Physician Assistant Master’s Degree in Medicine (MSM)

Admissions

The Trevecca PA Programs strives to select a cohort prepared to succeed both academically and professionally while possessing the character and values suited to fulfill our mission.

It is our goal to assure our graduates are fully competent physician assistants capable of fulfilling the Hippocratic oath “to benefit and do no harm.” Applicants admitted to the program must meet our academic and technical standards and possess the intelligence, integrity, compassion, humanitarian concern, and physical and emotional capacity necessary to practice medicine.

Application Review

We are mission-driven and strive to recruit students who are committed to serve their communities in compassionate ministry. To ensure applicants align with our mission, we perform a holistic review of applicants’ academic performance, patient care hours, PA shadowing experiences, and letters of recommendation.

Applications are only reviewed after being verified by the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) service.

Interviews and Offers

We begin interviewing in mid-summer and continue until the class is full. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early for the May 2027 cohort.

We make it our goal, when possible, to notify all interviewees of our decision within two weeks. All notifications of admission status will be communicated to the applicants by email within CASPA.

Offers of admission are extended on a rolling basis and will continue to be made until a full cohort of 50 students are selected. Once an offer is made, an applicant must pay a $500 deposit to hold their seat, and a second $500 deposit two months later.

*The Trevecca PA Program extends an invitation to interview to any Trevecca or Olivet Nazarene University graduate who meets all admissions requirements.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

For prerequisite coursework to be reviewed, it must have been completed within the last seven years at the time of application.

• Only two required science courses may be pending for the spring semester prior to matriculation.
  • If a student has outstanding prerequisite courses prior to matriculation,  the classes must be completed and a transcript submitted prior to the first day of class.
• Science courses labeled as "survey" or "introductory" will not be accepted (for clarification, please contact us for approval).
• No online or hybrid courses for science prerequisites will be accepted.
  • See COVID Policy Addendum for exceptions.
• Online course options may only be used to complete the psychology requirements and/or medical terminology course.
• Child development, child psychology, or lifespan psychology are considered substitutes for developmental psychology. Abnormal psychology may not be substituted for the developmental psychology prerequisite.
• The only exceptions are for those that qualify by working in one of the following areas:
  • Chemistry: Academic or Commercial Chemist 
  • Anatomy/Physiology: Academic or Commercial Human Biologist
  • Microbiology: Academic or Commercial Biologist/Microbiologist

Science Prerequisite Expiration Policy

If one of the required prerequisite courses is expired, a refresher course must be completed.

• An expired course is defined as one that has a completion date of seven years or more from May of the year of starting the PA program.
• A refresher is a minimum of one semester of the expired course or a higher level of the expired course.

Additional Upper-Level Science Courses

Due to the competitiveness of the selection process, all applicants are encouraged to take as many additional upper-level science courses as possible. Not only do the courses provide information on academic performance, but they also assist in preparation for the rigors of the program. The average range of additional upper-level sciences courses for accepted students is three to five. The following is a list of additional courses that will assist you in increasing the competitiveness of your application:

• Organic Chemistry
• Immunology
• Genetics
• Pathophysiology
• Molecular or Cellular Biology
• Biochemistry

It is common for applicants to exceed all minimum admissions requirements. Statistics for the cohort of 2026 include the following ranges and average:

• Undergrad Cumulative GPA: range 3.37-4.0 with average 3.77
• Overall Science GPA: range 3.27-4.0 with average 3.68

Patient Care Hours

All applicants must log a minimum of 250 hours of direct patient care at the time of submission of the application. The following positions qualify for direct patient care hours:

• Medical assistant, patient care technician, surgical technician, first assistant, scribe
• CNA, LPN, RN, EMT/paramedic, OT/PT or OT asst./PT asst., AT-C, phlebotomist, RT, ER technician
• Lab technician, certified pharmacy technician, clinical dietician
  • These job titles may only be used if phlebotomy or direct patient care is the majority of job description.

Special Considerations

Trevecca has created the STEM PA Scholar Pathway for students majoring in  STEM programs at TNU. Students participate in a tailored academic experience to prepare for application to PA schools such as Trevecca’s. After completing an undergraduate STEM degree and meeting all prerequisite requirements, qualifying candidates in the Pathway receive either a guaranteed interview or early assurance of a guaranteed seat in the PA Program.

• Information sessions for TNU STEM PA Scholar Pathway occur each fall
• Applications for candidacy into the STEM PA Scholar Pathway are due by the end of February of the sophomore year. 
• Candidacy interviews will occur each spring

If you are interested in applying or have additional questions on how to qualify, please email Katrina Gill, Director of PA Admissions at kgill@trevecca.edu.

International Students

• For potential applicants that did not attend a US-based school, please submit all foreign coursework to the World Education Services (WES), Inc. This report should then be sent directly to CASPA from the evaluation service.
• Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 is required on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test. On the computer-based TOEFL, we require a total score of 80 with 20 on each section (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

Admission Requirement Summary

• Degree requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university within the US or an equivalency from an international institution.
  • International students: are welcome to apply but must meet all required prerequisites and submit their transcripts to the World Education Services (WES).  Please see the international applicants’ section below for more information.
• GPA Requirements
  • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.25 or higher
  • Overall science GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Standardized Exams
  • The program does not require the GRE or the PA-CAT
• Prerequisite courses
  • Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with lab – 8 hours (see note under pre-requisite course substitutions)
  • General Chemistry I and II with lab – 8 credits
  • Microbiology with lab - 3 or 4 credits
  • General Psychology – 3 credits
  • Developmental Psychology (Growth and Development or Lifespan) – 3 credits
  • Medical Terminology – minimum 1 credit/certificate

• Direct patient care hours: a minimum of 250 hours must be logged at the time of application
• Shadowing: a minimum of 10 hours at the time of application
• Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation including one from a PA/MD/DO/NP who has directly observed you in a healthcare setting.
• Technical standards: All accepted applicants must possess the capacity to meet required technical standards. Please refer to the Technical Standards tab for more information.
• Advanced placement: No advanced placement is given regardless of academic background.
• Background statement
  • Applicants must self-report any misdemeanor, felony, and/or dismissals. If an incident is discovered that was not reported, the applicant is subject to possibly being revoked of an offer or acceptance into Trevecca’s PA program.  A certified background check will be performed prior to matriculation and any positive report may also result in a revocation of an offer or acceptance.

How to Apply

Application to Trevecca PA Program

The PA program utilizes the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) which opened at the end of April 2025:

• Complete a CASPA application and submit all transcripts and any additional documentation directly to CASPA.
• Applications must have a “completed” status in CASPA by October 1^st to be considered for an interview.
• All shadowing and direct patient care minimum hours must be reflected within the application at the time of submission to CASPA.

All graduates from Trevecca or Olivet Nazarene University who meet TNU PA Program admissions criteria will be offered a minimum of an interview within our standard admissions process for the PA program and the potential to qualify for one of three early assurance seats offered each year.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early in the 2025 – 2026 cycle as possible as we accept candidates on a rolling basis.

*We do not accept transfer students from other PA programs or former PA students who were dismissed.

Questions

• Contact the PA Admissions Team at (615) 248-1363 or dldemana@trevecca.edu
• For tech support for the CASPA application, please call 240-497-1985 or e-mail apply@caspaonline.org.

Class of 2028 Tuition and Fees

* Disclaimer: Tuition and costs are subject to change.

Tuition Refund Policy 

• All refund periods are calculated on total calendar days from the start of the semester. After the 7th calendar day, there will be no refund of fees. 

Medical instruments, program scrubs and lab coats are additional costs to the above tuition package per student selection.

*Disclaimer: Tuition & costs are subject to change.

Professional organization student membership fees, medical instruments, program scrubs and lab coats are additional costs to the above tuition package per student selection.

*Disclaimer: Tuition & costs are subject to change.

Trevecca Refund Policy

For students withdrawing from all classes or dropping a course, the following refund policy applies to tuition and fees:

All refund periods are calculated on total calendar days from the start of the semester. After the 7th calendar day there will be no refund on fees.

Financial Payment Information

Trevecca Nazarene University requires all students to sign a Financial Commitment Form prior to enrollment and first semester registration. Academic registration for each semester is not complete until the student has completed all financial obligations. Academic Records can withhold grades and/or admittance to an upcoming semester if a student has an unpaid account. Students are expected to make all necessary arrangements with Trevecca’s Financial Services Office. The student is responsible for any outstanding balance on their account.

All charges are due and payable at the beginning of each semester. Late fees are charged at 1.5% per month on any outstanding balance. Through MyTrevecca, each student can access their student account, balance, activity, statements, and payment plans. Additional information can be found here.

Technical Standards

Technical standards are established to align with the program curriculum. Accepted students must possess cognitive, physical, and behavioral skills that ensure they can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective care as a physician assistant. The program follows all admissions requirements and technical standards when making their admissions decisions. 

Applicants to the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program must meet the technical standards outlined by the Program and the University. We recognize that degrees of ability vary between students. Applicants who are otherwise qualified but require reasonable accommodation should contact Trevecca Nazarene University Disability Services. All Technical standards must be met with or without accommodation. We welcome all who meet minimal admissions requirements to apply.

The following Technical Standards identify the Program’s requirements for admission.

Observation 

Observation includes the use of the sense of vision, both near and far, as well as other senses and modalities (smell, hearing, etc.) to facilitate knowledge. The candidate must be able to observe content including, but not limited to, demonstrations, illustrations, microscopic studies, and patient physical condition. These skills are necessary to accurately diagnose and develop treatment plans.

Communication  

Communication involves the ability to speak clearly, interpret, and observe patients. Effective communication includes speaking fluently and effectively with sensitivity and compassion toward patients. Additional required communication skills include comprehension and composition of written documentation, allowing candidates to work effectively and efficiently as part of a medical care team.  

Motor

Motor functions are an integral part of the diagnostic process. Candidates should be able to perform maneuvers such as palpation, auscultation, and percussion. Additionally, candidates should be able to perform diagnostic procedures (e.g., lumbar puncture, skin biopsy) and emergency treatments (e.g., suturing, splinting, incision and drainage) which require gross and fine motor skills to ensure the highest level of patient care.

Cognitive/Conceptualization

The ability to synthesize, retain, and apply a wide breadth of complex information indicates that candidates must be alert and attentive. Candidates will experience their curriculum through a variety of modalities. It is important that they can integrate knowledge presented in diverse ways. This includes the ability to comprehend spatial relationships and three-dimensional models. 

Behavioral/Social 

The practice of medicine includes many legal and ethical aspects. Candidates must be able to relate to their patients and families in a way that shows dignity, respect, and compassion. The well-being of the patient should be primary. Candidates should be able to complete multiple tasks and functions under stress. They should be able to adapt to the needs of their patients and exhibit empathy and integrity throughout their education and their medical career. 

Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into didactic and clinical phases.  The didactic phase is 15 months during which students concentrate on learning the medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.  In the second semester of the didactic year, students start clinical medicine where they learn about diseases in each organ system of the body.

Once the didactic phase is completed, students progress to the clinical phase where they complete eight clinical rotations over a 12-month period. Core rotations include family medicine, pediatrics, behavioral/mental health, internal medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, women’s health, and one elective.

Rotations are six weeks in length. Reliable transportation is required. All expenses related to travel, meals, and lodging during rotations are the responsibility of the student.

Students are discouraged from employment while in the PA program due to the demands of the Program.

At the completion of all curriculum requirements, the Master of Science in Medicine (MSM) degree will be awarded.

Trevecca physician assistant students consistently score above the national average on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). View the TNU PA Program Performance Summary Report here.

Here is more information about our exam results: 

• Congratulations to the class of 2024 for their 100% first-time taker pass rate. 
• Classes of 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 each achieved a first-time taker pass rate of 100%.

Pass rates of first-time test takers

5-year national average:
93%

5-year average for Trevecca graduates:
99%

Attrition Data Table

Program Goals

1. Attract and admit diverse, qualified learners.

Our admissions process involves a holistic review of our applicants. We matriculate those that meet or exceed our program admissions requirements. Moreover, our program places high importance on personal character that aligns with our mission and values. Our admissions selection process also demonstrates our value for experiential differences. Out of respect for individual backgrounds, we seek to provide opportunities for applicants who represent medically underserved communities, economic disadvantages, first-generation college students, military, and those with the gift of expanded connection due to proficiency in a second language. In this way, we hope to enrich our program and the PA profession

2. Cultivate graduates who recognize the value of service in communities. 

Fundamental to our program’s mission and values is our intention to prepare our graduates to employ their knowledge, skills, and resources in compassionate service. We do so by providing program-sponsored opportunities for our students to serve communities through Nashville-area nonprofits and to participate in clinical rotations that care for medically underserved populations, both in the U.S. and internationally. We also encourage our students to reflect on the value of these experiences and to personally commit to supporting future community service/missions after graduation.

3. Provide a comprehensive educational experience that enables students to acquire the essential knowledge and skills for entry-level practice as a PA.

Our program-defined competencies required of all graduating students encompass knowledge for practice, interpersonal and communication skills, patient-centered care, professionalism, and practice-based learning and improvement. We have designed a curriculum of sufficient depth and breadth in both the didactic and clinical phases to address these competencies and allow us to be confident that all of our graduates are ready for entry-level PA practice.

4. Foster a highly supportive educational community dedicated to student retention and success. 

Our program endeavors to challenge our students to excel and achieve their fullest potential within a strongly supportive learning community. We are committed to the success of each student admitted to our program; thus, we strive to maintain a high graduation rate. Additionally, we seek to develop encouraging, mentoring relationships between faculty/staff and students that promote ongoing holistic growth and excellence, as well as close-knit student-peer relationships that encourage camaraderie and teamwork. Methods by which this is accomplished include strong academic advising support; formative educational experiences with intentional one-on-one or small group faculty-student coaching; student learning activities that facilitate interpersonal student interaction and teamwork; class officer appointments that model leadership and service to one’s cohort; and the intentional design of facility spaces to allow for small group learning.

Effectiveness of Meeting Program Goals Document (PDF)

Knowledge for Practice (KP) 

Demonstrate knowledge about established and evolving biomedical and clinical sciences and their application to patient care.

KP1. Relate the foundational principles of basic and clinical science to the practice of medicine.
KP2. Apply principles of epidemiology to identify health problems, risk factors, and disease prevention strategies for individuals and populations.
KP3. Identify signs and symptoms associated with commonly presenting disorders.
KP4. Formulate differential diagnoses based on presenting signs, symptoms, and patient-specific data.
KP5. Select and interpret appropriate laboratory and diagnostic tests based on the clinical situation.
KP6. Appropriately utilize evidence-based clinical and therapeutic interventions.
KP7. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in acute, chronic, and emergent clinical situations across the lifespan.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills (IPCS) 

Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills Program Learning Outcomes

IPCS1. Demonstrate effective communication skills to elicit information from and provide information to diverse patient populations, patient families, and other members of the healthcare team.
IPCS2. Appropriately organize and accurately document medical information.
IPCS3. Accurately articulate one's role and responsibilities to patients, families and other health professionals.
IPCS4. Recognize when referrals are needed and make them to the appropriate health care provider.

Patient-Centered Care (PCC) 

Provide patient-centered care that includes patient and setting specific assessment, evaluation, and management and healthcare that is evidence-based, supports patient safety and advances health equity.

Patient-Centered Care Program Learning Outcomes

PCC1. Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and their families.
PCC2. Collect essential information about patients by taking a problem-focused or comprehensive history.
PCC3. Perform an accurate physical examination for both problem-focused and comprehensive patient visits.
PCC4. Construct patient-centered management plans and appropriately incorporate disease prevention and health promotion.
PCC5. Perform common clinical skills and procedures appropriate for entry into clinical practice.
PCC6. Counsel and educate patients effectively. 

Professionalism (PF) 

Demonstrate a commitment to practicing medicine in ethically and legally appropriate ways and emphasizing professionalism and accountability for delivering safe and quality care to patients and populations.

Professionalism Program Learning Outcomes

PF1. Adhere to appropriate professional behaviors in interactions with others.
PF2. Demonstrate consideration for the dignity of patients and the diversity of patient populations.
PF3. Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to optimize clinical care while maintaining a climate of mutual respect.
PF4. Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to ethical principles, laws, policies, and regulations pertaining to PA medical practice.
PF5. Support advocacy for the PA profession.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement (PLI) 

Develop skills to evaluate, assess, and analyze one’s own practice experience, the medical literature, and other information resources for the purpose of self-evaluation, lifelong learning, and practice improvement.

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement Program Learning Outcomes

At its March 2025 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) extended Accreditation-Probation status for the Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University until its next review in March 2027.

Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened.

Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit and is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn.

Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).

The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at:

https://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-trevecca-nazarene-university/

Accreditation FAQs

Is a program on probation still accredited?
Yes. Accreditation-Probation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect future entering classes?
The program will continue to admit students during its regular admissions cycle. The program may admit future cohorts under the current Accreditation-Probation status.

How will the Accreditation-Probation status affect the current staff and faculty support for newly admitted students, current students, and alumni?
The program will continue to provide the resources necessary to our students, past and present.

How does the program’s Accreditation-Probation status affect my degree from Trevecca?
There is no effect on your degree. You will still earn a MSM degree once you meet the degree requirements and will be awarded your degree as scheduled.

If the program is on probation, can I take the PANCE?
Yes. The program is fully accredited, which allows all program graduates to take the PANCE.

Can I apply for licensure if the program I graduated from is on Accreditation-Probation status?
Yes. The primary requirements for licensure are graduation from an accredited program and NCCPA certification. The program remains fully accredited.

The program I am considering is on probation. If I enter that program, will I be graduating from an accredited program?
Probation is an active accreditation status and those entering a program that is on probation are entering a program that is fully accredited. In order to be eligible to take the PANCE, students must successfully complete a program that was accredited at the time the student matriculated. It is best to check with the NCCPA concerning exam eligibility criteria.

Preceptors

Trevecca partners with medical professionals who can offer hands-on training to PA students. Licensed physician assistants, nurse practitioners, doctors of medicine and doctors of osteopathic medicine are invited to apply to serve as clinical preceptors.

Why be a preceptor?

• Invest in the next generation of healthcare providers
• Become eligible as a regular preceptor to receive a precepting stipend
• Evaluate possible future employees
• Add an educational component to your CV
• Serve in a guest lecturing role in the classroom
• Earn CME credits
• Add energy and enthusiasm to your practice through student participants

What are the responsibilities?

• “See one. Do one. Teach one.” Introduce students to new skills and procedures
• Offer training to master’s-level PA students for a clinical rotation
• Provide feedback on student performance
• Share opportunities and knowledge gained during practice
• Be an example of professionalism
• Grow a student’s communication skills
• Connect students with professionals in other areas
• Set the student’s schedule based on the provider’s schedule

What sets Trevecca’s PA program apart?

Trevecca is home to the first and longest-running Physician Assistant Master of Science in Medicine degree in Tennessee. Since 1976, the University has graduated more than 1,300 students who’ve gone on to serve successfully in a variety of healthcare careers. Our program emphasizes both academic excellence and a mindset of compassion and integrity.

Throughout the last five years, the average first-time PANCE pass rate for Trevecca students has been 99 percent. In recent years our graduates have scored above the national average on every organ system section of the exam.

STEM PA Scholar Pathway (Pre PA Pathway)

Beginning in 2021, undergraduate Trevecca students with Biology major/Chemistry minors, who met all criteria, were eligible to interview for a Pre-PA Pathway candidacy which allowed for a tailored undergraduate academic experience in preparation for application to a competitive PA school such as Trevecca’s. Two options within the pathway were a guaranteed seat or a guaranteed interview for the Trevecca PA Program. A maximum of 10% of the cohort seats were designated for this purpose.

In the Fall of 2024, Trevecca will be transitioning the previous Pre PA Pathway to our new STEM PA Scholar Pathway. This new opportunity allows for qualifying undergraduate Trevecca students across all STEM majors to tailor their education in preparation for becoming a PA. In addition, the advantage of this educational pathway gives a greater number of our students the potential to qualify for a guaranteed seat, as a sophomore, into our historically recognized PA program upon completion of their undergraduate STEM degree from Trevecca.

If you are interested in applying or have additional questions on how to qualify, please email Teresa Vines, PA Program Admissions Coordinator, at tvines@trevecca.edu.

Health Sciences Walkthrough

Trevecca campus tour

Student Policies

• Tuition Fees Refunds
  (Accreditation Standards A1.02k; A3.12f)
• PA Program Not Requiring Prospective & Enrolled Students to Provide SCPE Sites or Preceptors
  (Accreditation Standard A3.03)
• Student Health Screening and Immunization Policy
  (Accreditation Standard A3.07a; A3.07b)
• PA Student Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards Policy
  (Accreditation Standards A3.08 a; A3.08b; A3.08c)
• PA Program Faculty & Directors Precluded from Providing PA Students Health Care
  (Accreditation Standards A3.09)
• PA Program Goals
  (Accreditation Standard A3.12b)
• Trevecca Nazarene University Physician Assistant Program Competencies
  (Accreditation Standard A3.12g)
• PA Student Employment Policy, PA Students Must Not Be Required to Work for the Program Policy, PA Students Must Not Substitute for Instructional Faculty
  (Accreditation Standard A3.15e, Accreditation Standard A3.04, Accreditation Standard A3.05)
• Processing Student Allegations of Harassment
  (Accreditation Standard A1.02j)
• Timely Access and/or Referral of Students to Services Addressing Personal Issues
  (Accreditation Standards A1.04; A3.10)
• PA Program Withdrawal and Dismissal
  (Accreditation Standard A3.15d)