supplemental application and then will review this along with other required documents to determine if an interview will be offered. Due to the competitive nature of the MSPAS program, meeting minimum requirements does not ensure an invitation for an interview or acceptance into the PAS-AEP.  Following the interview, the Admissions Committee will determine acceptance as a pre-PAS status student. Applicants will be notified of the decision.

First-time / Full-time Freshman (High School Seniors)

• High school cumulative GPA: 3.5 or above
• Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher
• Ready to begin CHM 110 (General Chemistry)
• Personal statement essay answering required questions
• Résumé
• PA Supplemental Application
• Three references from teachers, coaches, &/or employers – none should be family or friends
• Participation in high school extra- and co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
• Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.

Transfer or Current CSM Student Admission

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (12 or more credits) and minimum GPA of 3.25 in PAS prerequisite classes- minimum of B in these courses as well (see CSM Academic Catalog- or listing on page 4)
• Ready to enter Math 114 (College Algebra) or higher
• Ready to begin or have completed CHM110 (General Chemistry)
• Three references from teachers, coaches &/or employers – none should be from family or friends
• Personal statement essay answering required questions
• Résumé
• PA Supplemental application
• Participation in extra-and-co-curricular activities, medical experiences, and/or clinical experiences
• Ability to comply with the CSM PA Program Technical Standards.

The undergraduate application for new students opens July 1 for the upcoming academic year. CSM follows a rolling admission process, reviewing applications as they are received. We encourage students to apply early for priority consideration for scholarships, housing, and financial aid.

For current students interested in the Pre-PA Pathway, admission is also offered on a rolling basis. If you’re considering this pathway, connect with Jo Salt to learn more and start the process.

The Mercy Core is CSM’s general education curriculum and the foundation of every degree. Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, it integrates ethics, reflection, and action to prepare women to lead with purpose and advance justice in their communities.