Program Overview
With a robust healthcare ecosystem and growing medical education contingency, there is no better place to reach your potential as a physician assistant than in Nashville, the healthcare industry capital of the U.S. Let us help you prepare for your future career as a PA through excellence in education, meaningful engagement, and the empowerment of students. With small class sizes, veteran faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, the School of Physician Assistant Studies offers a top-tier education aimed at impacting healthcare, one student at a time.
At Lipscomb University, Christian faith is foundational, infused in both the curriculum and the campus community. Our PA program will serve your spiritual and vocational goals, as you train to serve others.
On your way to becoming a PA, our dedicated faculty and staff will mentor and guide you through every step of the process, remaining invested in your success. Once you graduate, you will become peers and colleagues in one of the fastest-growing and most rewarding health professions in the United States.
Your journey starts now… at the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies.
Core Competencies for Graduates
Competencies, which are summative in nature, encapsulate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for entry into clinical Physician Assistant practice. As such, the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies has defined the core competencies expected of its graduates. Not only do the competencies culminate the program’s expectations of the student, but they also serve as a framework to underpin the curriculum and establish a robust foundation on which graduates can build a future career.
Medical Knowledge (MK)
Medical knowledge must be focused on core evidence-based knowledge for practice. Physician assistants must demonstrate the acquisition of established knowledge in scientific, biomedical, and clinical sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care in clinical practice. Moreover, the graduate PAs should incorporate epidemiological and social/behavioral approaches to various patients and populations, while demonstrating the propensity for life-long learning and critical appraisal of evolving medical knowledge. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of scientific principles and application to patient care.
-
Demonstrate biomedical knowledge regarding the recognition, treatment, and prevention of disease.
-
Demonstrate knowledge and application of clinical sciences to patient care.
-
Apply evidence-based and epidemiological approaches to patient care for patients and populations.
-
Apply principles of social-behavioral sciences by assessing the impact of psychosocial and cultural influences on health, disease, care-seeking, and compliance.
Interpersonal Skills (IS)
In healthcare, physician assistants must demonstrate the necessary interpersonal skills to allow for effective interaction with patients, families, collaborating physicians, and other health professionals. As such, these skills are considered an inherent component of healthcare delivery, allowing for effective communication and the exchange of information. Interpersonal skills, influenced by a Christian worldview, will foster altruism and service to fulfill the calling of a physician assistant. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Create and maintain a therapeutic relationship with patients, family members, and caregivers while demonstrating sensitivity and responsiveness to a diverse patient population, including but not limited to diversity in gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation.
-
Create a collegial partnership with other members of the healthcare team in order to provide patient-centered care.
-
Adapt communication skills to the context of the interaction to allow for the effective exchange of information.
Clinical & Technical Skills (CTS)
Patient-centered care requires patient- and setting-specific clinical and technical skills to assess, evaluate, and manage patients presenting with a wide range of diseases. Similarly, these skills are also required for the promotion of health in patients and populations. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Obtain essential and accurate histories and perform an appropriate physical exam for ages across the lifespan, regardless of presentation.
-
Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies.
-
Develop a differential diagnosis and select the most appropriate working diagnosis.
-
Perform medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures considered essential for entry-level PA practice.
-
Develop and implement therapeutic plans and interventions.
-
Provide counseling that is culturally sensitive and relevant to the context of the encounter.
-
Accurately and adequately provide comprehensive documentation regarding care for medical, legal, quality, and financial purposes in a timely manner.
-
Provide concise oral case presentations appropriate for the audience and context of the presentation.
Clinical Reasoning & Problem-Solving Skills (CRPS)
The practice of patient-centered healthcare requires the persistent use of sound clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills to analyze information and synthesize treatment plans. Additionally, said skills must be developed and maintained in order to triage and provide appropriate care. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an investigative and analytical approach to clinical situations.
-
Recognize normal and abnormal health states in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
-
Discern between acute, chronic, and emergent disease states.
-
Prioritize therapeutic actions and clinical care decisions based on available data.
Professional Behaviors (PB)
Physician Assistants must demonstrate strict adherence to professional responsibilities, remaining accountable to our colleagues and the public, in addition to the patients and populations we serve. Physician assistants must demonstrate a high level of trust, ethical practice, and commitment to the standards of the profession. Upon graduation, the PA student will be able to:
-
Appraise the physician assistant's role in healthcare delivery within the contexts of the physician/PA relationship and the interprofessional team.
-
Differentiate the functions of the various members of the interprofessional health care team to promote a climate of mutual respect and trust.
-
Demonstrate self-awareness in recognition of personal/professional limitations.
-
Maintain loyalty to ethical principles of practice.
-
Adhere to standards of care, and to relevant laws, policies, and regulations that govern the delivery of care.
-
Engage in systems-based practice through coordination of care, while maintaining cost awareness, risk/benefit analysis, and advocacy efforts.
-
Use critical analysis of practice patterns to learn and improve patient care and outcomes, while identifying ways to improve efficiency and reduce medical error.
Accreditation Information
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies Program sponsored by Lipscomb University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2033. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-lipscomb-university/.
Mission, Vision, and Goals
Mission
To be the spark that ignites Christ-centered medical practice through excellence in education, meaningful engagement, and empowerment of students.
Vision
To be a top-tier program, impacting healthcare one student at a time.
Goals
1. To achieve on-time graduation rates on par with the national average.
Metrics:
- On-time graduation rate
Benchmarks:
- On-time graduation rate at or above the mean on-time graduation rate published in PAEA’s annual Program Report. Program Report 35 reports a mean on-time graduation rate of 93.6%.
Success:
- Class of 2020: 94.3% (33 of 35 students) graduated on time.
- Class of 2021: 93% (40 of 43 students) graduated on time.
- Class of 2022: 94% (47 of 50 students) graduated on time.
2. To prepare students to practice evidence-based medicine and participate in scholarly activities.
Metrics:
Cohort pass rate in the following courses:
- PA 5042 - Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Medicine
- PA 6001 - Professional Practicum
Benchmarks:
- 100% pass rate in PA 5042 - Biostatistics & Evidence-Based Medicine
- 100% pass rate in PA 6001 - Professional Practicum
Success:
PA 5042 - Biostatistics & Evidence-Based Medicine
- Class of 2020 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2021 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2022 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2023 - 100% pass rate
PA 6001 - Professional Practicum
- Class of 2020 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2021 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2022 - 100% pass rate
- Class of 2023 - 100% pass rate
3. To prepare graduates to practice in a variety of health care settings, including medically underserved areas or populations.
Metrics:
- Percentage of students completing a supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE) in a Health Professional Shortage Area as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the government of the United States of America.
Benchmarks:
- 75% of students will complete a supervised clinical practice experience in a Health Professional Shortage Area.
Success:
- Class of 2020 - 100% of students
- Class of 2021 - 100% of students
- Class of 2022 - 100% of students
4. To achieve a first-time PANCE pass rate at or above the national average
Metrics:
- First-time PANCE pass rate
Benchmarks:
- First-time PANCE pass rate as published annually.
Success:
- Class of 2020: 100% (95% national first-time pass rate)
- Class of 2021: 95% (93% national first-time pass rate)
- Class of 2022: 98% (92% national first-time pass rate)
NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report
Per ARC-PA accreditation Standards, the most current annual NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report for the last five (5) years will be updated no later than April 1 of each year.
Student Attrition
Per ARC-PA accreditation Standards, the most current annual student attrition information will be updated no later than April 1 of each year.
Policies
The School of Physician Assistant Studies endeavors to define, publish, make readily available, and consistently apply policies and procedures applicable to the program. As such, the program has published the following index of selected policies in accordance with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards which are indexed below.
For Prospective Students
A3.03: Student Solicitation of Clinical Sites or Preceptors Policy
No student will be required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The program will coordinate clinical sites and preceptors for all program-required rotations. Coordinating supervised clinical practice experiences will include identifying, contacting, and evaluating sites and preceptors for educational suitability as a required or elective rotation experience.
A3.12a: ARC-PA Accreditation Status
Please refer to the Program Overview → Accreditation Information section of this website.
A3.12b: Evidence in Effectiveness in Meeting Goals
Please refer to the Program Overview → Mission, Vision, & Goals section of this website.
A3.12c: Current Annual PANCE Report Provided by NCCPA
Please refer to the Program Overview → NCCPA PANCE Pass Rate Summary Report section of this website.
A3.12d: Required Curricular Components
Please refer to the Courses section of this website.
A3.12e: Academic Credit Offered by Program
Please refer to the Program Overview section of this website.
A3.12f: Estimates of Cost (Tuition/Fees)
Please refer to the Tuition & Aid section of this website.
A3.12g: Program Required Competencies
Please refer to the Program Overview → Core Competencies for New Graduates section of this website.
A3.12h: Services Related to a Distant Campus
The School of Physician Assistant Studies does not have a distant campus associated with the program.
A3.12i: Student Attrition Information
Please refer to the Program Overview → Student Attrition section of this website.
A3.13a: Admission Practices Favoring Individuals or Groups
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements → Holistic Application Review section of this website.
A3.13b: Admissions Requirements (Education/Experience)
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements → Patient Care Experience & Shadowing and Prerequisite Info sections of this website.
A3.13c: Practices for Advanced Placement
Advanced placement is defined as a waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for applicants to the program and/or a waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for currently enrolled students in the program which results in the student advancing in the curriculum without completing required curriculum components at the sponsoring institution.
The School of Physician Assistant Studies does not offer advanced placement for applicants to the program or currently enrolled students in the program.
A3.13d: Admissions Requirements (Academic Standards)
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements → Prerequisite Info section of this website.
A3.13e: Technical Standards
Please refer to the Admissions Requirements → Technical Standards section of this website.
For Enrolled Students
Policies for enrolled students are published and indexed in the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies Student Handbook.
Simulation Education
Take a virtual tour. The Simulation Laboratory is providing students an excellent bridge between classroom learning and real-life clinical experience.
Preceptor Information
The School of Physician Assistant Studies is always interested in recruiting skilled and experienced providers to educate our students during the clinical portion of the program’s curriculum. Precepting PA students is an enriching experience for providers and students alike.
Do you remember the provider that inspired you?
Be a Light! Become a Lipscomb Preceptor and impact healthcare one student at a time.
Preceptor Application
Application Process for Preceptors
- Click on the preceptor application link below.
- Enter the passcode: BISONPAPRECEPTOR
- Complete Parts 1 and 2 of the application. (Note: Immediately after completing Part 1, another page will load with a link for Part 2). Both parts are required to complete the application.
- Upload your current CV when prompted.
- Complete and submit a W9, which is available for download in the system.
For questions regarding the preceptor application process, please contact our beturkett [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Preceptor%20Application%20Questions) (Director of Clinical Education) or our vhindman [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Preceptor%20Application%20Questions) (Clinical Administrative Assistant).
Preceptor Orientation
Welcome to the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies, where we are committed to delivering high-quality education and training to our future healthcare professionals. In our ongoing pursuit of excellence, we understand the vital role that preceptors play in shaping the clinical experiences of our students. To facilitate a seamless and effective partnership between our program and our dedicated preceptors, we are proud to offer a comprehensive orientation program.
Our preceptor orientation resources are designed to equip you with the tools and information you need to mentor our PA students successfully. We understand your time is valuable, and we want to ensure you have all the essential information at your fingertips. To this end, we provide two essential resources: a preceptor orientation video and a preceptor handbook. These resources have been thoughtfully crafted to familiarize you with our program's expectations, processes, and support systems, allowing you to engage with our students with confidence and professionalism.
We appreciate your commitment to helping our PA students learn and grow in their clinical journey. By offering these orientation resources, we aim to create a rewarding and productive partnership between our program and our preceptors, ultimately contributing to the success of our students and the healthcare community. Thank you for being a part of our educational mission.
Preceptor Orientation Video
Our Preceptor Orientation Video is an invaluable resource designed to acquaint preceptors with the specific learning outcomes expected of our students during their supervised clinical practice experiences (SCPE). In this video, we will delve into the fundamental learning outcomes and expectations we have for our students, ensuring that you are well-prepared to guide them toward success. By the end of the end of the video, you will have a clear picture of what our students should achieve during their time under your guidance. We believe that by empowering our preceptors with this knowledge, we can enhance the quality of the clinical experience for our students, ultimately contributing to their growth and development as competent healthcare professionals.
Preceptor Orientation Handbook
As a preceptor, you play a pivotal role in shaping the education and development of our future healthcare professionals. This handbook has been carefully written to provide you with the information, resources, and insights necessary to excel in your role.
Within these pages, you will find a wealth of information on our program's objectives, expectations, and the support systems in place to assist you. It serves as a reference and resource hub to help you navigate the intricacies of your role, from understanding our curriculum to effectively mentoring and evaluating our students.
We value your commitment to the education and growth of our learners, and this handbook is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make your preceptorship a fulfilling and successful experience.
Preceptor Resources
Our collection of selected preceptor resources is carefully curated to facilitate the seamless integration of PA students into your clinical practice. As a preceptor, your role is instrumental in the development of future healthcare professionals, and these resources are designed to empower you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to foster a rich learning environment.
In this compilation of "one-pagers," you'll find a wealth of resources that are geared towards enhancing the preceptorship experience, ensuring a positive, educational, and productive journey for both you and our students.
Introducing/Orienting a PA Student to your Practice
Additional Information
If you would like a member of the clinical placement team to contact you with more information about our preceptor opportunities, please complete the brief form below, and someone will reach out to you soon.
Admissions Requirements
Requirements Overview
COVID-19 - Temporary Admissions Changes
COVID-19 Statement and Admissions
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the following changes were applied to any science coursework and corresponding labs taken during 2020 and 2021 according to the specific criteria listed below.
- We will accept online credit for science coursework with corresponding labs ONLY if the transition to an online platform was due to COVID-19 and assuming all other prerequisite criteria are met. Please answer the custom questions in CASPA to indicate any courses this may have affected.
- Any science lecture or laboratory prerequisite coursework taken online before the impact of COVID-19 will not be accepted.
- The admissions committee may require official documentation from your institution.
Feel free to reach out with any further questions via email to aven.humphreys [at] lipscomb.edu.
Technical Standards
Professional healthcare providers are challenged in environments that demand certain abilities, behaviors, and skills. The Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies has identified certain professional behaviors, abilities, and skills that are essential for students to be able to succeed within the program and provide excellent care to patients. In order for a student to be eligible to enroll in the program, he or she must be able to perform these skills and behaviors successfully either unassisted, with dependable use of reasonable assistive devices, or by employing another reasonable accommodation. The following descriptions define the capabilities expected from an individual in order to successfully complete the Lipscomb University Physician Assistant Program.
Minimum Performance
The PA student must possess the skills related to critical thinking, communication, gross motor dexterity, fine motor coordination, interpersonal skills, observational abilities, and social skills in an individual, group, classroom, laboratory, or other educational settings. All students must be able to effectively perform and function in settings that are solitary, small group, large group, social environment, public space, or large classroom settings without disruption to other students, patients, faculty, or staff. All students must be able to function and remain calm within stressful situations. All students must be able to attend classes and laboratory sessions and be present for examination and testing. All students must be able to perform overnight call when required on supervised clinical rotations.
Communication Skills
The PA student must be able to effectively hear, understand, speak, and observe patients in order to elicit history and other necessary information from patients, students, faculty, and staff. The student must be able to perceive nonverbal communication and cues, describe patient mood or changes, describe posture and appearance, and interpret and describe patient activity and behavior. The PA student must be able to communicate in verbal, written, typed, and electronic formats in a manner that is effective, efficient, and sensitive, and in the English language. The PA student must be able to receive and give communication effectively with others in a professional manner. The PA student must be able to interact, communicate, and understand other students, clinicians, faculty, patients, and their families in order to respond appropriately and in a timely fashion.
Intellectual Capabilities
The PA student must possess and demonstrate the physical, emotional, intellectual, compassionate, and ethical capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum at a normal pace with on-time completion. The student must be able to learn, retain, and recall information and make reasoned decisions in a timely fashion. The student must be able to achieve a competent level of critical thinking and reasoning required to function in an entry-level PA position. In order to achieve this level, the student must be able to perform in areas of reasoning, measurement, analysis, interpretation, synthesis, calculation, and deduction. These skills must be evident in dealing with other students, faculty, staff, patients, patient families, and other health care professionals. Critical thinking and problem solving, while in stressful situations, are necessary to complete the program.
Interpersonal Abilities and Social Interactions
The PA student must be able to establish and maintain appropriate relationships in a professional manner with other students, faculty, staff, health care professionals, patients, and patient families. This encompasses possessing the maturity and emotional health necessary to function within the health care and educational environments while achieving full utilization of his or her abilities, intellectual function, sound judgment, sensory input, critical thinking, and promptness. The student must be able to demonstrate compassion, empathy, responsibility, and tolerance towards patients, families, faculty, staff, other students, and colleagues. This includes the ability to remain calm and function at this level within stressful situations and with competing demands for the student's time and energies.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills and Strength
The interaction with patients and the demands of the health care and educational environments while in training and practice require strength, coordination, and endurance. The PA student must have sufficient fine and gross motor coordination to function within the patient care and educational environments that may include clutter, equipment, tables, family members, stairs, textbooks, supplies, and distractions. This includes the ability to ambulate, stand for extended periods of time, concentrate, balance, interact, assist in movement, use medical instruments, use electronic devices, position patients, and lift heavy objects. In general, a PA student should be able to safely lift 50+ pounds without any assistance or injury. Interaction within the environment may include classrooms, treatment rooms, laboratory spaces, patient rooms, waiting rooms, operating rooms, public spaces, stairwells, outdoors, and any other space generally necessary to interact with and treat patients or interact in the educational environment. This interaction may require standing or sitting for extended periods of time without disruption or change in position. This interaction may require altering lighting, including bright or fluorescent lights or low light conditions. All students must be able to travel to clinical rotation sites.
Observational Skills
The PA student must be able to observe a patient or simulated patient accurately from varying distances. This includes adequate vision. The PA student must possess the visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory sensations sufficient enough to receive the sensory input in the classroom, clinical, laboratory, or educational setting. These skills include the ability to inspect, palpate, percuss, and auscultate accurately during the physical examination.
Patient Care Experience & Shadowing
Patient Care Experience
Lipscomb requires all applicants to have patient care experience. However, we do not require a specific number of hours to be considered for an interview. Patient care experience is defined as those experiences in which you are directly responsible for a patient's care. Examples of these skills include but are not limited to: checking vital signs, bathing/grooming patients, feeding patients, performing phlebotomy, and assisting with medical procedures. Patient care hours may be paid or volunteer. It is extremely important to provide a detailed description of your experiences on your CASPA application to assure that you are given appropriate credit. Examples of typical patient care roles may include but are not limited to nurse, certified nursing assistant, medical assistant, patient care technician, athletic trainer, physical therapist assistant, paramedic, emergency medical technician, emergency room technician, home health aide, and phlebotomist.
Healthcare Experience
Healthcare experience is defined as experience in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction. Examples of these tasks include but are not limited to: general hospital volunteering, patient transport, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patient rooms, record-keeping, and scribing. Healthcare experience care hours may be paid or volunteer. It is extremely important to provide a detailed description of your experiences on your CASPA application to assure that you are given appropriate credit. Examples of healthcare roles may include but are not limited to: patient transporter, pharmacy technician, laboratory technician, hospital volunteer, medical receptionist, hospital unit secretary, patient registration specialist, and medical scribe.
PA Shadowing
Lipscomb requires all applicants to have PA shadowing experience. We do not, however, require a specific number of hours to be considered for an interview. We prefer that you seek quality interactions with a practicing PA rather than just accumulating higher quantity hours.
Prerequisite Info
Academic Requirements
- A CASPA calculated cumulative GPA of 3.0 AND a CASPA calculated overall science GPA of 3.2 at the time of application submission. The program does not replace grades or recalculate GPAs based on coursework completed after application submission.
- Must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or the international equivalent verified by WES, or anticipate earning a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into the physician assistant program.
- Must have earned a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses.
-
The prerequisite classes must be obtained from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
- No Advanced Placement credit or CLEP credit may be mapped to any prerequisites.
- No introductory or survey-level science courses may be mapped to the science prerequisites.
- All prerequisites must have been successfully completed within 10 calendar years of the planned year of matriculation into PA school. For example, an applicant expecting to matriculate in the Fall of 2024 must have taken all prerequisites no EARLIER than 2014.
- The only online prerequisite courses considered for acceptance are the psychology and statistics courses unless a course meets the COVID exception policy.
-
In-person science coursework and labs are required.
Prerequisites
Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II – 8 credits minimum.*
Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement. In-person lectures and labs are required. Coursework must be 200 or 2000 course level or higher.
Each 4-credit section must have an accompanying lab.
*A 4-credit Human Anatomy course with lab and a 4-credit Human Physiology course with lab could also fulfill this prerequisite.
Biology for science majors – 8 credits minimum.
In-person lectures and labs are required. The list below is representative of courses fulfilling the biology prerequisites. This is not an exhaustive list. Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement.
Principles of Biology I and II with labs
Cell Biology with lab
Immunology
Virology
Genetics
Molecular Biology with lab
Microbiology – 3 credits minimum.
In-person lecture and associated lab (if available) is required.
Chemistry for science majors – 8 credits minimum.
Introduction and survey-type courses will not satisfy this requirement. In-person lectures and labs are required.
General Chemistry I and II
Or
Organic Chemistry I and II
Psychology – 3 credits minimum.
Online coursework accepted.
Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Introduction to Psychology could satisfy this requirement.
Statistics – 3 credits minimum.
Online coursework accepted. No Calculus or other math coursework fulfills this requirement.
General Statistics or Biostatistics could satisfy this requirement.
Course Expiration Policy
All prerequisites must have been successfully completed within 10 calendar years of the planned year of matriculation into PA school. For example, an applicant expecting to matriculate in the Fall of 2024 must have taken all prerequisites no EARLIER than 2014.
Holistic Applicant Review
The Admissions Committee takes a broad range of factors into consideration as we select candidates, including:
- Capacity for academic success*
- Patient care experience*
- Superior interpersonal skills
- An understanding of the PA profession with PA shadowing experience*
- Letters of recommendation (3 required) with additional weight given for those from a healthcare provider (PA, NP, MD, DO)*
- Written expression of personal thought and technical proficiency of writing
*Applicants who exceed the minimum requirements for certain admission criteria will receive incremental weighting during the applicant review process.
The Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies endeavors to recruit and retain a diverse community of physician assistant students whose qualifications align with the programmatic mission and goals. As such, the program has admissions and enrollment practices that advantage specific individuals or groups. Applicants demonstrating any of the following attributes will be advantaged within various sections of the admission's rubric:
- Applicants who have healthcare experience hours
- Applicants who are licensed healthcare professionals
- Applicants who have medical scribing experience
- Applicants who are multilingual (advanced or fluent)
- Applicants with socioeconomic indicators
- Applicants who have military service with honorable discharge
- Applicants with teaching experience
- Applicants with extracurricular activities
- Applicants who have evidence of service (volunteer/community service)
- Lipscomb degree-seeking students, alumni, and those with strong connections to the university
International Students
International Students
Applicants that are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents may apply to the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies.
Graduates of foreign institutions must have a degree equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree as verified by World Education Services (WES). Contact information for WES can be found at www.wes.org. Transcripts must be provided in the original language and with an English translation. In addition, all prerequisite classes must be completed from a regionally accredited post-secondary U.S. institution. The Physician Assistant Program requires a course-by-course evaluation including verification of lab components of the courses with the CASPA application. Applications will not be considered for admission until the WES report is received.
English as a Second Language
Applicants who speak English as a second language must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), when applying to the program. For more information, visit www.toefl.org. Minimum TOEFL scores are 213 for the computer exam and 550 for the paper exam. The equivalent TOEFL iBT score is 80. Lipscomb’s TOEFL code is 1161.
Admission Process
Overview & Important Dates
Our program uses a rolling admissions process and strongly encourages applicants to apply as early as possible for the Fall 2024 cohort. The 2023-2024 CASPA cycle opens on April 27, 2023, and closes at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on December 1, 2023. All applications must be verified by CASPA and received by the program prior to the December 1, 2023 closure deadline to be considered. Applications that remain unverified by CASPA and not yet received by our program after midnight will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lipscomb participate in the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)?
Yes, Lipscomb participates in CASPA. All applications and materials must be submitted through CASPA.
Does Lipscomb require a supplemental application?
No.
Do I have to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), PA-CAT, or any other entrance exam?
No, Lipscomb does not require any type of entrance exam.
Does Lipscomb accept advanced placement or CLEP for prerequisites?
No.
Does the PA program accept Dual Credit for prerequisites?
Yes, as long as the dual credit course meets the minimum grade requirement, credit requirements verifiable by official transcripts, and all other prerequisite criteria.
Does Lipscomb have a pathway program?
No.
Does Lipscomb University advantage specified individuals or groups?
Yes. See our Holistic Applicant Review section of the website for further information.
Can I work while in PA school?
Lipscomb strongly discourages employment during PA school due to the significant time commitment required of students.
Where can I find physician assistant shadowing opportunities?
You can visit Physician Assistant Shadow Online. Lipscomb cannot make recommendations on specific shadowing opportunities for applicants.
Does the Lipscomb PA program do open house sessions on campus?
Yes, we host open house information sessions throughout the year that include on campus presentations and tours. The dates for these sessions are listed on our home page. Please register here if you would like to attend one of the sessions. At this time we do not offer any virtual Open House options.
I meet the minimum requirements. Does that mean I am guaranteed an interview?
No. Lipscomb does not guarantee an interview based on any academic or other standards. All interviews are granted based on a holistic admissions approach.
How many cohorts are admitted per year?
One cohort is admitted per year.
When does the program begin?
The program begins in the Fall.
How many seats are available per cohort?
There are a maximum of 50 seats in the cohort.
What is the duration of the program?
This program is seven consecutive semesters that are completed in 28 months. It includes 4 semesters of didactic education and 3 semesters of clinical education.
Does Lipscomb offer graduate housing?
No, there is no graduate housing on or off campus.
Do you have a part-time or online option for your PA program?
No. All students must participate on campus on a full-time basis.
Can any of the prerequisites be completed online or in a hybrid course?
The only online or hybrid prerequisite courses considered for acceptance are psychology and statistics. See our COVID policy for exceptions.
How many letters of recommendation are required?
Three.
Do all of my recommendation letters on CASPA need to be written by physician assistants?
No. However, applicants with letters of recommendation written by a healthcare provider (MD, DO, PA, NP) will be given incremental weighting in the application review process.
Do you accept transfer students from another PA program?
No.
Can I apply if I have outstanding prerequisite courses?
Yes. However, no more than 2 prerequisite courses can be in progress or pending completion at the time of application submission.
How do you define patient care experience hours?
Please see the Patient Care Experience & Shadowing area of our Admissions Requirements page.
Successful Applicant Profile
Average profile of accepted students for a Fall 2023 entry:
- Overall Science GPA: 3.73
- Cumulative GPA: 3.74
- PA Shadowing Hours: 68
- Patient Care Experience Hours: 2,282
- Healthcare Related Experience Hours: 1,322
- Volunteer Hours: 1,031
1100 verified applications for 50 seats
Courses
Our courses are the result of extensive research, evidence-based insights, and expert input, ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date and relevant content available. As you navigate through our curriculum, you will find a diverse array of subjects and topics, all sequenced and aimed at providing you with a solid foundation and advancing your knowledge for entry into clinical practice as a physician assistant.
At the Lipscomb University School of Physician Assistant Studies, we are committed to your success, and our curriculum reflects that dedication. So, take a moment to explore our required curricular components that will undoubtedly resonate with your goals and aspirations.
Semester I
- PA 5012 - Introduction to PA Practice and Health Care (2)
- PA 5022 - Ethics in Health Care (2)
- PA 5033 - Medical Communications (3)
- PA 5042 - Biostatistics and Evidence-Based Medicine (2)
- PA 5065 - Human Anatomy (5)
- PA 5104 - Physiology & Pathophysiology I (4)
Semester Credit Hours: 18
Semester II
- PA 5204 - Physiology & Pathophysiology II (4)
- PA 5156 - Clinical Medicine I (6)
- PA 5114 - Pharmacology & Medical Therapeutics I (4)
- PA 5262 - Clinical Assessment I (2)
- PA 5272 - Laboratory and Diagnostic Methods I (2)
- PA 5502 - Introduction to Behavioral and Mental Health (2)
Semester Credit Hours: 20
Semester III
- PA 5303 - Physiology & Pathophysiology III (3)
- PA 5256 - Clinical Medicine II (6)
- PA 5214 - Pharmacology & Medical Therapeutics II (4)
- PA 5362 - Clinical Assessment II (2)
- PA 5281 - Laboratory and Diagnostic Methods II (1)
Semester Credit Hours: 16
Semester IV
- PA 5356 - Clinical Medicine III (6)
- PA 5513 - Introduction to Surgery (3)
- PA 5533 - Introduction to Pediatrics (3)
- PA 5523 - Introduction to Women's Health (3)
- PA 5233 - Advanced Clinical Skills (3)
- PA 5543 - Introduction to Emergency Medicine (3)
Semester Credit Hours: 21
Semester V/VI/VII
- PA 6001 - Professional Practicum (1)
- PA 6016 - Pediatrics (6)
- PA 6026 - Behavioral and Mental Health (6)
- PA 6036 - Women's Health (6)
- PA 6046 - Emergency Medicine (6)
- PA 6056 - Surgery (6)
- PA 6066 - Internal Medicine (6)
- PA 6076 - Family Medicine (6)
- PA 6A16 - Clinical Elective I (6)
Semester Credit Hours:49
Tuition & Aid
Tuition and Fees for 2023-24
Tuition | Fees | Total | |
---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 | $15,250 | $2,723 | $17,973 |
Semester 2 | $15,250 | $1,933 | $17,183 |
Semester 3 | $15,250 | $1,933 | $17,183 |
Semester 4 | $15,250 | $2,128 | $17,378 |
Semester 5 | $15,250 | $1,111 | $16,361 |
Semester 6 | $15,250 | $1,111 | $16,361 |
Semester 7 | $15,250 | $1,311 | $16,561 |
Tuition and Fees Total | $119,000 | ||
Estimated Medical Equipment Expense | $700 | ||
Total Cost1 | $119,700 |
1 All amounts shown are estimates and subject to change.
Financial Aid
Applying for Aid
Once your FAFSA has been reviewed and processed by the Office of Financial Aid at Lipscomb University, you may then accept the aid you are being offered.
- Head over to myLipscomb.
- Select All Apps.
- Select CNS Student Portal.
- Select My Financial Aid.
- Select My Award.
- Select View Award (most relevant award year*).
- Scroll down and select View Loan Offer.
- The amount displayed is the MAX amount available. You may edit the award amount to a lower amount if desired.
- Select the Box to the Right and check after any edits.
- Scroll down and select Accept/Reject Loan.
If done correctly you can view your award letter once again and a green “A” will be showing next to your accepted loan. If rejected, the loan will no longer show in the letter.
For any adjustments after accepting the loans, you may contact FinancialAid [at] lipscomb.edu to request the Grad Loan Adjustment Form.
Financial Aid: Physician Assistant
For financial aid purposes, you are considered a professional student once you are accepted into the School of Physician Assistant Studies. This means that you will file as an independent student on your FAFSA, even if you are claimed as a dependent on your parent's income taxes. You will not use any of your parents' information when you file your FAFSA.
Completing the FAFSA
- We recommend that the FAFSA be filed by April 1. If you do not have your tax return completed by then, go ahead and file the FAFSA. You can always amend your FAFSA once your return is complete.
- Complete your FAFSA by going to fafsa.gov and electronically submitting it.
- Be sure to have your tax information from the most recent tax year and your driver's license.
- If you have filed a FAFSA before, you will need your FSA ID.
- If you have not filed a FAFSA before, visit FAFSA.gov to request an ID.
- Lipscomb University's school code is 003486 (to be used in step six on the FAFSA).
Frequently Asked Questions for FAFSA:
Please be sure to answer the following questions on the FAFSA as shown.
How to answer FAFSA Question 29:
What will your college grade level be when you begin the 20XX-20XX school year?
- Incoming students select: 1st-year college graduate/professional (MBA,MD,PhD,etc.)
- Existing students select: Continuing graduate/professional or beyond (MBA, MD, PhD, etc.)
How to answer FAFSA Question 30:
What college degree or certificate will you be working on when you begin the 20XX-20XX school year?
- All students select: College graduate/professional (MBA, MD, PhD, etc.)
How to answer FAFSA Question 47:
At the beginning of the 20XX - 20XX school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc.)?
- All students select: Yes
Accepting Aid
Once your FAFSA has been reviewed and processed by the Office of Financial Aid at Lipscomb University, you may then accept the aid you are being offered.
- Head over to myLipscomb.
- Select All Apps.
- Select CNS Student Portal.
- Select My Financial Aid.
- Select My Award.
- Select View Award (most relevant award year*).
- Scroll down and select View Loan Offer.
- The amount displayed is the MAX amount available. You may edit the award amount to a lower amount if desired.
- Select the Box to the Right and check after any edits.
- Scroll down and select Accept/Reject Loan.
If done correctly you can view your award letter once again and a green “A” will be showing next to your accepted loan. If rejected, the loan will no longer show in the letter.
For any adjustments after accepting the loans, you may contact FinancialAid [at] lipscomb.edu to request the Grad Loan Adjustment Form.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Federal Stafford Loan
A borrower must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment for at least six semester hours and must be working toward a degree or certificate. Loans must be actively accepted in myLipscomb in order to be applied as an expected payment to the student bill. Stafford Loans will not pay until the student has completed both Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov. Loans will not be credited to accounts until 30 days after classes begin or when a student begins the sixth credit hour, whichever comes last.
- Maximum of $20,500 in Unsubsidized Stafford Loans per academic year as a Physician Assistant student.
- Having a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan means that interest accrues while you are in school.
- Payments begin six months after graduation or leaving school.
- Eligibility is determined by FAFSA.
Grad Plus Loan
The Graduate PLUS Loan is available to independent graduate and professional students. This loan requires credit approval by the Department of Education, as well as a FAFSA submission. Learn more on how to apply.
- Can be deferred while in school.
- FAFSA is required.
- Non-need based loan, based on credit. Can use a co-signer.
- Must use all of Stafford before Grad Plus is applied to accounts.
Federal Stafford and Grad Plus loans are subject to interest rates and origination fees as applicable to each loan type.