Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

A PA is a medical professional who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine. By design, physicians and PAs work together as a team. The pre-Physician Assistant program is designed to prepare students for admission to the USD Master’s degree program in Physician Assistant Studies. A Bachelor’s degree is required for admission. Applications for the USD Physician Assistant Studies program are due by September 1 each year and are submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Students are selected for admission based on the evaluation of their academic potential; potential for primary care practice; motivation, maturity, and ability to work with others; health care or other work experience; letters of recommendation; and personal interviews.

Additional information regarding the USD Physician Assistant Studies program is available by contacting: Department of Physician Assistant Studies, 658-5926 (https://www.usd.edu/Academics/Colleges-and-Schools/school-of-health-sciences/physician-assistant-program); Academic & Career Planning Center, 605-658-3600; Health Professions Advisors, 605-658-6326 or 658-6334 or by visiting the following web site: http://www.usd.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions.

Ranelle Nissen
School of Health Sciences/Interim Associate Dean for Academics 
Lee Med 302
605-658-6500
Ranelle.Nissen@usd.edu