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PA Scholars

The UMKC School of Medicine offers a PA Scholars program that would offer early and guaranteed admission to college students interested in applying to the Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program.

Admission is guaranteed to those students offered a position in the PA Scholars program, who earn their undergraduate degree from a partner institution, and successfully complete all final matriculation requirements.

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

Once admitted to the PA Scholars program, a student would then have a seat in the Medical Science Physician Assistant program for the appropriate term after graduating with a baccalaureate degree, pending successful completion of final matriculation requirements.

PA Scholars who apply in the 2025 cycle will be matriculating January 2027 or 2028. Students enter the program in January each year and begin the 29-month curriculum.

Applying for Admission

Requirements for Consideration

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

  • Attend an institution with whom UMKC has partnered to offer the PA 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

Applications will not be reviewed until all supporting documents have been received. When all application materials have been received, the PA admissions committee will review all complete applications. All application materials must be emailed to the School of Medicine by June 15.

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

  • School of Medicine PA Scholars Application (available here 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
    • Preference will be given to applicants with previous or ongoing direct patient-care experience (professional or volunteer).
  • A minimum of three letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be submitted from a faculty member.
  • Shadowing Experience Verification Form (PDF)
    • It is recommended, but not required that candidates for the Physician Assistant (PA) program shadow a PA 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 the application deadline passes, the PA admissions committee reviews all eligible applications and decides which candidates will be selected for a virtual interview. After interviews, the PA admissions committee will extend offers of guaranteed admission to those who best qualify for the PA program. Applicants will be notified by email of these decisions.  

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

The PA admissions committee reserves the right to not admit any applicants from a partner institution in a given year, if the admissions committee so chooses.

Final Requirements for Students Admitted to PA Scholars

Matriculation to the School of Medicine MMSPA program is contingent upon meeting the following requirements:

  • Earn a baccalaureate degree from a partner institution prior to entering the School of Medicine MMSPA program.
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the following pre-requisite courses
    • One semester of biology with lab
    • Two semesters of chemistry (or equivalent) with lab
    • One semester of human anatomy with lab
    • One semester of human physiology with lab
    • One semester of a combined human anatomy and physiology course with lab (4 credit hour course) will be accepted
    • One semester of microbiology with lab
    • One semester of biochemistry (upper-level course)
    • One semester of organic chemistry with lab
    • One semester of statistics
    • One medical terminology course
    • One semester of genetics
    • One semester of psychology
  • At graduation, provide a letter of support from an academic advisor or faculty member addressing professionalism.
  • Submit the School of Medicine MMSPA Technical Standards (PDF).
  • Submit the UMKC General Application.
  • Submit the CASPA application.

Admissions Timeline

April 1: PA Scholars program application becomes available

The School of Medicine PA 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.

June 15: Application deadline

The School of Medicine PA 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-August: Interview offers extended

Applicants will be notified by email if they have or have not been selected for an interview. If offered an interview, candidates will interview virtually unless otherwise notified.

September: Interviews take place

All applicants selected for an interview must select and confirm a date for the interview. Candidates will interview either in the morning or afternoon session.

Late September: Offers of admission are extended

Students being offered early, guaranteed admission will receive an email notifying them of their acceptance and outlining the requirements of the PA program.