Prospective Applicants

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or equivalent foreign institution is required. No specific major is required or preferred. A degree may be in progress at the time of application, but must be complete by December 31 the year prior to the summer start.

Student applicants must be a United States Citizen or a permanent resident of the United States. All prerequisite course requirements must be completed in the United States at a regionally accredited college or university.

CASPA requires applicants who completed courses and/or a degree outside the United States to submit transcripts for evaluation to the World Education Services (www.wes.org), Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org/ECE), or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. (www.jsilny.com).

Applicants who have English as a second language must complete TOEFL scores to the program unless the applicant is a graduate of a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in the United States.  Information on TOEFL can be found at (https://www.ets.org/toefl). The minimum accepted score is 80 for Internet-Based Testing (iBT) and 26 for the speaking component.

• Minimum 3.0 overall cumulative GPA (on 4.0 scale) is required.  Calculated by CASPA.
• Minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA (on 4.0 scale) is required.  Calculated by CASPA.
• Minimum 3.0 overall BCP (biology, chemistry, physics) GPA is required. Calculated by CASPA.

Entrance exams such as the GRE, PA-CAT, and MCAT are not required.

TOEFL scores are required if the applicant has not graduated from a United States regionally or nationally accredited university or college.

Due to the compressed and accelerated nature of the PA curriculum, competitive applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in the basic sciences and an ability to successfully manage a challenging academic workload.  

Prerequisite courses must be taken at regionally accredited universities or colleges and/or community colleges. The prerequisites indicate the minimum required; competitive applicants will generally apply with more than the minimum.

• Applicants must complete all prerequisite coursework with a grade of C (2.0) or better by September 1 prior to the year of matriculation. All planned prerequisite coursework must be listed in the CASPA application transcript as "in progress."  Advanced Placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) credit will not be accepted to fulfill the prerequisites below.
• Regarding online coursework: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students completed coursework online. Carroll College recognizes the unique challenges many students face. As such, online coursework completed during the 2020-2021 academic year will be acceptable in most instances to meet the prerequisites. Exceptions are Anatomy (in-person lab required) and Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry (in-person lab required).
• Pass/No Pass:  Although letter grades for coursework and labs are preferred, the program will accept pass/no pass grading (only passes equal to C or above are acceptable to meet prerequisites) for a maximum of two prerequisite courses.

The program does not grant transfer credits, credit for experiential learning or advanced placement. The program will not accept students from other PA programs.  All students matriculating into the program are required to take all courses in the curriculum.
If you are unsure if the course you took meets the requirement as a prerequisite course, please contact the Carroll College PA Program at pa@carroll.edu. Applicants should include a copy of the course syllabus or course description. 

Anatomy

• 1 semester or 2 quarters with lab (cadaver lab not required)
• A one-year combined anatomy and physiology course is acceptable
• Must include all organ systems
• Acceptable courses may include: human anatomy, human anatomy and physiology, comparative anatomy, gross anatomy.  Others may be acceptable. Inquire with PA program if unsure.
• Not meeting requirement: Embryology, neuroanatomy
• Completion within 5-10 years is strongly encouraged
  • If it has been more than 10 years since course was completed, a refresher course is
    recommended. A refresher course in anatomy (only) or a combined anatomy &
    physiology refresher course must be taken in person.

Physiology

• 1 semester or 2 quarters with or without lab in human or animal physiology
• A one-year combined anatomy & physiology course is acceptable
• Must include all organ systems
• A stand-alone course in physiology that was completed during the COVID-19 pandemic is acceptable (if taken 2020-2021 academic year).
• Acceptable courses may include: general, animal, or human physiology, integrated physiology, cellular & molecular physiology.  Others may be acceptable. Inquire with PA program if unsure.
• Not meeting requirement: Exercise physiology, kinesiology, sports physiology, or any course that does not include all organ systems.
• Completion within 5-10 years is strongly encouraged
  • If it has been more than 10 years since course was completed, a refresher course is recommended. A refresher course in anatomy (only) or a combined anatomy & physiology refresher course must be taken in person.

Microbiology

• 1 semester or 1 quarter with or without lab
• The course should include a broad overview of microbiology that includes bacteriology, virology, fungi, and parasites.
• Online course completed during COVID-19 pandemic is acceptable (if taken 2020-2021 academic year).
• Acceptable courses may include: general microbiology, medical microbiology, clinical microbiology; others may be acceptable.
• Not meeting requirement:  Stand-alone courses in parasitology, virology, bacteriology

General Chemistry

• 2 semesters or 3 quarters with lab
• There is no completion date requirement
• Online courses completed during the COVID-19 pandemic are acceptable (if taken 2020-2021)
• Acceptable courses may include general chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and essentials of chemistry. Others may also be acceptable. Inquire with the PA program if unsure.

Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry

• 2 semesters or 3 quarters with lab
• There is no completion date requirement
• Course should be at the 200 level or higher and intended for science majors

Other Biology/Chemistry

In addition to the required courses above, applicants must complete at least 2 additional courses in the biological or chemical sciences that are applicable to human physiology.

• Online courses are acceptable
• A variety of courses will meet this prerequisite including, but not limited to: genetics, immunology, biochemistry, neuroscience, molecular biology, nutrition, pharmacology
• Not meeting requirement: botany, ecology, marine biology

Mathematics

• One course in statistics - Generally, any course with statistics in the title is acceptable
• Online course acceptable

Social Science

• One course in the social sciences
• Online course acceptable.
• Recommended courses: A variety of courses will meet this prerequisite including (but not limited to) general and specialty courses in psychology, anthropology, and sociology.
• Not meeting requirement: political science, economics, history.

Medical Terminology

Although not required for admission, we strongly recommend that accepted students complete a course in medical terminology prior to matriculation. A quiz in medical terminology will be administered during the first week of class.

A minimum of 500 hours of paid or unpaid healthcare experience is required at the time of application. Hours spent observing, volunteering, shadowing or as a requirement for an educational training program will all be counted toward the 500-hour minimum requirement. Healthcare hours/experience are subject to verification.

Applicants with community service/volunteerism is desirable but not required.

The PA program values and encourages applicants to gain experience job shadowing PAs and other health professionals; however, this is not a requirement for admission. In particular, applicants who have opportunities to work with or shadow PAs in a variety of clinical settings and specialties will gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and scope of practice of the physician assistant. 

Applicants must submit three letters of reference as part of their CASPA application. Each letter should include sufficient information to provide the Carroll College PA Program Admissions Committee with information regarding a candidate's potential for becoming a PA and readiness for a graduate-level PA program. Letters should be submitted using the Evaluations section of the CASPA application so that they arrive as part of your complete application.

The PA program recommends letters of reference to be submitted from each of the following:

• a physician assistant (PA) or physician (MD or DO)
• an academic advisor, instructor, or professor
• another professional contact, such as an employer, supervisor, or health care professional

Letters of recommendation should come from professional sources, not family members or friends.

Applicants should refer to the CASPA Help Center for further information regarding the process for requesting reference letters.
 

The PA Program uses a rolling admissions process. Verified applications are reviewed in the order they are received. It is beneficial for applicants to apply early in the admission cycle. Entering students must minimally achieve a 3.0 GPA, complete specific course prerequisites, and have 500 hours of health care experience. Applications are also reviewed for selection factors/preferences as outlined on the program webpage. The selection factors/preferences include a review of Montana residency, currently enrolled students or graduates of Carroll College, rural background, underrepresented in medicine populations, veterans, and/or significant disadvantage or adversity.

If the initial review determines admissions criteria have not been met, the applicant is denied and an email is sent via CASPA’s WebAdMIT from the program director notifying the applicant of the decision. Depending on the number of applications received, the entire review process may take up to 8 weeks. The program will communicate admissions decisions, including interview invitations, via e-mail once the review is complete.

If an applicant meets the minimum requirements in the initial review by the program’s admissions staff, the candidate’s completed CASPA application is electronically forwarded to PA Program faculty for further review and consideration, including identifying qualities and attributes that align with the program's mission and goals. This information may be incorporated into the interview process and considered during the review and selection process for interviews and final admissions decisions. Each applicant meeting minimum requirements will be assigned one of the following three categories: (1) invite to interview, (2) place on hold to be considered for the next interview round, or (3) deny.

Throughout the review process, faculty, staff, and admissions interviewers will adhere to Carroll College’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, national origin, or ethnic origin. No qualified individual is excluded from admission or participation in any educational program, activity, or facility by reason of disability, providing the individual can properly perform with reasonable accommodation. Applicants should review the program’s technical standards which are minimal requirements.

All applicants who meet the minimum application requirements will be granted preference for Montana state residency, Tribal Affiliation, and Veteran Status. Those who meet the requirements and have graduated from Carroll College will be automatically granted an interview.

Interview invitations are extended throughout the review process. The program will not completely fill the available seats until all qualified candidates have completed their interview. Selections will occur monthly throughout the interview season and final selections will be made by January. Applicant Interviews are conducted by program faculty, and may include other Carroll College faculty and local PAs, physicians and community members. Interviews will include individual and group interviews. Candidates will also receive information regarding the curriculum, interact with faculty/staff, tour the campus and, once we have matriculated students, have an opportunity to interact with currently enrolled students.

Evaluations are based on:

1. Academic performance
2. Personal statement submitted to CASPA
3. Letters of reference submitted to CASPA
4. Responses to program-specific questions submitted to CASPA
5. Interactions during the student applicant interview
6. Behaviors demonstrated throughout all communications with the program
7. Healthcare experiences

The program encourages early application and commitment to Carroll College. Applicants can be selected for seats once interviews and subsequent selections committee meetings begin. After the interviews conclude, the selection committee members meet and select the class of students, as well as alternates, during November - December meetings. The committee considers all pre-interview and interview information in selection decisions. Final notifications will be sent no later than mid-January.

• The program strives to convey admissions decisions to applicants in a timely and sensitive manner. If the decision is to not admit, an email is sent via WebAdMIT from the program director. If the decision is to accept the applicant, the applicant will receive a phone call from the program director and a subsequent email via WebAdMIT. Candidates must inform Carroll College of their decision to accept or decline within three weeks of their acceptance notification. Applicants who accept the offer for admission will then have two weeks to submit their deposit.
• Tuition deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $750 is due within 30 days of acceptance. The deposit will be applied to the first semester tuition. All acceptances are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, passing a drug test and, if necessary, further verification of official transcripts. Accepted students are required to notify the program if there are any changes in their intent to matriculate at least 30 days prior to the start date. In addition, an alternate list is developed to fill any potential openings in the accepted class. Alternates are notified via a WebAdMIT email regarding their status and their ranking on the alternate list. If the program does not receive provisional accreditation from the ARC-PA, tuition deposits will be refunded.

Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis and only available up to 30 days prior to matriculation. Deferrals may be an option for an accepted student for reasons such as military deployment, or for personal, medical or financial hardship that could adversely affect their readiness to matriculate. Requests for deferrals must be submitted in writing to the program director and clearly state the reason for the request, along with any supporting documents. The program director will then confer with program and institutional leadership to determine whether to grant or deny the deferral request. Decisions are communicated to the requestor via an email letter. If the deferral is granted, the program will provide specific stipulations that must be met by the requestor prior to moving forward with required matriculation steps the following cycle.

To ensure the safety of both students and patients, all incoming PA students must undergo a comprehensive health screening prior to matriculation. The purpose of this screening is to confirm that students are physically and mentally able to meet the demands of clinical education and practice, and to establish a baseline for ongoing health monitoring.

The health screening must be completed and documented by a licensed healthcare provider and submitted to the PA Program no later than April 1st, prior to the summer semester of matriculation. Required components of the health screening typically include, but are not limited to:

• A comprehensive medical history and physical examination
• Tuberculosis (TB) screening (via skin test or IGRA, with follow-up chest X-ray if indicated)
• Documentation of meeting the Technical Standards of the program
• Confirmation of immunization compliance and serologic titers (if applicable)
• Confirmation of 10 panel urine drug screen
• Documentation of any medical conditions or accommodations that may affect clinical performance, along with appropriate documentation for disability services,
  if needed

Students must remain in compliance with health screening requirements throughout the duration of the program. Some clinical sites may require additional documentation or updated screenings (e.g., annual TB testing or COVID-19 clearance) prior to participation in rotations. Students are responsible for completing and submitting all required documentation in a timely manner.  Failure to complete and submit the required health screening by the stated deadline may result in forfeiture of admission or a delay in progression through the program.   Students are responsible for all costs associated with all medical costs for requirements to matriculate into the program.

• As a student in a healthcare program, the requirements for immunizations are more stringent than for the general population. The PA program follows the CDC immunization recommendations for healthcare workers as required by the State of Montana, prospective clinical sites, and the CDC.
• PA students must provide documentation of completion of all immunizations and titers, if applicable, no later than April 1st, prior to the summer semester of matriculation. Failure to meet this deadline may result in rescinding the applicant’s acceptance to the program. Physician assistant students must remain in full compliance with the immunization requirements for the duration of the program.
• Some hospitals and health care organizations may require additional vaccines/boosters and/or TB screening in order to complete clinical rotations with their organization. All students must comply with the program and clinical rotation site immunization policies at which they are assigned to successfully complete the program.

Students are responsible for all costs associated with the requirements for immunizations and titers during the didactic and clinical phases of the program.

Requirements:

* Requests for medical or religious exemptions will be considered. Most clinical sites require students to have the COVID vaccinations.  If you choose not to be vaccinated for medical or religious reasons, the program may not be able to guarantee graduation or an on-time graduation as students must comply with the policies of the sites where they rotate. There is no guarantee that clinical sites will accept an exemption.

Tuberculosis Screening

Documentation of negative tuberculosis screening through either PPD or Quantiferon Gold methods is required. If results are positive, a chest x-ray is required. This must be completed no more than 3 months prior to matriculation.

A background check is required before one may matriculate to the PA program. Fees associated with Criminal Background Checks are the sole responsibility of the student. Carroll College and the PA program are not responsible for the results of background checks. Most clinical rotation sites require background checks. Some clinical sites may require that this is repeated prior to participation in Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences. If a student is unable to complete a clinical portion of the PA program due to negative items contained in a criminal background check or failure to pass a drug screening, the student will not graduate. Neither Carroll College nor the PA program will be held liable for the student’s failure to obtain state licensing as a result of a failed criminal background check.

Students whose criminal background check reveals a record will be reviewed individually by the PA Program to determine eligibility for placement. No student will be enrolled in a Supervised Clinical Practice Experience with an unacceptable record revealed during the background check.

All students must submit evidence of a negative 10-panel urine drug screen that has been completed no more than 3 months prior to matriculation. Some clinical sites may require that this is repeated prior to participation in Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences. Fees associated with Urine Drug Screens are the sole responsibility of the student. Inability to comply with this requirement may interfere with a student’s ability to participate in the program or result in program dismissal. Students are subject to institutional policies regarding alcohol and drug use.

Carroll College provides the following technical standards to inform students of the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the Physician Assistant program and provide effective and safe health care. Students must be able to perform the following technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Observation and Sensory-Motor Function

   a. Accurately observe demonstrations, patients, and diagnostic findings.
   b. Perform physical examinations and distinguish normal from abnormal findings.
   c. Respond appropriately to visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory cues.
   d. Read medication labels, instrument calibrations, and patient records with sufficient visual acuity.
   e. Safely and effectively use medical instruments, equipment, and tools to collect data, perform procedures, and administer treatments.
   f. Adhere to infection control protocols, including universal precautions and sterile technique.

2. Communication Skills

   a. Communicate effectively and professionally in English with patients, families, faculty, staff, and peers.
   b. Elicit accurate patient histories and relay information clearly and compassionately.
   c. Convey critical information efficiently to members of the health care team.
   d. Document patient information accurately in written or electronic medical records.

3. Intellectual, Conceptual, and Quantitative Abilities

   a. Gather, analyze, and synthesize information to make sound clinical judgments and develop treatment plans.
   b. Respond promptly and appropriately in urgent or emergency situations.
   c. Perform mathematical calculations required for medication dosing and therapeutic interventions.
   d. Manage time efficiently and prioritize responsibilities in dynamic clinical environments.
   e. Recognize limitations in knowledge or skills and seek guidance when necessary to ensure patient safety.

4. Behavioral and Social Attributes

   a. Demonstrate emotional maturity, integrity, empathy, and respect in all interactions.
   b. Uphold professional and ethical standards, including patient confidentiality and accountability.
   c. Adapt to rapidly changing environments and work effectively under physical and mental stress.
   d. Accept and apply constructive feedback from instructors, preceptors, and peers.
   e. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in academic and clinical settings.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

   a. Provide respectful and competent care to individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those of varying races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ages, spiritual beliefs, and socioeconomic statuses.
   b. Demonstrate cultural humility and a commitment to equitable care.

Additional Support and Contact Information
Students who have questions about these technical standards or who wish to request accommodations are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services.

Office of Accessibility Services
Kelly Zimmerman, MA SPED
Director of Accessibility Services – Carroll College
Borromeo Hall 119
406-447-4470

Carroll College is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable access to education and training.  Accommodations must not compromise the integrity of the curriculum or the safety of patients and others.