Admissions

Bachelor's Degree Standards

A bachelor’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution is required to apply. If this degree is completed outside of the United States, evaluated transcripts are to be sent to CASPA. A candidate may apply prior to meeting this requirement provided the degree and prerequisites are completed and verified by CASPA by the September 1 deadline. Official transcripts and evaluations when applicable are to be submitted to CASPA.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Standards

Cumulative GPA The overall GPA includes all undergraduate and graduate coursework. This GPA, as calculated by CASPA, must meet the minimum 3.0 requirement. 

Last 60 Credits This GPA is only considered for applicants who do not meet the 3.0 minimum Cumulative GPA. To qualify, the GPA of the applicant's Last 60 Credits, as calculated by CASPA, must meet a minimum GPA of 3.3. Applicants are required to submit a formal request to the admissions counselor once the application has been submitted.  If this criteria is met, this GPA will be used as the Cumulative GPA for the application evaluation.

BCP GPA The GPA of all undergraduate and graduate coursework completed in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This GPA, as calculated by CASPA, must meet the minimum 3.0 requirement. 

Prerequisite GPA The GPA of qualifying prerequisite courses detailed below. Each class, lecture and lab, must meet the B/3.0 minimum requirement (B- is not acceptable). All required labs must be completed in-person format.

Prerequisite Courses Standards

Prerequisite courses

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (8 semester hours): Human-based only. Two anatomy/physiology classes OR one anatomy class with lab and one physiology class, lab not required. Advanced anatomy and physiology are accepted. All laboratory portions must be completed in-person. Note: Anatomy and physiology courses that are a part of military training (with a pass grade) and as reflected on CCAF or JST transcripts are accepted (up to eight semester hours). See Special Considerations section below for additional details.
• General Biology with in-person Lab (4 semester hours): Must be a foundational biology course with a lab. Test credits (example: AP, IB, CLEP), or upper level biology will not be accepted.
• Other Biology (3 semester hours): General Biology II, Genetics, Cell Biology, Histology, Immunology, Virology, Epidemiology, Biochemistry (if not listed for Other Chemistry)
• Microbiology (3 semester hours): Microbiology for non-science majors is accepted
• General Chemistry with in-person Lab (4 semester hours): Must be foundational chemistry course with lab. Test credits (example: AP, IB, CLEP), or upper level chemistry will not be accepted.
• Other Chemistry (3 semester hours): General Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry (if not listed for Other Biology)
• Psychology (3 semester hours): Introduction to Psychology, General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychology Throughout the Lifespan. Note: General Psychology or equivalent course that is part of military training (with a pass grade) and as reflected on CCAF or JST transcripts are accepted (up to three semester hours). See Special Considerations section below for additional details. 
• Statistics (3 semester hours): General Statistics, Behavioral Statistics, Biostatistics. Test credits (example: AP, IB, CLEP), or Business Statistics will not be accepted.
• Medical Terminology is highly recommended

NOTE: We do not accept test credits (example: AP, IB, CLEP) in lieu of prerequisite requirements. All required labs must be completed in-person

The Academic Worksheet can be a helpful tool in preparation for your application. You are welcome to email the completed worksheet to your admissions counselor for feedback.

NOTE: There is no required standardized test.

A minimum number of Patient Care Experience hours are not required for admittance into the program. However, a point value for PCE is added to the applicant’s overall score. See Application Matrix for scoring details and student averages. To receive points for PCE it must be from a paid position in the United States and not volunteer work or an academic internship. Exceptions include work as a paramedic or EMT when all emergency services are provided only on an all-volunteer basis. It is to an applicant's best interest to pursue 2000 PCE hours after modifiers have been applied. 

PCE is evaluated based on type of experience using the following modifiers. For example, 1,000 hours in a position that qualifies for a high modifier is scored as 1,000 hours; 1,000 hours in a position that qualifies for a medium modifier is scored as 670 hours; 1,000 hours in a position that qualifies for a low modifier is scored as 330 hours; and 1,000 hours in a non-qualifying position is scored as 0.00 hours.

NOTE: Clinical experience gained through a training program, as a student, or a paid position outside of the United States does not qualify as PCE.

This Patient Care Experience (PCE) Worksheet can be a helpful tool in preparation for your application. You are welcome to email the completed worksheet to your admissions counselor for feedback.

A minimum number of service hours are not required for admittance into the program. However, a point value for service is added to the applicant's overall score. See Application Matrix for scoring details and student averages. Volunteerism is not limited to healthcare settings or services, but it must be unpaid service without academic credit or other compensation. It is to an applicant's best interest to pursue 500 hours after modifiers have been applied. 

NOTE: Active guard or reservists and military veterans will receive the maximum volunteerism value. To receive this value, guard and reservist must provide a letter from their commanding officer stating they are in good standing and veterans must provide a DD214 showing an honorable discharge.

This Volunteer Worksheet can be a helpful tool in preparation for your application. You are welcome to email the completed worksheet to your admissions counselor for feedback.

Three letters of recommendation are required. These recommendations should come from a supervisor or co-worker who can speak to an applicant's work ethic.  It is preferred that one of the three references come from a professor who can speak to an applicant's academic aptitude. If an academic reference is not available a third professional reference may be provided.

NOTE: Active guard and reserve military members who are applying under special consideration guidelines must also submit a letter that states they are in "good standing." This letter must be written by the commanding officer (and signed) and uploaded directly to the CASPA application under Documents.

An applicant whose native language is not English and who does not have a full year (two semesters) of composition or its equivalent in English studies must demonstrate skills in English understanding and use.

Recent scores on the Test of English and Foreign Language (TOEFL) normally suffice. TOEFL scores should be submitted directly to CASPA. Satisfactory scores are based on the testing format and include:

• Internet-based TOEFL: Score of 100 with a minimum score of 20 on each section
• A total score of 600 on the paper TOEFL, with a score of 55 on the Listening Comprehension
• A total score of 250 on the computer-based TOEFL
• A level 112 from the ELS Language Centers or other recognized evidence may be considered satisfactory, pending the Admissions Committee approval

All George Fox University graduates who meet the program’s admission requirements will be invited for an interview. To be considered under this article, however, the application must be verified by CASPA on or before September 1 of the application cycle. An invitation to interview does not guarantee admittance to the program.

All military veterans (this includes any veteran: active, retired, and/or reservist/guard)* who meet the program’s admission requirements will be invited for an interview. To be considered under this article, however, the application must be verified by CASPA on or before September 1 of the application cycle.

Given military grades are recorded as Pass/Fail, up to 11 semester hours of prerequisite courses completed through military training (as evidenced by Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine, or Coast Guard transcripts submitted to CASPA) will be accepted with a pass grade in the following prerequisites:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab (4 SH)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab (4 SH)
• Introduction to Psychology or Higher (3 SH)

For Air Force applicants, the specific courses will appear on the Community College of the Air Force transcript. For Army, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard, the courses will appear on the Joint Services Transcript (JST) under the specific training taken and as evaluated by the American Council of Education (ACE).

Accepted prerequisite courses fulfilled (through military training) with a pass grade are not included in calculation of the cumulative, prerequisite, or last 60-semester-hour GPAs scored by CASPA. For military applicants who have prerequisite course(s) fulfilled by pass course grades, the last 60-semester-hour GPA calculation is completed based on the last 60 graded semester hours. An invitation to interview does not guarantee admittance to the program.

* Reservists/Guard members must be in good standing (supported by a letter from their commanding officer); separated or retired veterans must produce a DD214 showing an honorable discharge. This document should be uploaded to the Document section of the CASPA application.

** Transcripts (Air Force, Navy, Army, Marines, Coast Guard) should be uploaded to the Document section of the CASPA application. When submitted to the program, please write, “military candidate” in the subject line. In addition to submitting the transcript to CASPA and the program, it is recommended that you download an unofficial copy for yourself or request an additional copy be sent to your home address for your personal records. Transcripts are available at the following links:

• Air Force: Air University/Community College of the Air Force Transcripts (CCAF)
• Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines: Joint Service Transcript (JST)

Example of Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript (for Anatomy and Physiology)

Example of Joint Services (Navy, Army, Marine, Coast Guard) Transcript (for Anatomy and Physiology)

All George Fox courses must be taken as part of the PA cohort. No advanced placement options are available.

Applicant requirements are reviewed, scored, and converted to percentage value (total points earned divided by the maximum potential). The George Fox PA admissions committee will review all applicants meeting minimum requirements and either: (1) invite applicant to interview, (2) put on hold to be considered for the next interview round, or (3) deny.

Each of the items on the applicant spreadsheet will be given a weighted point value (based on preset objective criteria), and the combined score will be used to rank candidates for the interview (application matrix). The higher your score, the better your odds of being interviewed.

Admissions Requirements in Percentages:

• Cumulative GPA - 20%
• BCP (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) GPA - 15%
• Prerequisite GPA - 15%
• Paid Healthcare Experience - 20%
• Volunteerism - 25%
• Letters of Recommendation - 5%
  
  NOTE: Active Guard and Reservists should ALSO provide a letter stating they are in good standing. The letter should be written and signed by their commanding officer and sent directly to the program at pa@georgefox.edu. Veterans must send a DD214 showing an honorable discharge directly to the program at pa@georgefox.edu.

The candidate's CASPA personal statement, essay, and experiences will be reviewed to identify qualities and attributes that align with the program's core values of knowledge, compassion, service, and leadership. This information may be incorporated into the interview process and considered during the review and selection process for interviews and final admissions decisions. The George Fox MMSc PA program admissions committee will review all applicants meeting minimum requirements and either (1) invite to interview, (2) put on hold to be considered for the next interview round, or (3) deny. Applicant scoring is based on the following:

Each of the items on the applicant matrix will be given a weighted point value (based on preset objective criteria) and the combined score will be used to rank candidates for interview. The higher the score, the better the odds of being interviewed.

This process will be repeated for each interview round. As we practice Rolling Admissions, offers of admission will be made after each round of interviews. However, a similar number of seats will be offered each round creating an equitable opportunity each interview round. It is to the applicant's best interest to submit their application (vis CASPA) at a time that would provide them with the highest score, rather than submitting early to be considered for the first round. Once an application is reviewed and scored it is not re-reviewed or re-scored. Please refer to the Admissions Timeline above for interview dates and final application deadline. 

An invitation to interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The George Fox PA program uses a rolling admissions process. Therefore, applicants who qualify for an interview may be invited to the next available scheduled interview date.

Interviewers may include: program faculty (program director, medical director, principal faculty, and didactic instructors), clinical preceptors, community organizations representatives, community PAs, MDs, and DOs, and other faculty of George Fox University. Each will be trained on the interview process before the interview date and briefed on the scoring criteria before each interview session begins.

The interview day will begin with introductions, pictures and expectations for the day. Next, applicants will be evaluated via a series of short, carefully timed interview stations and one essay station. In general, each of these encounters will assess the candidate’s character, communication skills, professionalism and adaptability.

The program admissions committee applicant-scoring matrix used includes the applicant’s Cumulative GPA, BCP (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) GPA, Prerequisite GPA, Paid Healthcare Experience (PCE), Volunteerism, and References.

Applicants will be evaluated via a series of short, carefully timed interview stations and one essay station. At day's end, the committee will:

• Calculate candidate scores from the interview and rank applicants in order of score
• Combine the apllication score and interview score for selection committee discussion
• Consider and review candidates following interviews and place in one of three categories:
  • (a) Admit now – These candidates will receive a formal offer for a seat in the program within four weeks of completing the interview
  • (b) Alternate list (wait list) – These candidates will be formally notified, by email, within four weeks of completing the interview. Each wait-listed candidate will be reviewed after all future interviews. At that time, their status may be updated to (a) admit now, (b) continue wait list, or (c) declined
  • (c) Denied – These individuals will be notified within four weeks of the interview process.

Letters of acceptance may have conditions to matriculate. In this situation, the offer and conditions of acceptance will be detailed in the letter. An example would be acceptance of a student who must complete a required prerequisite course and verified by Sept. 15 prior to matriculating into the program. In this case, their acceptance would be pending successful completion of the prerequisite course.

For details on what is required, see Post Acceptance Requirements section below.

The candidate must be able to:

• Observe demonstrations, visual presentations in lectures and laboratories, laboratory evidence and microbiologic cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states
• Observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand
• Use the sense of vision, somatic sensation, and smell as part of the observation process

A candidate should be able to:

• Communicate professionally, effectively and sensitively with patients and families
• Communicate professionally, effectively and efficiently in oral and written forms with all members of the healthcare team
• Be able to speak, hear and observe patients in order to elicit information, perceive nonverbal communications, and describe changes in mood, activity and posture
• Utilize speech, reading, writing and computers as part of the communication process. In addition, candidates must possess the skills necessary to communicate effectively in small and large-group discussions

Candidates must have sufficient motor skills and coordination to:

• Execute the movement required to provide patient care such as palpitation, auscultation, percussion and other diagnostic maneuvers
• Execute movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. These skills require coordination of gross and fine muscular movement, equilibrium and sensation.
• Manipulate equipment and instruments necessary to perform basic laboratory tests and procedures required to attain curricular goals (e.g. needles, stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, tongue blades, intravenous equipment, gynecologic speculum, and scalpel)
• Transport themselves from one location to another in a timely fashion in order to facilitate patient care responsibilities and receive educational training

Candidates must be able to:

• Comprehend three-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationship of structures
• Collect, organize, prioritize, analyze and assimilate large amounts of technically detailed and complex information within a limited time frame. This information will be presented in a variety of educational settings, including lectures, small-group discussions, and individual clinical settings.
• Analyze, integrate and apply information appropriately for problem solving and decision-making.

Candidates must have:

• Emotional health, maturity, sensitivity, intellectual ability and good judgment needed to complete all responsibilities associated with the diagnosis and care of patients
• The ability to tolerate physical, mental and emotional stress associated with training and the profession
• Qualities of adaptability, flexibility and be able to function in the face of uncertainty
• A high level of compassion for others, motivation to serve, integrity and a consciousness of social values
• Sufficient interpersonal skills to interact positively with people from all levels of society, all ethnic backgrounds, and all belief systems
• The ability to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior

In the event an applicant is unable to fulfill these technical standards prior to or any time after admission, with or without reasonable accommodation, the student will not be allowed to enter or progress within the program.

Candidates who accept a seat must pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit within two weeks of notification of acceptance in order to hold their place in the cohort. Eight-hundred ($800) of the deposit will be applied toward first-semester tuition costs. The other $200 will be applied to your account upon graduation. Accepted candidates who do not pay the $1,000 deposit within the required time frame (two weeks) forfeit their seat.

Once accepted into the George Fox MMSc PA program, the following conditions must be completed by Nov. 30, in order to matriculate into the program. Candidates who fail to complete these requirements by the deadline will relinquish their seat, and it will be offered to an alternate.

These requirements will be coordinated by the admissions team and handled by an outside vender that works with the admissions director. Requirements include:

• Background Search to be completed prior to matriculation, before the clinical year begins, and as required by a clerkship site - all PA students are required to have a completed certified background check via an established third party. The background search looks for a history of:
  • Criminal Activity
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • National Healthcare Fraud and Abuse
  • Residence History
  • Social Security Alerts

• Ten (10) Panel Urine Drug Screen to be completed prior to matriculation, before the clinical year begins, and as required by a clerkship site - all PA students are required to have a ten panel drug screen completed via an established third party.

• Mandatory HIPAA and OSHA Certification is to be completed prior to matriculation by all PA students are required to complete Health Insurance Protability and Accountability (HIPAA) and Operational Safety and Health Administrative (OSHA) training through an established third party. Prior to the clinical year HIPAA and OSHA concepts will be reviewed by program faculty. If required by a clership site, this training will need to be repeated at the clinical site. Depending on circumstances, it may be done by GFU estabilished third party or though the clerkship site. The cost of this training is estimated at $35.

• Compliance Verification is required to matriculate and as needed throughout the program, certain tasks must be completed and/or verified by an established third party. The estimated cost for complian cerification is $35. These include:
  • Signed Technical Standards Form
  • Immunization Status Verification
  • Tuberculosis Screening Results
  • CPR Certification (must be current)
  • Health Insurance Policy (showing current status)
  • Signed Release Form allowing GFU to Provide Preceptors with Status or Results of Immunizations, TB Screening, Drug Screening, and Background Check