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MSA Scholars

The UMKC School of Medicine offers an MSA Scholars program that would offer early and guaranteed admission to college students interested in applying to the Master of Science in Anesthesia program. Students admitted to the MSA Scholars program are working to complete their undergraduate degree from one of our partner institutions. 

Our partner institutions include the following universities:

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Avila University
  • Truman State University
  • Rockhurst University

If admitted to the MSA Scholars program, a student would then have a seat in the MSA program for the appropriate term upon graduation, pending successful completion of final matriculation requirements. MSA Scholars who apply in the 2025 cycle will be matriculating January 2027 or 2028.

MSA students enter the program in January each year and begin the 29-month curriculum.

Requirements for Consideration

In order to be considered for the MSA Scholars program, a student must meet the following requirements:

  • Attend an institution with whom UMKC has partnered to offer the MSA Scholars program
  • Obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at the time of application.
    • Students must earn a grade of B- or better in all science coursework.

Application Review and Selection Process

Students should submit the following applications and application materials to medicine@umkc.edu.

  • School of Medicine MSA Scholars application (available her on April 1)
  • College and/or university transcripts displaying grades through the point of application. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for application purposes. An official transcript will be required prior to matriculation if offered early admission.
  • Personal Statement
  • Résumé or CV
  • Minimum of three letters of recommendation; one letter must be submitted from a faculty member (professor).
  • Shadowing Experience Verification Form (PDF)
    • It is recommended, but not required that candidates for the MSA Scholars program shadow an Anesthesiologist Assistant prior to applying for the program as it is a significant opportunity to learn about the profession. Shadowing can occur in-person or virtually. Shadowing is a means by which a candidate might receive healthcare or patient care experience.

Once a complete application is received, the MSA admissions committee reviews all eligible applications and decides which candidates will be selected for interview. If selected for an interview, applicants will be required to select a date and time to complete a virtual interview. After interviews, the MSA admissions committee will extend offers of guaranteed admission to those who best qualify for the MSA program. Applicants will be notified by email of these decisions.

Once admitted to the MSA Scholars program, a student would then have a seat in the MSA program for the appropriate term after graduating with a baccalaureate degree, pending successful completion of final matriculation requirements. MSA Scholars who apply in the 2025 cycle will be matriculating January 2027 or 2028.

The MSA admissions committee reserves the right to not admit any applicants from a partner institution each year.

Final Requirements for Students Admitted to MSA Scholars Program

Matriculation to the School of Medicine Master of Science in Anesthesia Program is contingent upon meeting the following requirements:

  • Earn a baccalaureate degree from a partner institution prior to entering the School of Medicine MSA program.
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the following pre-requisite courses:
    • Two semesters of biology with lab
    • Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
    • One semester of organic chemistry I with lab
    • One semester of organic chemistry II with lab
    • Two semesters of physics (sophomore level) with lab
    • One semester of biochemistry (upper level)
    • One semester of human anatomy
    • One semester of physiology
    • One semester of human anatomy and physiology (4+ credit-hour course) may be accepted for one semester of human anatomy and one semester of physiology
    • One semester of statistics (quantitative based)
    • One semester of mathematics (calculus, pre-calculus, additional statistics course, college algebra, or trigonometry)
    • One course in medical terminology
  • Upon graduation, provide a letter of support from an academic advisor or faculty member addressing professionalism to medicine@umkc.edu
  • Submit the Central Application Service for Anesthesiologist Assistants (CASAA) application.
  • Submit the UMKC General Application for Admission
  • Submit School of Medicine MSA Technical Standards
  • Submit and pass a criminal background check prior to matriculation
  • Note: Students admitted through the MSA Scholars Program do not have to submit a GRE or MCAT score.

MSA Scholars Admissions Timeline

April 1: MSA Scholars program application becomes available

The School of Medicine MSA Scholars Program Application becomes available April 1 of each year.

Current college students may apply to the program during the summer between their junior and senior year of college.

Aug. 1: Application deadline

The School of Medicine Scholars program application is due by this date. All supporting documents must also be postmarked by this date, including college transcripts, personal statement, resume, and letters of recommendation.

Mid-September: Offers to interview are extended

The MSA admissions committee reviews all eligible applications and decides which candidates will be selected for interview. Offers to interview will be extended via email. Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified electronically, as well.

All applicants selected for an interview must select and confirm a date for their interview.

October: Interviews take place

All interviews will be virtual unless otherwise notified. Candidates will interview either in the morning or afternoon session.

Mid-October: Offers of admission are extended

Applicants being offered early, guaranteed admission will receive an email notifying them of their acceptance and outlining the final requirements to matriculate to the Master of Science in Anesthesia program.