Quinnipiac's full-time MHS in Physician Assistant program is based in North Haven and admits external applicants through CASPA. Applicants need 3.20 overall, science and prerequisite GPAs, 2,000 hours of qualifying direct patient care, and Casper. The program combines classroom learning, early clinical experience and supervised rotations.
- Program
- Quinnipiac University MHS in Physician Assistant
- Credential
- MHS
- Location
- North Haven, Connecticut, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- September 1, 2027 (Complete CASPA application)
- Interview
- Interview
- Seats
- 54; approximately half reserved for ELMPA graduates
- Length
- 27 months
Casper Requirement for Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant
Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2027-2028 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is required. Complete the test before the program's application deadline; a CASPA application may be submitted before taking Casper. Repeat applicants must take a new test each year. Acuity Insights honors approved CASPA fee assistance for eligible U.S. PA applicants.
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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Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2027-2028
- Apply through
- CASPA
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Complete CASPA application | September 1, 2027upcoming |
| Academic prerequisites completed | September 1, 2027upcoming |
| Casper test completed | September 1, 2027upcoming |
Submit the CASPA application, transcripts, payment and supporting materials early enough to be complete by the program deadline. CASPA considers an application complete with at least two received evaluations, but Quinnipiac will not review it until three are complete.
Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Annual program capacity
- Seats / class size: 54; approximately half reserved for ELMPA graduates
The published capacity includes both CASPA and ELMPA entrants; the program does not publish an accepted-student GPA average on its admissions page.
Eligibility Requirements for Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a nationally recognized equivalent
Admission pathways
- CASPA: External applicants apply to the graduate MHS program through CASPA.
- ELMPA: Students completing Quinnipiac's entry-level master's PA pathway receive admission to the graduate program under separate requirements.
Prerequisites must be completed at an accredited U.S. or nationally recognized Canadian institution within ten years of application; labs must be on campus, subject to the school's COVID-era exception. Medical-school graduates are ineligible.
Other requirements
- Technical standards: Students must meet the program's published PA technical standards.
- Immunization and health screening: Students must meet the program's immunization and health requirements.
- Clinical clearances: Clinical training may require background checks and drug screening.
Selection Factors Quinnipiac University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Biology | Four semesters of mammalian or human biology, including one semester of microbiology and two semesters of human anatomy and physiology; all with labs |
| Chemistry | Three semesters, including organic chemistry with lab or biochemistry |
| Mathematics | One semester of pre-calculus, calculus or statistics |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA calculates overall, science and prerequisite GPAs from all reported collegiate coursework, including applicable undergraduate and graduate work.
- Minimum
- 3.20 overall, 3.20 science and 3.20 combined prerequisite GPA
Prerequisite courses require a grade of C or higher. A D or F in any prerequisite option disqualifies an applicant even if the course was repeated; more than one semester of withdrawals in science or prerequisite courses also disqualifies an applicant.
Admissions tests
- GRE (not required): GRE scores do not factor into admissions decisions.
- MCAT (not required): MCAT scores do not factor into admissions decisions.
- TOEFL or IELTS (required for some applicants): Submit scores if your bachelor's degree is from a non-English-speaking country.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
CASPA applicants need at least 2,000 hours of direct, hands-on patient care in the U.S. or Canadian healthcare system. Paid or unpaid experience can count; observation alone does not. ELMPA students have a separate 1,000-hour requirement.
Supplementary application
A supplemental essay is required within the Quinnipiac PA application in CASPA. Request 3-5 electronic evaluations; ideally, at least two are from healthcare professionals familiar with your patient work.
How applicants are ranked
Quinnipiac holistically reviews academics, patient-care experience, PA shadowing, service, leadership, narratives, references and Casper, among other factors. The most qualified applicants attend on-campus interviews; offers go to candidates with the strongest combined application and interview performance until the 54-seat cohort is filled.
Interview Format at Quinnipiac University
Format: Interview
On-campus interviews and activities involve program faculty, alumni and community partners. Invitations are typically emailed at least two weeks before the assigned interview date.
- Who is invited
- Top candidates following application review
- When
- Typically August-November
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 27 months
- Structure
Full-time, 94-credit program with classroom and pre-clinical training followed by seven required core rotations and two elective rotations.
- Campuses
- North Haven
The program builds a strong scientific foundation alongside leadership, analytical, and interpersonal skills through hands-on learning. Students develop competency in patient care. The curriculum emphasizes technical standards so graduates excel in diverse healthcare settings.
Campus and facilities
The PA program is based on Quinnipiac's North Haven campus. Students use the interprofessional Center for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, including simulation and clinical-skills facilities.
Tuition and Funding at Quinnipiac University
- Estimated full-program tuition and institutional fees at 2026-27 rates: $115,760
- Tuition rate at 2026-27 rates: $1,195 per credit
Estimate based on 94 credits and the current curriculum; rates are subject to annual increases. Other living, travel and program-related costs are additional.
Quinnipiac University's Mission and Values
The program aims to increase access to quality healthcare by educating caring, knowledgeable and competent physician assistants committed to clinical competence, professionalism, interprofessionalism, leadership, community engagement and cultural humility.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report receiving interview consideration emails before formal invitations. Students report positive experiences on platforms like Student Doctor Network. Matriculated students describe the process as competitive, aligning with the program's focus on leadership and analytical abilities. Students report a collaborative environment fostering professional growth amid competitive admissions.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Application
- Check all three GPA minimums and complete the specified prerequisite courses and labs.
- Document at least 2,000 qualifying direct patient-care hours; seek guidance from the PA department if a role's eligibility is unclear.
- Plan for the required Casper test and supplemental CASPA essay.
- Prepare to discuss patient care, PA shadowing, service and leadership at an on-campus interview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant
Does Quinnipiac University PA Program require Casper?
Yes. CASPA applicants must complete Casper before the program's application deadline; repeat applicants take a new test each year.
What is the minimum GPA for Quinnipiac University PA Program?
At least 3.20 overall, 3.20 science and 3.20 combined prerequisite GPA.
What are Quinnipiac University PA Program prerequisites?
Four semesters of specified biology with labs, three semesters of chemistry, and one semester of pre-calculus, calculus or statistics; each prerequisite needs at least a C.
Does Quinnipiac University PA Program require patient contact hours?
Yes. CASPA applicants need at least 2,000 hours of qualifying hands-on patient care in the U.S. or Canada.
What is the interview format at Quinnipiac University PA Program?
Top candidates are invited to on-campus interviews and activities with faculty, alumni and community partners, typically in August-November.
Is Quinnipiac University PA Program part of CASPA?
Yes. External applicants apply through CASPA and complete a supplemental essay there.
Does Quinnipiac University PA Program accept FAP for Casper?
Acuity Insights honors approved CASPA fee assistance for eligible U.S. PA applicants.
How competitive is Quinnipiac University PA Program admissions?
The program has 54 seats each year, approximately half reserved for ELMPA graduates; offers reflect both application and interview performance.
Sources
- physicianassistantforum.com: 42491 done with sdn
- grad.qu.edu: admissions
- qu.edu: admissions
- catalog.qu.edu: physician assistant mhs
- grad.qu.edu: physician assistant
- paschoolfinder.com: quinnipiac university
- qu.edu: curriculum
- grad.qu.edu: curriculum
- qu.edu: physician assistant mhs catalog 2025 2026
- thepalife.com: multiple mini interview guide
- physicianassistantforum.com: 70246 quinnipiac 2023 2024 application cycle
Last updated: September 26, 2026