Applying to the Physician Assistant Program

Application Process

Each year, a total of 40 students may enter the graduate PA training program. Students may be admitted through Pathway 1 (combined undergraduate and graduate training at Thiel) or from Pathway 2 (after receiving a baccalaureate degree from any US regionally accredited college or university). At this time, Thiel is not accepting transfer applications for either pathway. Thiel College will use a rolling admission process and review applications for both pathways on an ongoing basis. Important information regarding Application and Costs can be found below.

Download application checklists to help keep you on track throughout the admissions process.

• Pathway 1 admissions checklist
• Pathway 2 admissions checklist

Admissions Timeline

Requirements

Download the prerequisites and admissions requirements outline today!

• PA Program Admission Requirements
• Path 1 Progression Requirements

Interviews

Based on the screening and scoring of applications, candidates may be invited to an interview. The interview day will give applicants to both pathways an opportunity to learn more about the program and provides a chance for faculty and applicants to become acquainted. Following is what to expect on interview day.

• The program’s philosophy, curriculum, faculty, technical standards, and other pertinent information will be discussed.
• Each candidate will have an individual interview and participate in a group activity.
• Each candidate will be asked to provide a writing sample at the interview.
• Virtual Campus tours.
• Transportation and housing information will be provided with invitations to interview.

Decisions

• Notification:
  • Pathway 1:
    • All applicants to Pathway 1 - The first notification will be the decision regarding acceptance to Thiel College
    • Those applicants who are interviewed for Pathway 1 - The decision regarding the PA program will be sent after all portions of the application have been received and verified (personal statement, letters of recommendation and the accreditation/technical standards acknowledgement form).
  • Pathway 2:
    • Applicants who are interviewed for Pathway 2 will typically be notified of the Committee's decision within three weeks of the interview.
• Waiting List: Students who are not immediately offered a seat in the program may be wait-listed. Being wait listed is NOT a rejection and should not be upsetting, as students on the wait list are often ultimately offered a seat in a program. If a seat becomes available for an applicant on the waiting list, that applicant will be notified as soon as possible.
• Deposit: Once decisions are made applicants will be informed and required to submit a non-refundable $500 deposit within 2 weeks of acceptance which will hold the seat for the applicant.
• Transcript: Applicants who have been selected to enroll in the program after the interview process must submit proof of graduation (high school for Pathway 1 or undergraduate degree and completion of all pre-requisite courses for Pathway 2).
• Background check: All students accepted into the PA program will be required to complete and pass a background check.

Selection Factors

The Thiel College physician assistant program hopes to recruit a diverse student population committed to providing high quality and compassionate care to all patients, including those in rural and underserved areas of our region. Several items are evaluated and scored when reviewing applications and selecting candidates for interviews.

• Academic factors such as cumulative and science GPAs are an important component of the application, as this reflects the applicant’s ability to perform successfully in the classroom.
• The letters of recommendation will provide additional information to allow us to select candidates who will be effective members of the healthcare team.
• Involvement in any type of extracurricular activities will be evaluated in the screening process.
• The requirement for shadowing hours allows us to confirm that the applicant understands the PA profession and has a desire to embark on a career as a physician assistant.
• Starting with the 2024-2025 application cycle, applicants must complete a minimum of 500 patient care hours in addition to shadowing.
• Pathway 1 applicants: SAT or ACT scores are optional for the 2024-25 cycle.
• Pathway 2 applicants: standardized test scores such as the GRE are not required as part of the application process for Pathway 2.

Candidates who are then invited to an interview may use this opportunity to demonstrate their unique qualities and share how their life experiences would enhance the diversity and collaborative environment of the Thiel College and the PA Program.

Cost of Attendance

Did you know that 99% of Thiel College undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid? Below you can find estimated costs, as well as a list of Thiel College financial aid specialists who are available to help answer your questions. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to explore possible financial aid options.

• Pathway 2 Estimated Costs
• Additional Estimated Costs
• Financial Aid and Admission Counselor Contacts

Technical Standards

Students enrolled in Thiel College's PA program will be required to meet certain technical standards. Find a list of those standards below:

• PA Program Technical Standards

Thiel College Anti-Discrimination Policy

Thiel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sexual orientation, religious belief, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, age or disability as those terms are defined under applicable law. This policy of nondiscrimination applies in connection with admission to and participation in all programs and activities sponsored by Thiel College and to all employment practices of Thiel College. Inquiries concerning compliance with this policy should be addressed to: ATTN: Jennifer Clark, Human Resources, 75 College Avenue, Greenville, PA 16125; or by calling 724-589-2858.