Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
How many students do you accept each cohort?
The Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program has been approved to accept up to 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?
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?
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 before the application is submitted.
Do students need to have a biology or science degree to apply?
A specific degree is not required.
Are any groups or individuals favored in consideration for an interview?
- All Francis Marion University students and graduates who meet the minimum requirements will be given preference for an interview. Francis Marion University students and graduates must meet minimum requirements at the time of the application. The Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program encourages all applicants with diverse life experiences to apply. Attributes beyond the minimum requirements will be considered during the interview process. (A3.13b)
- The applicant has served and is a Veteran with an honorable discharge: confirmed with DD214 discharge papers and meets the minimum requirements to FMU-PAP will be granted an interview.(A3.13b)
- A more competitive applicant will have more than the minimum required “Patient Contact Experience” (PCE), and this will be weighted more favorably in the application process. (A3.13b)
- To benefit the applicant matriculation and to make an application more competitive, it is highly recommended course work be taken in person at a regionally accredited 4-year college or university. (A3.13b)
Will the FMU-PA Program accept on-line courses or courses from a community college?
On-line courses and lab are accepted but must be from a U.S. regionally accredited institution.
Do the prerequisite courses need to be completed before the application is submitted?
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?
The FMU-PA Program does not require the GRE/MCAT for admission.
Does the FMU-Physician Assistant Program accept Pass/Fail course grades?
Courses taken between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 and awarded a Pass or Satisfactory on a grading scale from an institution that moved to a Pass/Fail grading scale, will be accepted. Please note that a Pass or Satisfactory grade does not impact the GPA and the FMU-PAP Program will only consider the CASPA overall, overall science, and prerequisite GPA calculations.
Is there an expiration date for the science prerequisite courses?
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)
The FMU-PA Program has a “rolling admissions’ process, so students are encouraged to apply early.
When is the application due?
The application is due on or before January 15th at 11:59pm (EST) 2026, and each year thereafter following the opening of the CASPA application cycle.
A complete application package will include the (1) verified CASPA application and an FMU Graduate Application, along with paid application fees. 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 2 weeks or longer. Applicants should allow 2 weeks or longer prior to application deadlines for the verification process to take place for the application to be considered complete. The program will begin reviewing the application package after all components have been received and processed.
How much is required to secure a seat if I am extended an offer to attend?
Securing a seat requires a $ 500.00 non-refundable deposit.
Can I work while attending the Program?
Due to the intensity and demands of the Physician Assistant Program, students are strongly discouraged from working while enrolled in the program.
What is University policy on refunds?
Francis Marion University current refund schedule may be found at this link: https://www.fmarion.edu/accounting/students/
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. A minimum of 250 hours of direct patient care experience (PCE) is needed at the time of application. A more competitive applicant will have more than the minimum required PCE and this will be weighted more favorably in the application process.
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?
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 outside of the state.
Do students have a choice in which clinical site they are assigned?
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 does not apply to the rotation site or location.
Are students allowed to travel internationally to complete clinical rotations?
Elective rotations are the only rotations that may be completed outside of the US or its territories. The FMU-PA program does not have any international rotations at 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?
The Francis Marion University Physician Assistant Program accepts applicants through a “rolling admissions” process. Students are encouraged to submit their application early in the application process since admissions decisions are offered as applications are received. (CASPA opens at the end of April each year for applications and the FMU-PA deadline for applications is January 15th each subsequent year. This is for consideration of acceptance into the August cohort each year)
(*Applicants should allow 2 or more weeks prior to the deadline for the verification process to take place for the application to be considered complete.)
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
843-661-1348
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.