Gannon University (BS\/MS) PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

Who This Program May Be A Good Fit For

  • Career-changer friendly: At 30 required patient care hours, this is one of the lower bars in the country, worth a look if you are switching fields and building hours while you apply.

  • Faster to practice: At 24 months, this program is shorter than most. That means less tuition and earlier income, but a denser schedule with little slack.

  • Apply early: Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.

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Program Details

Gannon University (BS/MS) is located in Pennsylvania. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

  • Location: Pennsylvania

  • Institution type: Private

  • Program length: 24 months

  • Class size: 58 students

  • Start month: August

  • Application deadline: December

  • Rolling admissions: Yes

  • In-state tuition: $113,100

  • Minimum overall GPA: 3.4

  • Minimum science GPA: 3

  • Minimum PCE hours: 30 hours

  • Letters of recommendation: 3

  • First-time PANCE pass rate: 92%

  • Accreditation status: Continued

Admission requirements

  • GRE: Yes

  • PA-CAT: No

  • CASPer: No

  • TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

  • Supplemental application: No

  • Shadowing: Recommended

  • Letters of recommendation: 3: PA Supervisor Professor

  • Patient care experience: 30 hours minimum

  • Interview format: in-person - traditional

Prerequisites

  • Online coursework accepted: Yes

Required coursework

  • BS/MS

Cost

  • In-state tuition: $113,100

  • Seat deposit: $500

Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.

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Listen: inside the Gannon University (BS/MS) PA program

We have talked with people connected to this program on The Pre-PA Club podcast. Press play to hear it directly from them.

Episode show notes, takeaways & chapters

Abby Prince's journey through the 3+2 program at Gannon University is a compelling narrative that reveals the intricacies of transitioning from undergraduate studies to a career as a physician assistant. In her conversation with the host, Abby shares her personal motivations for entering the medical field, rooted in her experiences as a patient with a chronic autoimmune condition. This background not only informs her passion for healthcare but also underscores the significance of empathy in patient-provider relationships.

The discussion delves into the specifics of the 3+2 program, which compresses the typical educational timeline for PA training. Abby outlines the structured nature of her studies, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high GPA and completing required patient care experiences. She responds to common criticisms about the program's potential lack of life experience, demonstrating how her proactive engagement in clinical roles during summer breaks allowed her to garner valuable insights and skills that enhanced her readiness for the PA profession.

Abby also addresses the rigor of the PA curriculum, comparing the demands of her didactic year to that of her undergraduate studies. She mentions the need to adapt study habits to cope with the intensive volume of information presented in PA school. As she reflects on her clinical rotations, Abby expresses excitement about her future in obstetrics and offers practical advice to aspiring PA students about the importance of commitment and the sacrifices required to succeed in this demanding field. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication needed in the pursuit of a career as a physician assistant.

What we cover

  • Abby Prince shares her journey through a 3 plus 2 program at Gannon University, highlighting its structure and benefits.
  • The 3 plus 2 program allows students to transition seamlessly from undergraduate studies to PA school, saving one year of education.
  • Abby emphasizes the importance of gaining clinical experience even during the undergraduate years in the program.
  • Students must meet specific GPA and clinical hour requirements to advance into the PA portion of the program successfully.
  • Abby discusses the sacrifices required during PA school, including limited social engagement and personal time.
  • Prospective students should ensure they are committed to the PA profession before enrolling in a 3 plus 2 program.

Chapters

  • 0:00 – Introduction to the Episode
  • 6:21 – Interview with Abby Prince: Insights from a PA Student
  • 11:20 – Transitioning to the PA Program
  • 14:33 – Transitioning from Undergrad to PA Program
  • 19:51 – The Challenges of PA School

Program Contact

Program information last verified. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.

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