Gannon University's Ruskin, Florida Physician Assistant program offers a post-baccalaureate Master of Physician Assistant Science. Applicants apply through CASPA, take Casper and meet separate overall, science and prerequisite GPA minimums. The curriculum combines campus-based study with clinical training, primarily in Florida.
- Program
- Master of Physician Assistant Science
- Credential
- MPAS
- Location
- Ruskin, Florida, United States
- Casper
- Required
- Next deadline
- December 1, 2026 (Ruskin CASPA application deadline)
- Length
- Two years; six consecutive fall, spring and summer semesters
Casper Requirement for Gannon University Physician Assistant
Gannon University Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is required for Ruskin applicants. Gannon advises registering at least one month before its application deadline; confirm current dates, score distribution and any applicant ID in Acuity Insights before booking.
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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Gannon University Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April 30, 2026
- Application fee
- $185 for the first CASPA program and $65 for each additional program
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Ruskin CASPA application deadline | December 1, 2026upcoming |
Gannon reviews Ruskin applications upon receipt. CASPA fee assistance is available to eligible applicants; CASPA advises requesting transcripts and evaluations early.
Gannon University Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Ruskin class of 2025
- Average GPA: 3.74
- Academic attrition, class of 2025: 7%
- First-time PANCE pass rate, class of 2025: 89%
- Ultimate PANCE pass rate, class of 2025: 96%
Gannon publishes class outcomes but no Ruskin applicant, interview or acceptance totals on its program goals page.
Eligibility Requirements for Gannon University Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Language proficiency
International applicants must meet Gannon's TOEFL and TSE requirements.
Prerequisites must have been completed within the last ten years and come from a regionally accredited college or university. Advanced standing and credit for experiential learning are not granted.
Other requirements
- Technical standards: Applicants must be able to meet the PA program's technical standards.
- Clinical-site clearances and education: Students complete required clearances and annual mandatory education before clinical experiences.
Selection Factors Gannon University Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General chemistry, including lab | 8 credits, including 2 lab credits General chemistry or above |
| Human anatomy | 3 credits plus 1 lab credit Anatomy and Physiology I-II with labs is acceptable |
| Human physiology | 3 credits plus 1 lab credit Anatomy and Physiology I-II with labs is acceptable |
| Genetics | 3 credits 200 level or above |
| Medical terminology | 1-3 credits |
| Statistics | 3 credits |
| Microbiology | 3 credits plus 1 lab credit Medical microbiology preferred |
| Psychology | 3 credits |
GPA
- How it is calculated
Separate overall, science-course and prerequisite-course GPAs are considered.
- Minimum
- 3.0 overall, 3.0 science and 3.0 prerequisite GPA
Gannon states a preference for applicants with high GPAs but publishes no competitive cutoff.
Admissions tests
- TOEFL (required for some applicants): International applicants must score at least 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer-based test.
- Test of Spoken English (TSE) (required for some applicants): International applicants must score at least 50.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete 30 hours of volunteer or paid medical experience, or 30 hours shadowing a PA. Submit documentation signed by the preceptor on organizational letterhead or Gannon's hours template through CASPA.
Supplementary application
Submit official transcripts, a curriculum vitae and recommendation forms from three evaluators. Document the required medical experience or PA shadowing in CASPA.
How applicants are ranked
Ruskin applications are reviewed upon receipt. Gannon prefers high GPAs and requires a personal interview; it does not publish a numerical interview or offer-ranking formula.
Interview Format at Gannon University
A personal interview is required; Gannon does not specify its format or dates.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at Gannon University Physician Assistant
- Program length
- Two years; six consecutive fall, spring and summer semesters
- Structure
A 91-credit post-baccalaureate MPAS with didactic study followed by predominantly clinical training.
- Campuses
- Ruskin, Florida
Didactic courses are in person at Ruskin except two hybrid pharmacotherapeutics courses. Clinical rotations span multiple specialties; placements are primarily in Florida and may require travel.
Campus and facilities
The program is based at Gannon's Ruskin, Florida campus, with clinical placements primarily in Florida.
Tuition and Funding at Gannon University
- 2026-2027 full-time tuition per semester: $22,910
- Estimated six-semester program cost, including listed expenses: $174,320-$188,720
The program-cost range includes estimated expenses and varies with housing, transportation and clinical placements.
Gannon University's Mission and Values
Gannon's Ruskin PA program aims to prepare capable, professional graduates for patient care through academic and clinical education.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe a culture centered on competency-based clinical preparation, where required clearances and annual education precede rotations. Applicants leveraging preparation steps report stronger holistic profiles.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your Gannon University Physician Assistant Application
- Check Ruskin's course, lab and GPA requirements before applying.
- Document 30 hours of qualifying medical experience or PA shadowing using Gannon's accepted verification.
- Arrange three evaluators, official transcripts and a CV for CASPA.
- Select Gannon Ruskin in Acuity Insights to confirm Casper booking details.
- Prepare for the required personal interview.
More About Gannon University Physician Assistant
- U.S. News ranking
Top-ranked by U.S. News
- Accreditation
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions About Gannon University Physician Assistant
Does Gannon's PA program require Casper?
Yes, the Ruskin PA program requires Casper. Select the current United States Casper 2 test and confirm Gannon's booking details in Acuity Insights.
What GPA does Ruskin require?
At least 3.0 overall, 3.0 in science courses and 3.0 in prerequisites.
Is there an admissions interview?
Yes. Ruskin requires a personal interview but does not publish its format or dates.
What does Ruskin cost?
Published full-time tuition is $22,910 per semester; estimated six-semester program cost, including listed expenses, is $174,320-$188,720.
Can international students apply?
Gannon lists TOEFL and TSE score requirements for international Ruskin applicants.
What experience is required?
Document 30 hours of volunteer or paid medical experience, or 30 hours shadowing a PA.
How competitive is Gannon's Ruskin PA program?
Gannon prefers high GPAs but does not publish Ruskin acceptance figures. Its published class average GPA is 3.74.
How long is the Ruskin curriculum?
The post-baccalaureate MPAS comprises 91 credits across six fall, spring and summer semesters.
Sources
- Gannon Ruskin Physician Assistant
- Gannon Ruskin Admission Requirements
- Gannon Ruskin Curriculum
- Gannon Ruskin Tuition
- Gannon Ruskin Program Goals
- Acuity Insights Casper Test Types
- CASPA Application Cycle Dates
- CASPA Fees and Fee Waivers
- Gannon Ruskin Clinical Requirements
Last updated: September 26, 2026