Mercer's Physician Assistant program is a full-time, 28-month MMSc program in Atlanta. Applicants submit CASPA and a supplemental application, complete Casper, meet overall and natural science GPA minimums, and document at least 1,000 hours of direct patient care. Qualified applicants may be invited to interview; a guaranteed interview is limited to eligible Mercer special-consideration pathway students.
- Program
- Physician Assistant Program
- Credential
- MMSc
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP 20100
- Length
- 28 months
Casper Requirement for Mercer University Physician Assistant
Mercer University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- Professional Health Sciences · CSP 20100
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Complete Casper for Mercer's PA application. Mercer identifies CSP 20100, Professional Health Sciences; check Acuity for eligible sittings and allow time for score distribution.
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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Mercer University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- November 1, 2026
Submit CASPA and Mercer's supplemental application. Send official transcripts and three required references to CASPA; include a plan for any remaining prerequisites. Mercer reviews qualified, complete files.
Eligibility Requirements for Mercer University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, completed before enrollment.
- Citizenship
International applicants may apply; applicants with education outside the United States must meet the foreign-credential requirements.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency through TOEFL.
Admission pathways
- Accelerated Special Consideration Program: Eligible Mercer undergraduates may qualify for a guaranteed PA interview by meeting the pathway's coursework, residency, GPA, experience and application conditions.
Applicants with more than four outstanding prerequisites cannot be considered; include a completion plan in CASPA and finish all prerequisites before enrollment. Survey courses do not count toward prerequisites.
Other requirements
- Foreign-credential evaluation: Applicants with credentials from outside the United States must submit a World Education Services evaluation to CASPA.
- Technical standards: Applicants must meet the PA program's technical standards; admitted students attest to meeting them before enrollment.
Selection Factors Mercer University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Chemistry | required Two-course series with on-campus labs; C or better. |
| Organic Chemistry | required One course; lab optional; C or better. |
| Biochemistry | required One course; lab optional; C or better. |
| General Biology | required Two-course series with on-campus labs; C or better. |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | required Two-course series with on-campus labs; within 10 years before enrollment; C or better. |
| Microbiology | required One course with on-campus lab; within 10 years before enrollment; C or better. |
| English Composition or intensive Writing | required Two-course series; C or better. |
| Statistics or Biostatistics | required One course; C or better. |
| General or Introductory Psychology | required One course; C or better. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Natural science GPA covers undergraduate biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Minimum
- Overall GPA of 3.00 or higher and undergraduate natural science GPA (biology, chemistry, physics) of 2.9 or higher.
The 3.2 overall and natural science GPA interview guarantee applies to eligible Mercer Accelerated Special Consideration Program students who meet that pathway's other conditions, not to all applicants.
Admissions tests
- GRE (optional): For scores to be considered, send official results from ETS to CASPA using institution code 0441.
- TOEFL (required for some applicants): Required for applicants whose native language is not English.
- MCAT (not required): Mercer's published PA admissions requirements do not require the MCAT.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
At least 1,000 hours of direct, hands-on patient care experience are required. PA shadowing does not count as direct patient care.
Supplementary application
Submit Mercer's supplemental application and three references through CASPA: one from a practicing PA or physician (MD/DO), one from a college professor or instructor, and one from a non-relative professional.
How applicants are ranked
Qualified applicants with complete files who meet or exceed admissions criteria may be invited to interview. Mercer gives additional admissions consideration to specified HRSA-defined backgrounds and Mercer graduates; an interview guarantee applies only to eligible special-consideration pathway students who meet its conditions. An offer-ranking formula is not published.
Interview Format at Mercer University
Interviews are part of the admissions process; an invitation is not guaranteed for general applicants.
- Who is invited
- Qualified applicants with complete files who meet or exceed admissions criteria may be invited. Eligible Mercer special-consideration pathway students who satisfy all pathway conditions receive a guaranteed interview.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Mercer University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 28 months
- Structure
Full-time lockstep sequenced curriculum spanning seven consecutive semesters, divided into Year 1 (Spring, Summer, Fall) and subsequent semesters, with integrated didactic and clinical phases.
- Campuses
- Atlanta
PA Year 1 Spring includes foundational credits; Summer and Fall advance to clinical preparation. Clinical rotations occur at affiliated sites, emphasizing competency-based progression. Full-time students progress through content that builds on prior knowledge and mastered material.
Campus and facilities
The PA program is offered on Mercer's Cecil B. Day Graduate and Professional Campus in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tuition and Funding at Mercer University
- 2026-2027 tuition per semester: $14,200
- Technology and facilities fee per semester: $150
- Didactic course fee and medical equipment: $2,500
- Clinical course fees I and II: $2,500 and $2,000
- Total tuition and fees: $107,450
These published rates are not confirmed for incoming students. Mercer estimates another $62,030 in expenses not billed with tuition and fees; future rates have not yet been set.
Mercer University's Mission and Values
The Mercer University Physician Assistant Program aligns with the broader Mercer University School of Medicine's commitment to primary care and service in Georgia.
The mission of Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) is to educate physicians and other healthcare professionals...
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report a collaborative academic atmosphere where peers prioritize performing well over competition. Matriculated students describe the environment as supportive, with emphasis on mastering material through a sequenced curriculum that builds on prior knowledge. Students describe the academic culture as non-cutthroat, with peers focused on collective success and individual mastery. The full-time schedule demands dedication, but supportive relationships foster a positive environment.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Mercer University Physician Assistant Application
- Complete every prerequisite with a C or better; use on-campus labs where required.
- Plan for at least 1,000 hours of direct, hands-on patient care.
- Arrange three references, including a PA or physician and a college instructor.
- Prepare CASPA, Mercer's supplemental application, and Casper.
- If submitting optional GRE scores, use CASPA code 0441.
- Check Acuity for eligible Casper sittings and allow time for score distribution.
More About Mercer University Physician Assistant
- School of Medicine alignment
The PA program aligns with Mercer University School of Medicine's commitment to primary care and service in Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercer University Physician Assistant
Does Mercer PA require Casper?
Yes. Mercer lists Professional Health Sciences, CSP 20100; check Acuity for eligible sittings.
What GPA does Mercer PA require?
At least 3.00 overall and 2.9 undergraduate natural science GPA.
Who gets a guaranteed PA interview?
Eligible Mercer special-consideration pathway students who meet all pathway conditions; a 3.2 GPA alone does not guarantee other applicants an interview.
What prerequisites does Mercer PA require?
Chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, writing, statistics and psychology coursework; see the full course list and lab rules above.
Is the MCAT required?
Mercer's published PA requirements do not require it; GRE scores are optional.
How long is the PA program?
28 months over seven consecutive full-time semesters.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Applicants with non-U.S. credentials need a WES evaluation sent to CASPA; applicants whose native language is not English also need TOEFL proficiency.
When is the CASPA deadline?
Mercer has announced the next application opening but has not published an exact final deadline.
Sources
- physicianassistantforum.com: 42491 done with sdn
- chp.mercer.edu: PA FAQ 2025
- aas.mercer.edu: Academic Preparation for PA School
- paeaonline.org: mercer university
- aas.mercer.edu: pre physician assistant
- aas.mercer.edu: physician assistant
- chp.mercer.edu: physician assistant
- chp.mercer.edu: PA FAQ 2026
- medicine.mercer.edu: admissions process
- chp.mercer.edu: PA Goal 1 12 2021
- mededits.com: acceptance rates
- chp.mercer.edu: PA Curriculum Overview 4 2020
- chp.mercer.edu: curriculum
- chp.mercer.edu: pa program
- chp.mercer.edu: vision mission values goals and competencies
- physicianassistantforum.com: 3
- medicine.mercer.edu: interview invitees
- glassdoor.com: Mercer University Physician Assistant Student Interview Questions EI IE26067.0,17 KO18,45
- thepalife.com: multiple mini interview guide
Last updated: September 26, 2026