Wayne State University PA Program: Requirements, Tuition & Stats

• GPA-competitive: The average accepted overall GPA here (3.78) sits in the top quarter of PA programs nationally. If your GPA is below about 3.66, you will want the rest of your application, hours, letters, upward trend, to do real work.

• The minimum is not the target: The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.78, a gap of 0.78. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.

• 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.

• Lower cost: In-state tuition of $66,519 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.

• Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition ($131,702) runs 98% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.

• Accreditation status: Probation: ARC-PA currently lists this program as Accreditation-Probation. Programs do come off probation, and students generally remain eligible to sit for the PANCE, but you should read the ARC-PA action report and ask the program directly before depositing.

• Stricter prerequisite grades: A minimum of B in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.

• Recency matters: Prerequisites expire after 6 years for science only. Older science coursework may need to be retaken.

Wayne State University is located in Michigan. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.

At a glance

• Location: Michigan

• Institution type: Public

• Program length: 24 months

• Class size: 50 students

• Start month: May

• Application deadline: September

• In-state tuition: $66,519

• Out-of-state tuition: $131,702

• Average overall GPA: 3.78

• Minimum overall GPA: 3

• Minimum PCE hours: 500 hours

• Letters of recommendation: 3

• First-time PANCE pass rate: 94%

• Accreditation status: Probation

Admission requirements

• GRE: Optional

• PA-CAT: No

• CASPer: Yes

• TOEFL (international applicants): Yes

• Letters of recommendation: 3: Supervisor PA OR Physician (MD/DO) OR FNP

• Patient care experience: 500 hours minimum

• Interview format: Unsure of exact interview type. Done in late October/early November Applicants should seek out as much information as possible concerning the role and laws governing the practice of the physician assistant and be able to articulate this information during the interview process. Should also answer these questions in their interviews: 1. What made you decide to pursue a career as a physician assistant? 2. What have you done to prepare to become a physician assistant? 3. Why are you choosing to enroll in the Wayne State University Physician Assistant Studies program? 4. Assuming you complete the Physician Assistant Studies program at Wayne State University, what professional goals do you hope to achieve?

Prerequisites

• Minimum prerequisite grade: B

• Prerequisite expiration: 6 years for science only

• Pass/Fail coursework accepted: No

Required coursework

• Human Anatomy - one course

• Human Physiology - one course

• Upper Level Science (Must be human-based & at 3000 level or higher) - one course

• Microbiology with lab - one course

• Chemistry - two courses required; one inorganic/general and the second course must be organic chemistry or biochemistry

• Nutrition - one course, general human/clinical nutrition

• Developmental Psychology - one course

• Basic Statistics - one course

• English Composition - two courses

• Medical Terminology - one course

Cost

• In-state tuition: $66,519

• Out-of-state tuition: $131,702

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• Program website: Wayne State University

• Admissions page: Admissions information

• Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 313-577-2424

• Address: 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48201

Program information last verified July 7, 2026. Requirements change, always confirm directly with the program before applying.