FAQ’s
How many students do you accept each cohort?
We accept 32 students with each cohort.
How long is the PA Program?
The PA Program is 27 months. 15 months of didactic and 12 months of clinical.
Do you have a supplemental application?
Yes. To apply to the FMU-PAP program, you must submit a CASPA application and complete the supplemental Francis Marion University graduate application. (https://www.fmarion.edu/admissions/applynow/)
Do you require a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. The FMU PA Program requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree must be completed and awarded on or before the FMU-PA application deadline.
Do students need to have a biology or science degree to apply?
No, a specific degree is not required.
Will the FMU-PA Program accept on-line courses or courses from a community college?
Yes. The courses must be from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
Do the prerequisite courses need to be completed before the application is submitted?
Yes. Prerequisite courses must be completed before applying to the program and applications must be submitted on or before the application deadline.
Does the FMU-PA Program require a GRE/MCAT score for admission?
No. The FMU-PA Program does not require the GRE/MCAT for admission.
Is there an expiration date for the science prerequisite courses?
No. There is not an expiration date for the science prerequisite courses. The FMU-PA Program and faculty advise potential students if it has been 5 years since taking an Anatomy and Physiology course then students should either audit or take these courses for a grade. (The first semester starts with an A & P course)
When is the application due?
The application is due on September 1st at 11:59PM (EST) or 8:59PM (PST).
A complete application package will include the (1) verified CASPA application or an FMU Graduate Application (which is verified by FMU-PA Admissions staff), and any application Fees paid . Please note that for CASPA applications our program will only receive your application after it has been verified by CASPA, and this process may take a few weeks. The program will begin reviewing the application package after all components have been received and processed.
Experiences:
What classifies as direct patient care experience? Is there a minimal number of hours required?
Hands-on patient care experience is considered direct patient care. The FMU-PA program requires a minimum of 250 hours direct patient care experience for admission.
Is volunteering experience required?
No. It is highly recommended that students be engaged in volunteering activities both health and non-health related.
Is shadowing required for admission to the FMU-PA Program?
No, It is highly recommended that candidates shadow PA’s in different clinical settings to understand a PA’s scope of practice in different clinical environments.
Clinical Rotations:
How many clinical rotations are required and how long is each rotation?
There are 9 clinical rotations. Eight clinical rotations are in specific clinical areas of medicine and the last clinical rotation is an elective. This may occur in an area of student interest. Each clinical rotation is 4 weeks.
Does the program guarantee clinical site placement in Florence, SC?
No. The program does not guarantee clinical site placements in Florence, SC. Student clinical rotation placement may occur anywhere within the state of SC and in some instances student placement may occur out of state.
Do students have a choice in which clinical site they are assigned?
No. The clinical team will assign students to clinical rotations. Students may provide input for the elective rotation they desire. This will only apply to the area of medicine and not the rotation site.
Are students allowed to travel internationally to complete clinical rotations?
Elective rotations are the only rotations that can be completed outside of the US or its territories. The FMU-PA program does not have any international rotations at the present time.
Are students expected to solicit for new clinical sites? (A3.03)
Students are not required to provide or solicit for clinical rotation sites or preceptors.
What clinical rotations are students required to complete?
The following rotations are required: Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Behavioral Health, Internal Medicine (inpatient), Internal Medicine (outpatient), Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and an elective rotation in an area of interest.
Questions regarding CASPA?
Please contact their customer service department at 617-612-2080 or caspainfo@caspaonline.org or CASPA help link here.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the PA Program at:
Contact/Location Information: (A3.11)
Francis Marion University
Physician Assistant Program
200 West Evans Street
Florence, SC 29501
843-661-4426
For information and questions about admission into the Master of Science Physician Assistant Program at Francis Marion University, email us at: fmupap@fmarion.edu
Financial Information:
Financial Assistance Information at Francis Marion University link here.