PA Direct Entry

Bottles on a table

High-achieving high school seniors admitted to Trine University can apply for direct entry into the Master's of Physician Assistant Studies. Choose a major in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or chemistry and select either:

  • 3+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in three years, followed by the three-year MPA program.
  • 4+3 Path: Complete your undergraduate degree in four years, followed by the three-year MPA program.

This highly selective program has limited seats (20).

Deadlines for Application Review: November 1, December 1, February 1 (until filled) 

Fast-Track Your Future with Our 3+3 Program

  • Accelerate Your Education: Complete your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just six years, saving time and tuition.
  • Attract Success: Designed for ambitious students ready to fast-track their careers.
  • Cohort Collaboration: Progress with a dedicated group of peers, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Save on Tuition: Spend less on overall tuition with a shorter educational timeline, easing financial stress.
  • Strategic Enrollment: Smooth transitions from undergraduate to graduate studies ensure consistent academic progression.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Engage in interdisciplinary studies that broaden your perspectives and innovation potential.
  • Meet Professional Demand: Quickly enter the workforce as a highly skilled professional, ready to meet industry needs.

Embrace a pathway designed for efficiency and success—join our 3+3 Program today!

Direct Entry Admission Process

  1. Apply and Get Admitted:
  2. Meet Eligibility Requirements:
    • Minimum 3.50 GPA (4.0 scale) on high school transcript.
      • Minimum ACT Composite of 25 or SAT (R+M) 1210.
        • Contact admissions to ask about test optional eligibility
    • Meet the Technical Standards
  3. MPAS Direct Entry Application:
    • After admission to Trine, a MPAS Direct Entry Application will be sent to you via email
    • Submit a brief essay describing how your extracurricular activities or work experiences have prepared you for a career as a physicians assistant.
  4. Interview:
    • Participate in an interview with a Trine University direct entry admission representative.
  5. Acceptance and Enrollment:
    • Receive a formal MPAS direct entry acceptance letter and a Letter of Intent.
    • Secure your seat by submitting your enrollment fee and the signed Letter of Intent.
    • Your seat is guaranteed only after the deposit and signed letter are received.
    • Note:  If all 20 seats are filled before your submission, you will be put on a wait list and are not guaranteed a seat
  6. Program Maintenance and Matriculation

Once enrolled in the MPAS direct entry program, to maintain eligibility during the undergraduate years, the following criteria must be met:

    • Maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA in all undergraduate coursework.
    • 1 prerequisite course repeat maximum
    • 3.3 hard science pre-requisite GPA
      • BIO 114 Principles of Biology I, BIO 124 Principles of Biology II, BIO 384 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 394 Anatomy & Physiology II, BIO 434 Biochemistry I, CH 204 Organic Chemistry 1
    • Advanced Placement (AP) credits with a transcript-documented grade of 4 or 5 may be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements.

Matriculation to the MPAS program requirements:

    • Complete a CASPA application
    • Must meet all other applicable admissions standards
    • Conferral of undergraduate degree is contingent on completion of the first year of the MPA program.
    • Undergraduate Direct Entry students are required to obtain a minimum of two hundred (200) hours of health care experience including, but not limited to, health care experience or patient contact *Students in the Direct Admit degree program are not eligible for institutional scholarships during their graduate student years.
  • 3+3 Path: No scholarships in years four, five, and six.
  • 4+3 Path: No scholarships in years five, six, and seven.

Students are encouraged to explore alternative funding options for these final years of graduate school.  Federal financial aid is available and outside scholarships are also an option.