3+2 Physician Assistant Program
3+2 Physician Assistant Program
5-year (3+2) Accelerated Physician Assistant Degree Program
In partnership with the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) and Rowan University, we offer an accelerated 5-Year Physician Assistant Pathway Program (also called 3+2 year program) to incoming first-year students. These rigorous, accelerated degree program provide an opportunity for exceptional students to apply to physcian assistant school during their junior year at Rowan and enter physician assistant school in their fourth year. Students who successfully complete the program receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology(BS) degree (earned after successfully completing their first year of physician assistant school) and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, in 5 years rather than the traditional 6 years.
Degree options and Application Directions for the BS/MPAS are outlined below.
After reviewing the information below, please feel free to email any additional questions to healthadvising@rowan.edu and the Office of Pre-Health Programs will respond to your inquiry within a few days.
Accreditation Statement
The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine PA Program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2026, pending achieving Accreditation-Provisional status at the April 2026 agenda, ARC-PA meeting. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, or a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
The Rowan-Virtua SOM PA Program is not yet accredited and is a developing program seeking provisional accreditation from the ARC-PA. Applicants should review this document, which outlines important implications if accreditation is not granted.
Application Questions, Directions, and other FAQs
Who can apply to one of these programs?
These program is only open to incoming first-year students. International students are not eligible to apply to this program. Academic eligibility and the application process are discussed below. The programs are not open to currently enrolled students, transfer students, or any student who is not making the direct transition from high school to first year of college.
The following requirements must be met to be considered for these programs and receive a supplemental application:
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) Recalculated based upon core subjects (math, science, English, social studies, and world languages)
- SAT of 1350 SAT (Math & Critical Reading sections) or equivalent ACT composite score. Superscores are accepted. Scores must be verified by the deadline.
- Select an eligible major (see “How do I apply to one of these programs?” below)
What does the general application process look like?
Step 1: Submit your completed general application to Rowan University as early as possible, but no later than November 1. See the full application process below, including eligible majors.
Step 2: If you meet the eligibility requirements (see “Who can apply…” above), you will be sent a supplemental application after your general application is reviewed and you have been accepted into your selected major.
Step 3: Complete the supplemental application (see directions below) and submit no later than December 1.
Step 4: If selected for an interview, you will receive an invitation to attend an interview day in January or February.
Step 5: Decisions will go out in late-February to March.
Step 6: If accepted into the accelerated program, confirm your enrollment (instructions will be provided) to secure your spot! If waitlisted, we will communicate if a position opens. If you are not successful, we highly recommend working with our Office of Pre-Health Programs which supports all students in developing successful, strong physcian assistant school applications!
What are the deadlines to apply?
Students interested in the 3+2 accelerated PA program need to have a completed application and verified SAT/ACT scores submitted to the university by November 1. Students will first be reviewed for admission to the university, and then reviewed for the accelerated program once they receive their admissions decision.
Students who meet the eligibility criteria stated above will move forward in the accelerated medical program review process (outlined below) after receiving an acceptance to the university and their selected major. Admission decisions for the university typically start being released in mid-October. Rowan University application must be completed and submitted by November 1.
- Once accepted into the university and major, eligible students receive a Supplemental Application (more information below)
- Supplemental application must be submitted by December 1
How do I apply to the program?
Primary Application (Step 1):
Before November 1st (but as early as possible) complete your general application to Rowan University and follow these steps:
- Select the following eligible majors:
- Biological Sciences
- Select an interest in Health Professions, with a Health Study Area of “Medicine”
- Select “Yes” for 3+2 Physician Assistant Program Interest when prompted.
Supplemental Application (Step 2):
If you complete the steps above, submit your general application to Rowan University by November 1 and you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, then you will receive a supplemental application. It will automatically be sent after your general application has been reviewed and you have been accepted into the major selected (usually mid-October if you submitted your primary application early in the fall).
To complete the supplemental application you will do the following by December 1:
- Select which program you are applying to:
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine - PA
- Upload an updated resume with relevant experiences - remember that your experiences should help reflect your alignment and commitment to the medical school and its mission
- Complete writing prompts
Tips for Applying:
- Acceptance into the selected major usually occurs in mid to late-October if your primary application is received in early October. We encourage you to submit your Rowan University application early in the fall.
- The most successful applicants are those that demonstrate through their experiences and activities a strong alignment to the mission of their intended medical school and a strong desire to attend Rowan University.
- While the Supplemental Application will contain the most pertinent information for the Medical Schools regarding your eligibility and fit for the program, the reviewers may also gather information from your primary application such as your high school transcript, GPA, SAT/ACT scores, Common Application essay, Activities, and letter(s) of recommendation.
Beyond academic requirements, what other criteria is considered?
Experiences that align to the mission of Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine to help demonstrate a candidate’s strong fit for the program. Some important areas to consider are how you demonstrate exposure and commitment to healthcare as well as providing service to your community, especially those served by Rowan- Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Do I need to take the SAT or ACT to be eligible?
Do students in the program need to maintain specific academic guidelines such as a minimum GPA?
Yes, accepted students must maintain a 3.2 or higher semester and cumulative GPA.
Are these programs the only pathway to physician assistant school from Rowan University?
No. Although we offer these accelerated programs and other physician assistant programs, you can prepare for physician assistant school by working with the Office of Pre-Health Programs to apply through a traditional route as a highly competitive applicant! You can apply to a medical or other health professional program as long as you complete the necessary prerequisite coursework. Students are encouraged to explore majors that they will enjoy and that will provide them with the best chance for academic success. In addition to the major eligible for the accelerated program, students in majors such as Philosophy, English, and Psychology have been accepted to medical, dental and other health professional schools. Our university offers minors to assist in developing all of the necessary prerequisites no matter your major! Rowan University’s Office of Pre-Health Programs is available to provide individualized advising to all undergraduate students interested in medical programs.
If I want updates on my application to the accelerated physician assistant program, what should I do?
All updates on the status are communicated both through email and the Applicant Status Portal (Slate). When you apply to Rowan University, you will receive a username, PIN, and URL to log into that system.
We do ask you to review the eligibility requirements and the deadlines above as those who do not meet these criteria will not move forward for consideration. Below is some general guidance of what to expect:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you should receive your supplemental (within a few days) of receiving your general acceptance to Rowan University and your major. We do not send out information or updates before that general application decision.
If you have submitted a supplemental application, you will likely not receive any updates until early to mid-January as we review applications throughout December. Once all supplemental applications have been reviewed, interview decisions are made and communicated in January.
If you were selected for and completed your interview, you will likely receive a decision within 2-3 weeks of the interview.
For any additional questions or updates, please contact the Office of Pre-Health Programs at healthadvising@rowan.edu.