Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ

Skip navigation

School of Health Professions

Application Process & How To Apply

Page Content

Application Process

  • All candidates must submit their application through the Physician Assistant Centralized Application Service .
  • Applications of the student must achieve VERIFIED status in CASPA before they will be considered for admission.
    • (Questions completing the CASPA application should be directed to CASPA.)
  • The CASPA application includes the following components:
    • Official transcripts from all post-high school course work.
    • Two letters of reference.
      • At least one must be from a PA.
      • The other should come from an individual who can attest to your integrity, work ethic and compassion for others such professors or employers.
      • References from family members or friends are not accepted.
    • Record of direct patient care experience.
  • Important Dates
    • Each cohort begins in October.
    • CASPA application cycles open each April.
    • Please note: To be considered for the cohort beginning in October 2025, applications may be entered into CASPA during the application cycle beginning in April of 2024.
    • The Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Physician Assistant Studies Program will admit students on a rolling basis. However, please note that there is a priority deadline (see below).
    • Interviews will be conducted as suitable applicants are identified, but may be grouped on specific dates for efficiency and convenience of both the applicants and the program.
    • A waiting list will be established, and individuals may receive offer letters until a firm class roster has been determined. This process can take an extended period as candidates make their final decisions.

How To Apply

  • Applicants must complete all the application requirements including prerequisite courses to be eligible for acceptance into the Physician Assistant Studies program.
  • Complete the online CASPA application for the University of Southern Mississippi
    • Applications open for the 2025 cohort: April, 2024
    • Priority deadline: November 1st, 2024
  • All qualified applicants will be notified of their status and scheduled for an interview as appropriate. Applications received after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is complete. Additional qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete application materials early. Applications will not be reviewed until all requirements are submitted. All applications must be verified by CASPA. 
  • Submit Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵs non-refundable application fee.
    • Applications will not be reviewed until Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ's application fee is received.
    • Fee waiver requests from applicants with approved CASPA fee waivers are considered.
  • The program invites the most competitive applicants to interview.
  • All Military and Mississippi applicants who meet all minimum admission requirements will be invited to interview. 
    • A detailed schedule of interview day activities is included in the invitation.
  • During individual and group interviews, applicants will be assessed on the following: 
    • Understanding of the PA profession
    • Understanding of the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ PA Program
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Commitment to learning
    • Self-Awareness
    • Critical thinking and problem solving
    • Cultural competency

Accepted Applicants Requirements

  • Interviewees will be notified of admission decision within six weeks of the interview day.
  • Accepted students are required to reserve their seat within seven days of this communication with a $500 non-refundable tuition deposit.
  • Initial acceptance to the program is conditional on successful completion of the following post-acceptance requirements, which must be completed by October 1st of enrollment year.
  • Technical Standard Attestation Form
  • Medical Clearance & Immunizations
    • Accepted applicants must:
      • Have a physical examination and complete a confidential medical history
      • Be up to date on all CDC recommended immunizations for healthcare workers
  • Immunization and Health Information documentation
    • Accepted applicants must pass background and health-related screenings:
      • TB testing
      • Background Check
      • Drug screening
      • HIPPA and OSHA Training
      • Health insurance documentation
    • Applicants must provide proof of personal health insurance and maintain the insurance throughout the entire program.
  • Official transcripts submitted to Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ for all undergraduate coursework
  • Documentation of completion of all prerequisite requirements
  • Failure to comply prior to the start of the program can result in seat forfeiture. 
  • Students will not be permitted to participate in clinical experiences without medical clearance.
    • Acceptance agreement form
  • Students must attend orientation the week before classes begin.

Note: Transportation and Housing

  • Students are responsible for their housing during the entire program including during clinical rotations that may occur outside the state or region.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation to attend all classes, activities and clinical rotations.

The information presented here is planned for the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Physician Assistant Studies Program providing accreditation is received from the regional accreditor, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the PA Program accreditor, ARC-PA.
 

Coming soon - Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ PA Program

Contact Us

School of Health Professions

Elizabeth Harkins Hall

118 College Dr. #5122
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Hattiesburg Campus 

Campus Map

Email
shpFREEMississippi

 Phone
 601.266.5437