Explore the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program.
The program receives applications for both the general application cycle, as well as through our PA Scholars program (early admissions for students enrolled in our partner schools). For the general application cycle, the program receives more than 300 CASPA-verified applications and offers approximately 80 interviews. The PA Scholars program receives approximately 10 applications and offers an average of 7 interviews.
The program is approved by the ARC-PA to accept a maximum of 20 students in each cohort.
While out-of-state applicants are welcome, preference and priority consideration is given to in-state applicants from the state of Missouri, followed by applicants from the state of Kansas. On average, Missouri residents comprise 50-80% of each cohort.
We recommend that the pre-requisite courses be taken within seven years of the application deadline, but this is not a strict requirement. This is a recommendation for your personal success and mastery of the knowledge necessary for the PA program.
An applicant may have no more than two pre-requisite courses remaining incomplete after the application deadline. This does NOT include courses that may be taken in the summer preceding the deadline. Any offers of admission will be contingent upon successful completion of the required courses.
Shadowing offers a significant opportunity to learn about the PA profession and can be done in-person or virtually. Applicants seeking in-person shadowing opportunities can connect with area hospitals and clinics to inquire about shadowing opportunities with PAs. Although the program does not endorse any shadowing platforms, applicants might consider researching opportunities through PA Shadow Online.
Although preference will be given to applicants with previous or ongoing direct patient-care experience (professional or volunteer), such experience is not required for admission.
Due to the varying nature of the applicant pool each year, the direct patient care experience varies widely. A few examples of direct patient care experience that we have seen in the past include CNA licensure/experience, EMT licensure/experience, or work as a medical assistant or technician (in varying medical fields).
The UMKC PA program is a full-time program. Students are strongly discouraged from working while enrolled in the program. Additionally, per accreditation standards, students are not permitted to work for the program.
Due to the sequencing of the curriculum, there is not a part time option.
Break time for students is dependent on the phase of the program they are in. Semesters 1-4 (didactic phase) of the program follow a semester-based calendar with built-in holidays and breaks. Breaks include approximately 2-3 weeks off between semesters, as well as spring break and fall break. In semesters 5-7 (clinical phase), students follow a clinical schedule and continuously move through rotation blocks with limited breaks, aside from 1-2 weeks off between fall and spring semesters. A detailed program schedule is provided to students on an annual basis.
The program’s intent is to offer as many rotations as possible in the Greater Kansas City Area. Yet, all students should plan to travel and/or relocate for approximately 30-40% of their rotations (4 of 12). The program defines a “travel site” as any rotation site located greater than 60 miles from the UMKC School of Medicine. Most travel sites are in Missouri and Kansas. Students should expect to find housing and transportation for travel sites and will be financially responsible for expenses.