Admission Requirements for the West Liberty University PA Program
Students qualified to apply to the West Liberty University Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree program will have, at a minimum:
- Bachelor’s (4-year) degree from an accredited institution.
- The applicant may have a bachelor’s degree in progress at the time of application, however, it must be complete with proof of degree by matriculation.
- Minimum Overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Minimum Overall Science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Required prerequisite coursework listed here
- CASPA Application
- Application MUST be coded as “verified” by CASPA before it will be reviewed.
- West Liberty University Supplemental Application and $25.00 application fee.
- Three letters of recommendation are also required.
- At least one must be from a professor.
- The letters must address the applicant’s personal qualities, ability to work with others, and ability to be an empathetic provider.
- A personal statement
- The statement should address the individual’s motivation for entering the program and expectations from the program.
- Students from non-English speaking countries and those whose primary language is not English MUST provide Evidence of English Language Proficiency.
- Required Prerequisite Coursework
One year of Chemistry with laboratory (8 units minimum), majors level preferred.
General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II with corresponding labs (8 unit minimum)
orInorganic Chemistry + Organic Chemistry + Biochemistry (all three) with corresponding labs (8 units minimum) Note: A single, combined course in organic, inorganic, and biochemistry will not meet this requirement.
Microbiology with corresponding laboratory (4 units minimum), majors level preferred.
One year of Anatomy & Physiology with labs (8 units minimum & “human” in nature), majors level preferred.
One course in Psychology (General, Introductory or Developmental)
One course in Humanities or Social Science (3 units minimum)
One year of English and/or Writing (6 units minimum)
One of the following Math courses: college level Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus or Statistics (3 units minimum)
- Recommended Prerequisite coursework
- One course in Genetics (3 units minimum)
- Medical terminology (no minimum)
- Statistics (3 units minimum)
- Additional information regarding prerequisite coursework
- No more than 2 prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application.
- All prerequisite courses must be completed in the United States.
- Prefer all prerequisite courses completed within the past 10 years.
- The WLU PA program recommends in-person labs for science courses; however, both in-person and virtual labs will be accepted.
- AP credit will be accepted for those applicants receiving grades of 4 or better in the following courses:
- Humanities/Social Science prerequisite (3 credits)
- Psychology (3 credits)
- English and/or Writing (6 credits)
If the applicant enters their undergraduate University receiving AP credit for any of the other prerequisite courses, those courses will not meet the requirements for the PA Program. An applicant will meet the prerequisites by either:
- taking the same number of credits of advanced classes in the subject area at the major’s level (preferred) or
- by retaking the prerequisite courses at the collegiate level.
The WLU PA school prerequisites and admissions requirements will not be waived.
Technical Requirements
Applicants must be able to meet the technical requirements to successfully complete the program.
Preferences for Selection
- Direct patient care experience and/or healthcare-related experience
- PA shadowing
- West Liberty University graduates
- West Virginia residency
- Graduates from WV institutions of higher education
- Academic/Life balance
- Including but not limited to: extracurriculars, volunteer experience and community service, leadership experience, and work experience
- Life experience contributing to class diversity:
- Including but not limited to: Applicants from environmentally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds (as determined by CASPA), underrepresented medical minorities, and veterans
Additional PA School Admission Requirements for International Student Applicants
In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:
- Proof of English Proficiency – Please submit one of the following test results:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 80 for the internet-based test (IBT) or 550 for the paper-based test (PBT). West Liberty code is TOEFL 5901. Arrangements for the TOEFL test can be made by visiting the TOEFL website. International English Language Testing (IELTS): band score of 6
Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): score of 54
EIKEN: Grade Pre-1
**Tests are taken more than two (2) years prior to the date submitted cannot be accepted**
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Credit Certification: Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider (e.g. World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc. (Please remember: All prerequisite courses must be completed within the United States.)
- Proof of Financial Support: Submit adequate documentation of financial support for one academic year (12 months) (e.g. Official bank statement, sponsorship award letters, scholarship awards, Affidavit of Support (DHS Form I-134), etc.).
- Copy of your ID page in your passport
Requirements of successful applicants prior to matriculation
- Complete and pass a background check
- Complete and pass a drug screen
- Receipt and verification by the program of all “official” transcripts and any other supporting documents
- Basic computer literacy including the ability to use Microsoft Word, e-mail, and conduct web-based and electronic database searches
- Submit completed health screening form and immunization record to WLU Student Health Services
- All students must complete Basic Life Support Certification from the American Heart Association during the month of June prior to matriculation and submit certificate.
- Submit proof of heath insurance coverage by the time of matriculation.
- See health insurance policy under Program Costs.
- Transportation
- Students must have reliable transportation in order to report to clinical sites and other scheduled program events.
Transfer of Credit
Transfer of credit, as substitution for courses in the didactic phase of the department is not allowed. Transfer of credit is also not allowed in the clinical phase. Exceptions will only be granted to this Policy in situations in which transfer is accepted from a closing PA program under the approval of the ARC-PA. Transfer analysis of coursework will be conducted by the PA program director and verified by the Registrar’s office.
Advanced Placement (Prior Education and Training/Experience)
Advanced placement for didactic courses and/or clinical rotations completed prior to acceptance into the program, or for experiential learning, is not granted to applicants to the program. Exceptions will only be made to this Policy in situations in which students are accepted from a closing PA Program under the approval of the ARC-PA following curricular comparison and analysis and approval of the PA program director.
Student Work Policies
Policy Governing Student Employment: This is a fast-paced, intensive program with a finite amount of time to assimilate course work and complete assignments. Due to the rigorous academic coursework of the WLU PA Program, students are strongly discouraged from working during the course of study.
Didactic Phase: Although students are strongly discouraged from working in the didactic phase, they are permitted to do so. Students who choose to work must inform the Program Director in writing. If employment affects a student’s performance or causes a pattern of concern (e.g. failing grades, interfering with academic performance/duties, or sustained marginal performance), the student will be subjected to administrative action up to an including dismissal from the program.
Clinical Phase: Students are NOT permitted to work during the clinical phase. If a student is discovered by the program to be employed against the policy, whether or not it does or does not affect their performance or causes a pattern of concern, the student will be subjected to administrative action by the PA program up to and including dismissal from the program. A student who fails a clinical rotation will be required to repeat the rotation. Any student who fails a repeated course or clinical rotation will be dismissed from the program.
Immunizations and Health Screening Requirements
West Liberty University PA Program requires the following immunizations and skin tests. Students are expected to have these immunizations current upon matriculation and updated as needed prior to beginning their clinical clerkships.
Immunization | Description |
Hepatitis B | Immunization is required for all students. This series of three immunizations AND post-vaccination antibody titer for proof of immunity is required. (1-2 months following final dose in series). |
Influenza | Immunization is required annually. |
COVID 19 | Immunization is required in accordance with CDC guidelines. |
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) | Series of 2 doses. Dose 1 at 12-15 months or later, dose 2 at 4-6 yrs or later and at least 28 days apart from the 1st. |
Chicken Pox (Varicella) | Two doses of vaccine at least 28 days apart |
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis | Primary series of 4 doses with DTaP or DTP AND Tdap Booster which must be within the last 10 years. |
| Bacterial Meningitis | Immunization with vaccines for MenACWY and MenB is required. |
Health Screening and Immunization Verification
A health screening and immunization record form are to be completed by the successful candidate and forwarded to the WLU Student Health Services Center as part of the application process prior to, and as a condition of, matriculation. Students will be required to update their health status and immunizations prior to entering the clinical phase of the program. Health screening, immunizations, and tests are available at the Student Health Services center. Candidates and students may obtain the immunizations from their own health care provider, but will still need to show proof and obtain clearance from the campus Student Health Services. Students must provide documentation of immunization or make arrangements with the Student Health Services to meet these requirements.
Documentation of compliance with these requirements (i.e., clearance from Student Health Services) is provided to the Physician Assistant Studies Program for inclusion in the student’s permanent record. Students must sign an authorization that allows the Student Health Services office to provide documentation that the health and immunization requirements have been met.
ALL HEALTH SCREENING & IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENTS, ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING LAB RESULTS ATTACHED, MUST BE FORWARDED TOGETHER & RECEIVED BY THE WLU STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES CENTER BEFORE THE LAST FRIDAY IN MAY, PRIOR TO MATRICULATION.
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.