Prospective applicants to the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Physician Assistant Program (FranU PA) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, should prioritize CASPA submission ahead of the September 1, 2025, distribution deadline for the 2025-2026 cycle. This 28-month Master of Medical Science (MMS) in Physician Assistant Studies requires the English Casper test, with available dates from May 1 through August 12, 2025. Guided by Franciscan values of compassionate care, the program emphasizes 2,000 hours of clinical experience alongside rigorous academics. This guide details eligibility, selection factors including Casper, interviews, curriculum, and preparation strategies, equipping you with actionable steps to strengthen your application.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University's Mission and Vision
The Physician Assistant Program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University aligns with the institution's Catholic, Franciscan heritage, focusing on compassionate healthcare delivery.
Guided by the tradition of compassionate health care exemplified by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, the Physician Assistant Program will develop ...
Matriculated students describe a program culture that stresses serving with skill, compassion, and purpose through hands-on training and expert faculty guidance. This emphasis shapes the learning environment, where clinical rotations build practical competency in patient-centered care.
Eligibility Requirements for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Physician Assistant Program
You must submit your application through CASPA, the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants, using your CASPA ID. The program accepts the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) and the English Casper test only.
- Complete all prerequisite courses within the past seven years prior to application.
- Provide a minimum of 80 hours of PA shadowing, though competitive applicants report 160 hours or more.
- Demonstrate patient contact hours; one applicant noted 520 hours as part of a successful profile.
Strategic applicants verify prerequisite completion dates early, as the admissions committee enforces the seven-year rule strictly.
Selection Factors Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Considers
Prerequisites
The program requires specific coursework completed within seven years. Admissions evaluates transcripts for recency and relevance, prioritizing science prerequisites that demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study.
References
Submit three reference letters from designated sources:
- Employee/Supervisor
- PA
- Physician
- Other health professional
Competitive candidates select recommenders who can attest to clinical exposure and interpersonal skills observed in real settings.
Casper
FranU requires Casper scores from the English test only. The current format includes 11 scenarios (4 video-response, 7 typed-response), lasting 65-85 minutes, with 2 questions per scenario and 3.5 minutes for typed responses—each typed response scored individually.
Available Casper test dates for the 2025-2026 cycle include:
- May 1, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- May 15, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- May 29, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- May 29, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jun 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jun 10, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jun 26, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jun 26, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jul 8, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jul 8, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jul 20, 2025 - 1:00 PM EDT
- Jul 20, 2025 - 4:00 PM EDT
- Jul 31, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jul 31, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Aug 12, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Aug 12, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
Submit scores by the September 1, 2025, distribution deadline. Completing at least 50 practice scenarios builds familiarity with ethical and interpersonal themes; access The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank for 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
GRE
While not mandated by FranU, the average composite GRE for PA programs in 2025 is 305.4. Competitive applicants consider submitting strong scores if their academic profile needs bolstering.
Interview Format and Selection at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
The program conducts interviews during the application cycle, offering provisional acceptance prior to full matriculation requirements. Current students report a process focused on clinical readiness and alignment with Franciscan values.
Prepare by practicing responses to situational questions on patient care and ethics. Use The Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator for timed, realistic practice conditions mirroring PA interview demands.
Post-interview, the committee reviews Casper performance, references, and shadowing hours alongside academics. Strong candidates demonstrate 500+ patient contact hours and direct PA/physician endorsements.
Prepare for Your Casper Test & Medical School Interview
Access The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank with 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert-crafted responses, AI Interview Simulator with realistic practice conditions, and personalized mentorship from current medical students — all on one web-based platform.
Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
The MMS Physician Assistant Studies spans 28 months, blending classroom learning with 2,000 hours of clinical rotations. Didactic phases emphasize school-oriented content, where students prepare for challenging exams that test applied knowledge.
A 3+2 pathway accelerates entry for undergraduates, providing hands-on experience early. The curriculum plan covers graduation requirements, licensure preparation, and competency in primary care settings aligned with Franciscan compassionate care.
Students report intense didactic training but value the structured progression to clinical practice, gaining proficiency across 39 forum-discussed topics from pharmacology to procedural skills.
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Campus and Facilities
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, FranU's campus supports PA training through affiliations with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (OLOL). Facilities enable simulation labs and clinical preceptorships essential for the program's 2,000-hour requirement.
Program handbooks outline graduate policies, ensuring students access resources for academic and professional development in a supportive, faith-based environment.
How to Prepare Your Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Application
Begin six months before the cycle: verify prerequisites are within seven years and accumulate 500+ patient hours plus 100+ PA shadowing. Secure three targeted references from supervisors, PAs, and physicians by early summer 2025.
- Register for Casper by April 2025; complete 50+ practice scenarios using The Bright Doctor's web-based Casper Question Bank.
- Submit CASPA by August 2025, including FAP if eligible, for the September 1 distribution.
- Practice interviews via The Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator and seek feedback from current med students through mentorship programs.
- Review the PA program handbook for policies on licensure and graduation.
Applicants leverage The Bright Doctor's Application Material Hub for CASPA essay refinement, aligning narratives with FranU's compassionate mission.
Master Your Casper & Medical School Interview
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank featuring 100+ scenarios with expert answers, plus AI Interview Simulator and personalized mentorship from current medical students.
Start Practicing FreeFrequently Asked Questions About Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Physician Assistant Program
Does FranU PA Program 2025-2026 require Casper?
Yes, the English Casper test is required. Scores must reach programs via the September 1, 2025, distribution; test dates run from May 1 to August 12, 2025.
What is the minimum GPA for FranU Physician Assistant admissions?
Specific minimums are not published; focus on recent prerequisites and competitive patient hours. Consult the official admissions page for updates.
Is GRE required for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University PA?
No GRE is specified for FranU, unlike some programs averaging 305.4 composite. Prioritize Casper and clinical experience instead.
What is the interview format at FranU PA Program?
Interviews occur during the cycle with provisional offers possible. Preparation targets clinical scenarios and Franciscan values alignment.
How many patient hours are needed for FranU PA 2025-2026?
The website lists 80 PA shadowing hours as competitive; successful applicants report 500+ patient contact and 160+ shadowing hours.
What is the curriculum length for FranU Physician Assistant?
The MMS program lasts 28 months, including 2,000 clinical hours. A 3+2 pathway offers accelerated entry.
Does FranU PA accept international students?
Details on international eligibility are on the CASPA-linked site; U.S.-based applicants predominate given clinical site requirements.
What are FranU PA tuition costs for 2025?
Tuition figures are available on the official program page; contact admissions for current rates and FAP options.