Ashland University's in-person Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies is based in Mansfield, Ohio. Applicants apply through CASPA, complete Casper and the GRE, and meet minimum cumulative and science GPAs of 3.00. Healthcare experience is recommended, not required. The full-time, 24-month program combines didactic study with supervised clinical rotations.
- Program
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
- Credential
- MSPAS
- Location
- Mansfield, Ohio, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-20100
- Next deadline
- April 1, 2027 (CASPA application and verification deadline (payment, transcripts and at least two evaluations received))
- Interview
- Multiple mini interview (MMI)
- Seats
- 36 places per incoming cohort
- Length
- 24 months
Casper Requirement for Ashland University Physician Assistant
Ashland University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2 · CSP-20100
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- CASPA ID number
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Register for United States Casper 2 with your CASPA ID and government-issued photo ID, select Ashland University for score distribution, and book at least three days before your test. Submit accommodation forms at least four weeks beforehand if needed. Approved CASPA fee assistance may cover Casper for U.S. PA programs. Check Acuity's Dates and Fees page for available sittings.
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
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Ashland University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April 30, 2026
- Application fee
- $185 for the first CASPA program; $65 for each additional program.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASPA application and verification deadline (payment, transcripts and at least two evaluations received) | April 1, 2027upcoming |
Ashland reviews applications and arranges interviews on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants may request CASPA fee assistance before submitting.
Ashland University Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Graduating Classes of 2025-2027
- Seats / class size: 36 places per incoming cohort
- Average GPA: Class of 2027: 3.56 cumulative and 3.44 science GPA
- First-generation college students, graduating Class of 2025: 10%
- First-generation college students, graduating Class of 2026: 11.4%
- First-generation college students, graduating Class of 2027: 23%
- First-generation benchmark: 15.9%
Eligibility Requirements for Ashland University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Residency
Out-of-state applicants are accepted.
- Citizenship
International applicants are not accepted; applicants with DACA status are considered.
Prerequisites have a 10-year time limit. Applicants may have up to two outstanding prerequisites, which must be completed before matriculation. Transfer applicants are not accepted.
Selection Factors Ashland University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Human Anatomy | 4 credits with lab |
| General Biology | 4 credits |
| Biochemistry | 3 credits |
| Microbiology | 4 credits |
| General Chemistry | 4 credits |
| Organic Chemistry | 4 credits |
| Human Physiology | 3 credits with lab |
| Medical Terminology | 1 credit |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Upper-level science | Required See Ashland's catalog. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Admissions reviewers evaluate cumulative and science GPAs during holistic review. Prerequisite coursework supports science GPA calculation.
- Minimum
- 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA and 3.00 science GPA
The program requires both minimum GPAs; it does not state a competitive GPA cutoff.
Admissions tests
- GRE (required): Required; the MCAT is not accepted.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
Healthcare and direct patient-care experience, whether paid or volunteer, are recommended but not required. PA shadowing is recommended; no minimum hours are specified.
Supplementary application
No supplemental application is required. Three references are required, including a reference from a PA.
How applicants are ranked
Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. The program arranges interviews as applications arrive; qualifying later applicants may be waitlisted. Applicants are assessed against the published academic, GRE and Casper requirements and through the interview. Ashland does not publish a numerical interview or offer-ranking formula.
Interview Format at Ashland University
Format: Multiple mini interview (MMI)
An on-site interview is required and includes group, multiple-mini-interview and scenario-room components. Ashland may adjust the format if restrictions require it.
- Who is invited
- Selected applicants are notified by email.
- When
- Interviews are arranged as applications are received; selected applicants receive interview-day details by email.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Ashland University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 24 months
- Structure
Full-time, in person and year-round: 103 semester credits across six consecutive semesters, comprising a face-to-face didactic phase and a clinical year of supervised rotations.
- Campuses
- Mansfield
Didactic study uses a high-fidelity simulation lab. Clinical training includes four-week rotations in internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, general surgery, women's health, pediatrics and behavioral health, plus two elective rotations.
Campus and facilities
The in-person PA program is based at the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences in Mansfield, Ohio, with simulation and cadaver labs.
Tuition and Funding at Ashland University
- Total program tuition: $100,660
- Graduation fee: $120
- Learning technology fee: $52 per credit hour
- Optional university health insurance: $2,400 per year
- Background check and drug screen: $250
- Textbooks: $1,500
- Laptop if purchased through Ashland: $1,500
- Professional memberships: $175 for two years
- Personal medical equipment: $1,000
- Estimated travel and housing for clinical rotations: $5,000
- Optional university housing: $8,800 or $11,530 per year, depending on room
- Personal living expenses: $3,500 per semester
- Transportation: $3,600 per year
- Vehicle permit: $115 per year
- Replacement Eagle ID: $25
Costs are subject to annual adjustment. Accepted students pay a non-refundable $1,000 seat deposit within two weeks of accepting an offer. Eligible students may seek financial aid or Choose Ohio First scholarship funding.
Ashland University's Mission and Values
Ashland University's MSPAS program emphasizes developing practice-ready physician assistants equipped for diverse healthcare settings. The program recruits diverse, highly qualified applicants to deliver a quality educational experience focused on clinical excellence. The PA Studies program aims to recruit and select diverse and highly qualified applicants for admission and provide a quality educational experience.
AU's Physician Assistant Program provides students with clinical, technical and interpersonal skills to be practice-ready physician assistants.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report preparing responses for common interview prompts like \"tell me about yourself.\" Students report achieving balance between academics and personal life on campus.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Ashland University Physician Assistant Application
- Check both 3.00 GPA minimums and the prerequisite courses.
- Arrange three references, including one from a PA.
- Plan to take the GRE and United States Casper 2; use your CASPA ID when booking Casper.
- Describe healthcare experience and PA shadowing if you have them; neither is mandatory.
- Allow time for CASPA verification before Ashland's deadline.
- Prepare for on-site group, MMI and scenario-room interviews.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland University Physician Assistant
Does Ashland University PA require Casper?
Yes. All applicants must take United States Casper 2 (CSP-20100) and use their CASPA ID to register.
What is the minimum GPA?
A 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA and a 3.00 science GPA are required. Ashland does not publish a competitive cutoff.
Is healthcare experience required?
No. Healthcare and direct patient-care experience are recommended, with no published minimum hours.
What is the interview format?
An on-site interview is required; the program lists group, MMI and scenario-room components.
When is the CASPA deadline?
Ashland requires a CASPA-verified application by its published deadline; apply early because admissions are rolling.
Is CASPA fee assistance available?
Eligible applicants can request a CASPA fee waiver before submitting. Approved CASPA assistance may also cover Casper for a U.S. PA program.
What makes Ashland University PA program competitive?
Ashland considers academic, GRE and Casper requirements and the interview. Healthcare experience is recommended, not required.
Are international students eligible for Ashland University MSPAS?
No. International applicants are not accepted, but applicants with DACA status are considered.
Sources
- ashland.edu: physician assistant studies pa masters
- catalog.ashland.edu: ms pas
- physicianassistantforum.com: 816 ashland university
- paeaonline.org: ashland university
- ashland.edu: PA CASPER Test
- physicianassistantforum.com: 56490 ohio ashland university
- topuniversities.com: master science physician assistant studies pa
- ashland.edu: PA Program Goals AU 4 3 25
- prepscholar.com: Ashland University admission requirements
- catalog.ashland.edu: pas
- catalog.ashland.edu: PAS609B
- thepalife.com: multiple mini interview guide
- beaphysicianassistant.com: mmi interview pa school
Last updated: September 26, 2026