Keiser university graduate school

Master of Science in Physician Assistant

1. 
   Applications sent through CASPA, opens in April, ends in November. Includes submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, technical standards disclaimer, resume, supplemental broadleaf documents.
   
2. 
   If a candidate meets KUPA program CASPA preliminary requirements (as published in catalogue and on website) they are ranked by the PA department based on the following criteria:
   
   1. 
      Total undergraduate / graduate cumulative gpa 7% weight
      
   2. 
      Total science cumulative gpa 40% weight
      
   3. 
      Total prerequisite cumulative gpa 5% weight
      
   4. 
      GRE score (minimum 275 quant + verbal, 950 old) 5% weight
      
   5. 
      Interview score* 40% weight
      
   6. 
      Letters of recommendation score ** 3% weight
      

3. 
   Candidates accepted based on highest ranking. A ranking list is developed and candidates called based on ranking above 85. Candidates below 85 are wait-listed and called if slots available.
   
   1. 
      Highest ranked candidates are called and letter of acceptance sent (at that time a background check, vaccination check are required
      
   2. 
      Candidates must pay $145 for registration within two weeks of acceptance
      
   3. 
      Candidates must pay $1000 for seat deposit within 4 weeks of acceptance
      
   4. 
      Program accepts a total of 40 per year on a rolling basis, keep a wait list of those with lower ranking and these candidates are contacted and advised of future prospects
      

*Interview score based on a semi-quantitative evaluation of: understanding of PA role, personal integrity evaluation, attire at interview, shadowing and other clinical experience, interactive discussion score. Technical standards reviewed at time of interview to ensure candidate meets those standards.

• 
  Bachelor degree or equivalent
  
• 
  Undergraduate minimum GPA 2.75
  
• 
  Cumulative minimum science GPA 3.0
  
• 
  Cumulative minimum pre‐requisite GPA 3.0
  
• 
  GRE minimum score of 294 (or 950 on tests taken before August 1, 2011)
  
• 
  Complete Physician Assistant Applicant Packet
  
• 
  College Math or higher (3 semester hours)
  
• 
  Two English classes with one of English Composition (total 6 semester hours)
  
• 
  Humanities (3 semester hours)
  
• 
  General Biology or Zoology (including on ground lab) (4 semester hours)
  
• 
  Microbiology (including on ground lab) (4 semester hours)
  
• 
  Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry (3 semester hours)
  
• 
  Social Science (3 semester hours)
  
• 
  Human Anatomy & Physiology (including on ground lab) (8 semester hours)
  
• 
  General Chemistry I & II (with on ground labs) (8 semester hours)
  
• 
  Genetics (3 semester hours)
  
• 
  Behavioral Sciences (6 semester hours)
  

In order to successfully complete the Master of Science in Physician Assistant at Keiser University all physician assistant students must possess the abilities and skills in the areas of sensation, communication, motor function, intellectual capability, and behavioral/social proficiency. The following five key skills are required.

The student must be able to demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory and tactile) in lecture, laboratory, inpatient, and outpatient settings.  The student will be able to accurately observe a patient near and at a distance; recognizing non-verbal and verbal signs.

The student must be able to communicate effectively, respectfully and efficiently in the written and verbal forms of English with supervising or consulting physicians, program professors, colleagues, instructors, patients, and other members of the health care team. The student must be able to communicate effectively, responsively and empathetically; and exhibit sensitivity with patients of all ages, gender, cultures, ethnicities, and personalities regardless of race or cultural differences.

The student must have sufficient motor skills to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. The student must be able to perform the typical physician assistant duties not limited to physical examination, treatment interventions and general patient care. The student must possess motor coordination to respond in emergent situations and provide medical care quickly.

The student must possess intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities necessary for problem solving and diagnosis. The student must be able to integrate visual, auditory, sensory, tactile, and spatial information in clinical problem solving. The student must be able to demonstrate the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize information. The student must demonstrate the ability to acquire, retain and apply new and learned information.

The student must demonstrate ethical and professional attitudes reflected in appropriate behavior or conduct. The student must be able to function with integrity and in an ethical manner.  The student must possess attributes of dependability, flexibility, tolerance, respect, and empathy. The student must be able to adapt to a changing environment.  The student must be able to function under stress, accept supervision and apply feedback. The student must possess the emotional health for utilization of judgment and cognition.