Physician Assistant Program

Back to TopAdmissions Process

Admission Requirements

• Completed CASPA application by 4/1/2026
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university by 6/1/2026
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum Biology-Chemistry-Physics (BCP) GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Minimum letter grade of C in all prerequisite courses within 10 years prior to program admission by 6/1/2026:
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab – minimum 4 semester credit hours
  • Microbiology with lab – minimum 4 semester credit hours
  • Genetics – minimum 3 semester credit hours
  • General Chemistry I with lab – minimum 4 semester credit hours
  • General Chemistry II with lab – minimum 4 semester credit hours
  • Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry – minimum 3 semester credit hours
  • Psychology (Introductory or Developmental) – minimum 3 semester credit hours
  • Statistics – minimum 3 semester credit hours
  • Medical Terminology – minimum 1 semester credit hour
  • Submission of 3 letters of recommendation
  • Direct patient contact hours – no minimum
  • Volunteer hours – no minimum
  • TOEFL score of 550 or above on the written test, 213 or above on the computer-generated test, or 79 or above on the internet-based exam OR an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
  • $500 non-refundable deposit within 2 weeks of admission offer
  • Completion of a satisfactory background check and urine drug screen assigned by the program within 60 days prior to program matriculation
  • Completion of a physical exam within 1 year prior to program matriculation, including signature from the provider verifying the student meets program technical standards
  • Meets immunization and health screenings based on current CDC recommendations for health professionals and state specific mandates
    • Proof of Hepatitis B vaccine and positive Hep B Ab (titer)
    • Proof of MMR vaccine series or immunity
    • Proof of Varicella history or vaccine series
    • Proof of Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccine (required within the last 10 years)
    • Proof of TB Test within the past year (positive results will require the student to receive a chest x-ray and further evaluation)
    • Proof of Meningococcal vaccine
    • Proof of Polio vaccine series
    • Proof of HIB vaccine series
    • COVID vaccination is strongly recommended, but not required for matriculation.
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Successful completion of an on-campus interview
  • Annual Influenza vaccine will be administered by the program

   Brescia University Physician Assistant Program is not permitted to admit or enroll international students.

   Brescia University Physician Assistant Program will not award or grant advanced placement.

PREFERENTIAL ACCEPTANCE

Graduates of Brescia University who apply to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and meet all admission requirements are eligible to receive primary preferential acceptance and will receive additional points on the applicant score sheet.

Applicants are eligible to receive secondary preferential acceptance to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program and will receive additional points on the applicant score sheet if they meet all admission requirements and one of the following:

• Brescia University credit hours;
• Kentucky Wesleyan College graduate;
• Credit hours from Elizabethtown Community & Technical College, Henderson Community College, Hopkinsville Community College, Madisonville Community College, or Owensboro Community & Technical College;
• Current or permanent address in one of the following Kentucky counties – Breckenridge, Butler, Daviess, Edmonson, Grayson, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Henderson, Hopkins, Logan, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Union, Webster.

If the number of students who qualify for preferential admission exceeds the available space in the cohort, students will be accepted based on the highest Biology-Chemistry-Physics (BCP) GPA.

Note: Students are selected based upon admission requirements, scores, and a maximum cohort size of 30 students. Applicant score sheets are completed for those that meet all requirements. Score sheets and application materials are utilized to determine invitations to on-campus interviews. Applicants invited to interview must successfully complete all interview stations and are not guaranteed admission to the PA Program. Following the interview day, the PA Program Admissions Committee will then determine one of the following:

• Grant *conditional admission as a PA student;
• Place the applicant on a waitlist; or
• Deny admission.

If a student is denied admission, the applicant can be provided with recommendations to improve their application for a future admissions cycle.

*Conditional admission is given until a satisfactory background check, urine drug screen, immunizations, and health screenings are completed. If the student fails to meet any of the admission requirements, they will relinquish their seat in the cohort.

Students are not responsible for securing clinical sites or preceptors. Provision of rotation sites and preceptors is the responsibility of the Brescia University Physician Assistant Program and under the direct supervision of the Clinical Coordinator.

Back to TopProgram Structure

27-MONTH PROGRAM

Didactic Phase – 69 credit hours, 16 months

Clinical Phase – 43 credit hours, 11 months

Cohort 1 Program Completion: November 17, 2028

Back to TopTuition & Cost

Tuition and fees per semester: $17,850

Total tuition and fees: $124,950 for 7 semesters

Back to TopTechnical Standards for Admission and Continuation

Candidates for the Brescia University Physician Assistant Program must be able to meet the following technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations, for admission and continued enrollment:

1. Observation: Candidates must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in procedures in the basic and clinical sciences, including but not limited to, anatomic dissection, microscopic studies, and patient encounters.
2. Communication: Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team. This includes the ability to understand and speak the English language.
3. Motor Skills: Candidates must possess the physical dexterity and motor skills necessary to participate in clinical courses, including the ability to perform palpation, percussion, auscultation, and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers.
4. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities: Candidates must be able to comprehend and process information, analyze data, and solve problems. This includes the ability to gather, organize, and assess relevant information to develop a diagnostic and therapeutic plan.
5. Behavioral and Social Attributes: Candidates must possess the emotional health, maturity, and stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of responsibilities, and the development of effective relationships with patients and colleagues. This includes the ability to function effectively under stress.
6. Ethical Standards: Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the ethical principles that guide the health professions, including compassion, integrity, respect for others, and responsibility.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis for qualified individuals with disabilities who can meet the technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. It is the responsibility of the applicant or student to request any needed accommodation

Back to TopBrescia University Physician Assistant Program Competencies

Upon completion of the Physician Assistant Program, graduates will demonstrate competence in the following domains:

1. Medical Knowledge
   1. Recognize and differentiate normal and abnormal health states across all organ systems.
   2. Distinguish between acute, chronic, and emerging disease states across the lifespan.
   3.  Apply principles of basic and clinical science to effectively diagnose and provide comprehensive patient care for both healthy and ill individuals.
2. Clinical Reasoning and Problem-Solving
   1. Formulate a well-reasoned primary diagnosis and generate appropriate differential diagnoses based on a thorough history and physical examination for a variety of preventive, acute, chronic, rehabilitative, and emergent medical conditions across the lifespan.
   2. Select and interpret relevant diagnostic laboratory and imaging studies to support clinical assessment and management.
   3. Formulate comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions aligned with the clinical findings.
3. Clinical and Technical Skills
   1. Demonstrate proficiency in obtaining a detailed medical history, performing an appropriate physical examination, and accurately documenting clinical findings.
   2. Safely and effectively perform diagnostic and routine therapeutic procedures.
   3. Implement evidence-based strategies for patient education, disease prevention, and health care maintenance.
4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills
   1. . Apply verbal and non-verbal communication skills during interactions with patients, families, and members of the interprofessional health care team.
   2. Analyze medical records and interpret diagnostic findings to construct and articulate patient management plans.
   3. Exhibit strong reading, writing, and presentation skills to convey complex medical information.
5. Professional Behaviors
   1. Uphold the standards of academic integrity and professionalism.
   2. Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity in providing care that meets the unique needs of individuals and communities
   3. Apply the core principles of medical ethics to deliver respectful, empathetic, and equitable patient care.
   4. Establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with members of the health care team.
   5. Understand and fulfill professional responsibilities related to licensure, certification, credentialing, reimbursement, advocacy, and adherence to legal policies and regulations governing medical practice.

Back to TopStudent Attrition

*Attrition rate calculation:  Number of students who attritted from cohort (decelerated + withdrawals + dismissals) divided by the (entering class size + number joining class cohort).

**Graduation rate calculation:  Number of cohort graduates divided by the (entering class size + number joining class cohort).

Back to TopNCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary

NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary report from the last 5 years.

Back to TopProgram Goals

    1. Demonstrate ethical behavior and integrity in medical practice.

    2. Support effective and sensitive communication skills with patients and members of the healthcare team.

    3. Perform a complete physical exam and organize, integrate, interpret and present clinical data in a clear, concise manner.

    4. Integrate diagnostic assessment skills with knowledge of patient presentation and pharmacology to formulate appropriate treatment plans.

    5. Demonstrate mastery of basic clinical procedures performed by a PA entering into clinical practice.

    6. Demonstrate refined critical thinking skills and intellectual inquiry to evaluate sources of information and generate new and evolving medical knowledge.

    7. Collaborate effectively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team.

Click here for evidence of program’s effectiveness in meeting goals.

Back to TopLearn more about Brescia University and HealthForce KY

Back to TopFaculty & Staff

Blair Whitaker, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant Program Director/Assistant Professor

Brent Hayden, M.D.
Physician Assistant Program Medical Director

Megan Beggs, MSPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant Program Didactic Coordinator/Assistant Professor

Ethan Hall, MSM, PA-C
Physician Assistant Program Clinical Coordinator/Assistant Professor

M. Ericka Mason, DPAS, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant Program Assistant Professor

Mandy Hays, RMA, CPhT
Physician Assistant Program Administrative Assistant