Xavier University of Louisiana offers a 28-month Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies in New Orleans, with clinical training through Ochsner Health. Applicants apply through CASPA, need at least 80 healthcare-experience hours, and submit a qualifying GRE, PA-CAT or MCAT score. Casper is required.
- Program
- Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- Credential
- Master of Health Science
- Location
- New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Interview
- Interview
- Seats
- 40 students per year, the number Xavier says ARC-PA allows it to accept
- Length
- 28 months
Casper Requirement for Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant
Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2027-2028 cycle.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Xavier requires Casper for admissions eligibility and requires interview invitees to complete it before interview. Casper results are valid for one admissions cycle.
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.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2027-2028
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- Late April annually; the next window's opening date has not been published
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASPA application and required materials | August 1 annually; the next window's dated deadline has not been published |
| PA-CAT score receipt, if submitting PA-CAT | Two weeks before the annual August 1 application deadline |
| TOEFL score receipt, if required | October 1, as stated on the program's TOEFL requirements page |
Apply through CASPA. Xavier requires a complete, CASPA-verified application by its deadline; CASPA verification can take 4-6 weeks.
Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Published program capacity
- Seats / class size: 40 students per year, the number Xavier says ARC-PA allows it to accept
Eligibility Requirements for Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, or an institution Xavier determines equivalent; Xavier says the degree and prerequisites must be completed by its application deadline.
- Citizenship
Non-U.S. citizens may apply but need appropriate, current U.S. immigration or visa status for enrollment.
Foreign coursework generally requires a course-by-course credential evaluation submitted to CASPA.
Other requirements
- Technical standards: Applicants must meet and maintain Xavier's PA-program technical standards.
- Enrollment deposit: Admitted applicants must pay a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit within 10 calendar days of the offer.
- Background check: Admission offers are subject to a criminal background check.
Selection Factors Xavier University of Louisiana Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Biology I and II with labs, OR General Biology I with lab and an upper-level biology course | 8 credits, or 7-8 credits for the alternative |
| General Chemistry I and II with labs | 8 credits |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs | 8 credits Combined A&P I and II accepted |
| Organic Chemistry I with lab | 4 credits |
| Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry | 3-4 credits |
| Microbiology with lab | 4 credits |
| Genetics | 3 credits |
| Upper-level biology electives | 3-8 credits recommended Not required |
| English Composition | 3 credits |
| General Psychology | 3 credits |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Pre-Calculus or Calculus, OR College Trigonometry and College Algebra | 3 credits, or 6 credits for the two-course alternative |
| Sociology | 3 credits |
| Medical Terminology | 1-3 credits Experience or testing out does not substitute |
| Medical Ethics | Recommended Not required |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Xavier uses CASPA-calculated overall, undergraduate science and prerequisite GPAs; repeated courses remain in CASPA's calculation.
- Minimum
- 3.0 overall, 3.0 undergraduate science and 3.0 prerequisite GPA, each on a 4.0 scale
All three minimums apply; higher GPAs are more competitive.
Admissions tests
- GRE (one of several accepted): Submit GRE, PA-CAT or MCAT. GRE minimum: combined verbal/quantitative 290 and writing 3; scores must be from the preceding five years. Send official GRE scores to CASPA using code 4433.
- PA-CAT (one of several accepted): Minimum 490; Xavier recommends this test and identifies 511 as competitive. Scores must arrive two weeks before the application deadline.
- MCAT (one of several accepted): Minimum 496; scores must be from the preceding five years and sent electronically to CASPA.
- TOEFL or IELTS (required for some applicants): Applicants without a bachelor's or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian institution must submit English-proficiency scores. Published minima: TOEFL paper 550, TOEFL internet 80, or IELTS 7.0; Xavier's TOEFL institution code is 6975.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete at least 80 hours of paid or volunteer healthcare experience before submitting CASPA and describe it in the application. Xavier prefers trained direct-patient-care experience; PA shadowing and community service are recommended.
Supplementary application
No separate supplemental application. Submit a CASPA personal statement of intent and three references; at least one must be from a practicing PA or physician. Personal references from friends or family are not accepted.
How applicants are ranked
Xavier considers the CASPA application, academic performance, test results, references, healthcare experience, personal statement and, for invited applicants, the in-person interview. It gives preference to Xavier students or alumni and recent Ochsner employees. Selected applicants receive offers after interview; withdrawn seats go to the highest-ranked alternate.
Interview Format at Xavier University of Louisiana
Format: Interview
An in-person interview at Xavier; interviewees must bring a passport-size photo ID. Xavier does not identify a panel or MMI format.
- Who is invited
- Select applicants invited by email; invitees must complete Casper before interview.
- When
- Late summer to early fall annually; dates for the next window have not been published.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 28 months
- Structure
12 consecutive months of didactic phase followed by 16 months of clinical training at Ochsner Health sites.
- Campuses
- New Orleans
Didactic coursework covers foundational sciences, pharmacology, and clinical skills through lectures, labs, and simulations. Clinical rotations span primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and specialties, emphasizing competency-based assessments. Graduates emerge prepared for the PANCE certification exam.
Campus and facilities
Located in New Orleans, with urban access to diverse clinical settings via Ochsner affiliations. As an HBCU, the program cultivates a tight-knit community focused on mutual success. Campus facilities include simulation labs for hands-on practice. Off-campus, New Orleans provides cultural immersion alongside clinical exposure.
Tuition and Funding at Xavier University of Louisiana
- Full-time tuition per semester, Fall 2026: $14,250
- Full-time tuition per semester, Spring, Summer and Fall 2027: $14,749
These are Xavier's published rates for the terms shown, not a quoted price for January 2028 entry. Additional fees and insurance may apply.
Xavier University of Louisiana's Mission and Values
The program emphasizes immersive learning experiences and hands-on training to equip graduates with skills addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in underserved communities. As an HBCU initiative, it fosters a supportive environment where faculty prioritize student success.
The program will provide immersive learning experiences and hands-on training opportunities, equipping graduates with the skills to address ...
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a culture that provides tools for thriving, with professors addressing individual concerns promptly. Students report immersive opportunities that build practical expertise, with faculty support throughout transitions. Current students highlight supportive faculty who prioritize issues and create a thriving environment for underrepresented applicants. Students report high costs requiring financial planning.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Application
- Complete all prerequisites and document at least 80 healthcare-experience hours before submitting CASPA.
- Choose a qualifying GRE, PA-CAT or MCAT; allow time for official scores to arrive.
- Arrange three CASPA references, including one practicing PA or physician, and write the personal statement.
- If invited to interview, complete Casper beforehand and prepare for an in-person interview at Xavier.
- Submit early enough for CASPA verification before Xavier's deadline.
More About Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant
- HBCU physician assistant program
Xavier describes its launch as the first new HBCU physician assistant program in the South.
- Clinical sites
Clinical training within the Ochsner Health System.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant
Does Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program require Casper?
Yes. Casper is required, and interview invitees must complete it before their interview. A new Casper test is needed for each admissions cycle.
What is the minimum GPA for Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program?
CASPA-calculated overall, undergraduate science and prerequisite GPAs must each be at least 3.0.
Does Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program require GRE?
No. Applicants submit a qualifying GRE, PA-CAT or MCAT score; the GRE is one option, not the only required test.
What is the interview format at Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program?
Selected applicants are invited by email to an in-person interview at Xavier. The program does not specify whether it uses a panel or MMI.
How competitive is Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program?
Admission is competitive. Applicants need at least 80 healthcare-experience hours; Xavier also evaluates academics, test results, references, the personal statement and an interview for those invited.
What is the curriculum length for Xavier University of Louisiana PA?
28 months: 12 consecutive months of didactic study followed by 16 months of clinical training within Ochsner Health.
Is financial aid available for Xavier University of Louisiana Physician Assistant Program?
Xavier publishes PA tuition and fees by term. Review the published charges and contact its financial-aid office about eligibility and funding.
Can international students apply to Xavier University of Louisiana PA Program?
Yes. Foreign-institution graduates may apply, subject to admissions requirements, credential evaluation and appropriate U.S. immigration or visa status for enrollment.
Sources
- Xavier How to Apply
- Xavier PA FAQs
- Xavier Prerequisites
- Xavier Next Steps
- Xavier 2026-2027 PA Tuition and Fees
- Xavier International Applicants
- Acuity Test Dates and School Information
- Xavier President's Office
Last updated: September 26, 2026