Saint Louis University's PA Scholars program is an exclusive opportunity for freshmen to be guaranteed a position in SLU's physician assistant program upon graduation from specific pre-PA degree programs offered by the Doisy College of Health Sciences.
The PA Scholars program allows students seeking careers as physician assistants to gain valuable health care credentials prior to entrance into the post-baccalaureate PA program. This preparatory education, in conjunction with the PA program's didactic and clinical curriculum, enriches the graduate's expertise and competence. In addition, it allows students the opportunity for a rewarding health care career should they elect not to continue in the graduate PA program upon completion of their bachelor's degree.
DCHS PA Scholars Tracks
Athletic Training*
Health Sciences
Medical Sciences
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Nutrition and Dietetics**
Radiation Therapy
*Athletic Training is a 3+2, five-year master's program. Students would enter the
PA program in their sixth year.
**A degree in nutrition and dietetics requires admittance to a post-baccalaureate, accredited internship for eligibility to become a registered dietitian. PA Scholars may elect to seek an accredited internship following completion of their bachelor's degree and start in the PA program after the internship or complete the internship following the completion of the PA program.
The application requirements are as follows:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, weighted or unweighted, as reported on the high school transcript at the close of junior year
- Completion of at least three years of high school math and science - four years of math and science highly recommended
- SLU have moved to test optional admission process for all undergraduate programs. Applicants may submit standardized test scores, but those who choose not to will not be at a disadvantage in any way in the admission process.
- Complete and submit online application for freshman admission and all required materials by December 1 of your senior year of high school. Indicate one of the approved degrees and "Pre-PA" as your pre-professional program.
- Complete the PA Scholars application through your MySLU portal by December 1 of your senior year of high school
- Submit two letters of recommendation, postmarked by December 1. The letters can be
emailed to admission@slu.edu or mailed to:
Saint Louis University Office of Admission
One North Grand Blvd., DuBourg Hall Room 119
St. Louis, MO 63103 - Application Timeline:
December 1 of senior year of high school: application must be submitted
March of senior year of high school: admission decisions mailed to applicants
May 1 of senior year: acceptance of invitation required - If you are selected for admission as a PA Scholar, you must confirm your acceptance by completing the PA Scholars Program Invitation Response Form.
Q: Does the PA Scholars program offer guaranteed admission into the Physician Assistant
program?
A: Yes. Students who successfully complete the program’s requirements and maintain
the required GPA for the duration of their undergraduate studies as well as complete
the required, pre-approved direct patient care hours are guaranteed placement in the
Physician Assistant Program where students will work towards the degree of Master
in Medical Science.
Q: Does the PA Scholars program shorten the length of time I will spend in school?
A: No. When a PA Scholar obtains admission to SLU’s Physician Assistant Program, that
admission is labeled as “contingent” upon successful completion of the pre-PA bachelor’s
degree program for which they enroll in the Doisy College of Health Sciences from
Saint Louis University. We believe that a traditional, full-length course of undergraduate
study remains one of the best preparations for success.
Q: Which majors/programs of study can I pursue as a PA Scholar?
A: See above DCHS PA Scholars Tracks
Q: How will my advance placement credit courses transfer?
A: In keeping with their high level of academic achievement, students who wish to
become PA Scholars are encouraged to take Advanced Placement and/or advanced credit
courses in high school whenever possible. However, no AP or advanced credit will be
awarded to incoming PA Scholars for biology, chemistry or physics. It is in the best
interest of every future physician assistant student to take these courses in college
regardless of past experience.
Q: Can I wait and become a PA Scholar once I am a current SLU student?
A: No. Only new freshmen applicants will be considered for acceptance into the program.
Q: What if I change my major or decide that I do not want to continue on to the PA
program?
A: Students may continue on as PA Scholars provided they choose another approved,
pre-PA major within DCHS. Remember that there is no penalty for withdrawing from the
program, but applying to become a PA Scholar is an opportunity that you only have
as an incoming freshman. If you withdraw from the PA Scholars program, you will have
to apply to the post-baccalaureate PA program through the traditional application
process, with no guarantee of admittance.
Q: What are the requirements to remain a PA Scholar?
A: Once accepted as PA Scholars, students are expected to maintain full-time enrollment
at Saint Louis University and to meet the following requirements:
1. Maintain cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 through completion of the Bachelor’s program.
2. Obtain a “B” or higher in all prerequisite courses.
3. Complete all prerequisite courses at SLU (Chem I and II, Organic Chem I and II,
Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, Biology, Microbiology, Medical Terminology, Statistics).
4. Obtain pre-approved direct patient care hours:
- 100 hours by August 1 after the sophomore year
- 250 hours by the end of the junior year
- 500 hours by the end of the senior year
The method of obtaining these hours must be approved by the DCHS Recruitment Specialist
prior to beginning the experience. Documentation of direct patient care hours must
be submitted to the DCHS Recruitment Specialist by the end of each Spring and Fall
semester.
5. Attend a PA program information session between September of Junior year and November
of Senior year at SLU.
6. PA Scholars will be required to complete the online Central Application Service
for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and SLU Supplemental Application by November 1 of
the senior year at SLU. This process ensures students are captured in the national
database for PA programs. Current application rate for both applications is approximately
$230 (CASPA - $177, SLU Supplemental - $45).
7. Attend a SLU PA Interview session during January or February of Senior year at
SLU. Dates will vary. An interview is not conducted, but scholar will meet current
students and graduates as well as applicants who are interviewing.
8. Attend additional PA Program activities as communicated via the PA program
Q: Can I study abroad as a PA Scholar?
A: Yes. PA Scholars are encouraged to study abroad. PA Scholars will work with their
DCHS undergraduate academic advisor to determine a time that is most optimal for study
abroad.
Q: What other benefits do PA Scholars enjoy?
A: PA Scholars enjoy numerous other program benefits, including:
- One-on-one advising through a DCHS academic advisor assigned to their specific undergraduate
program
- Participate in the Pre-PA Club
- Attend select events hosted by the PA Program student organization beginning in
their junior year at SLU
Saint Louis University takes pride in being one of Barron's Best Buys in College Education and Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges.
For information regarding the upcoming academic year’s tuition rate, fees and financial aid, visit SLU Financial Services.
As a PA Scholar, you will take courses in biology, chemistry, statistics, human anatomy, human physiology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics and medical terminology.
For additional information, contact Doisy College of Health Sciences Recruitment Specialist Julie Miller at (314) 977-2570 or julie.miller@health.slu.edu.