We're excited that you're interested in the Physician Assistant program at Bethel University. If you have questions about any requirements, contact our admissions team.

Here's how you apply:

Step 1 - Check application requirements and prerequisites

You must meet these requirements to be eligible for the program. All academic requirements must be fulfilled through a regionally accredited insitution. Labs are not required for science prerequisites.

• 500 hours of direct patient care experience for applications submitted in 2023
• GPA of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale overall and 3.25 or higher science GPA
• Have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited (or internationally recognized as equivalent) institution
• Meet Program Technical Standards**
• Prerequisite: Biochemistry (3 semester-based credit minimum)
• Prerequisite: Genetics (3 semester-based credit minimum)
• Prerequisite: Human Anatomy (3 semester-based credit minimum, taken in the last five years)
• Prerequisite: Human Physiology (3 semester-based credit minimum, taken in the last five years)
• Prerequisite: Microbiology (3 semester-based credit minimum, taken in the last five years)
• Prerequisite: Organic Chemistry (3 semester-based credit minimum)
• Prerequisite: Psychology (3 semester-based credit minimum)
• Prerequisite: Statistics (3 semester-based credit minimum) 

(Note: If you took any courses for Pass/Fail between January 2020 and May 2023, you are still invited to apply, but additional documentation may be required.) 

Step 2 - Apply

Program applicants will apply through CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants).

CASPA Application opens: April 2025

CASPA Application deadline: August 1, 2025

Classes begin: June 2026

Applications to the Bethel PA program will not be reviewed until all materials are submitted, including:

• Completed and verified CASPA application
• Supplemental Questions in CASPA
• Bethel application fee

The Bethel University PA program offers an application fee refund to applicants who have already been approved for a fee waiver through CASPA. Admissions staff will contact you to request verification of eligibility and then initiate a refund of the fee. 

Get started on your CASPA application. 

Step 3 - Interview with program representatives

All applications are evaluated following the August 1 deadline, the Bethel PA program does not use a rolling admission process. Selected candidates will be invited for an in-person interview in the fall, with exact dates communicated to candidates in the invitation to interview. Application and interview scores are based on demonstration of fit with program mission and goals considering:

• Academic achievement
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Critical thinking
• Compassion and service to others
• Professional and leadership experiences
• Motivation for a career as a physician assistant
• Preparation to provide culturally responsive care for all patients

Step 4 - Complete enrollment requirements

Following interviews, conditional acceptance letters will be sent to selected candidates.  All accepted candidates must complete the following requirements prior to enrollment: 

• Non-refundable tuition deposit ($500)
• Criminal background check*
• Health screening**
• TB screening
• Proof of required vaccinations: The Bethel PA program is required to follow CDC recommendations for healthcare worker vaccinations. Clinical rotation sites have their own requirements and generally require full COVID-19 vaccination with no exemptions available for students. Please contact our admissions team with questions.
• Proof of health insurance

*Certain offenses may preclude graduates from becoming licensed as a physician assistant and/or may limit clinical placement options.

**All students must submit documentation from their care provider of ability to perform the program’s technical standards (pdf) prior to starting the program.

Step 5 - Apply for Financial Aid

For financial aid information, check out this video: