MSA Scholars Program

Admissions Requirements


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:
    • 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
  • 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.  Students who do not earn a B- or better in all science coursework will not be eligible for admission.
  • Complete at least ten (10) hours of shadowing an anesthesiologist, an AA, or a CRNA. (Recommended, not required for the 2020 application cycle, due to COVID-19 restrictions.)
Application review and selection process

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

  • School of Medicine MSA Scholars application
  • College and/or university transcripts displaying grades through the point of application
  • Essay (Applicants are welcome to address how COVID-19 has impacted their application for the 2020 cycle.)
  • Résumé or CV
  • A Minimum of three letters of recommendation.  At least one letter must be submitted from a faculty member
  • Shadowing Experience Verification Form
    • Must verify at least ten (10) hours of shadowing an anesthesiologist, an AA, or a CRNA for the MSA program.

Note: the required shadowing hours may not be fulfilled within employment, internship, or class experiences.

To review a step-by-step guide to the application process, please visit https://med.umkc.edu/msa/scholars/apply/

Final Requirements for Students Offered Admission to the MSA Scholars Program

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

  • 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
  • Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
  • Earn a baccalaureate degree from a partner institution prior to entering the School of Medicine MSA program.
    • Students must earn a grade of B- or better in all pre-requisite coursework.
  • At graduation, provide a letter of support from an academic advisor or faculty member addressing professionalism.
  • Submit to and pass a criminal background check prior to matriculation.
  • Submit the School of Medicine MSA Technical Standards.
  • Submit the UMKC General Application for Admission.
  • Submit the CASAA application.
  • Student admitted through the MSA Scholars Program do not have to submit a GRE or MCAT score.