MPAS Direct Admission

Program Overview

The Direct Admit Status (DAS) to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program is available to exceptional high school students wishing to accelerate their academic and career paths to become a physician assistant (PA).

-An exceptional high school student has:

• Earned a college preparatory diploma
• 3.8 or higher cumulative GPA (unweighted) in high school
• Scored at the 90^th percentile or higher on the SAT (nationally representative percentiles; total score) or ACT (composite score).*
• Scored at the 90^th percentile or higher on the SAT (nationally representative percentiles; total score) or ACT (composite score).*

*If there are multiple test scores available for an applicant, the program will consider the highest score earned on the SAT total score or ACT composite score. The program requires that one official copy of the test score to be considered be sent directly from the College Board (SAT or ACT) to Kettering College.

 **If college credit has been earned through dual-credit coursework (e.g. College Credit Plus (CCP), the cumulative GPA in those courses must also meet or exceed 3.8 gpa.

Admissions Process

• Complete an application for admission. This includes submission of required academic documents (e.g., high school transcript, ACT/SAT scores, post-secondary transcripts from dual enrollment coursework completed during high school; students who begin coursework at another college or university will not be considered for direct admission (transfer students).
  • Provide two letters of recommendation to complete their application.
  • One from a science teacher familiar with their academic work

*Please have those submitting a recommendation, email their letters as PDFs to: admissions@kc.edu or send their letters by postal mail to: Kettering College, Office of Admissions, 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429

• Successfully complete an interview with representatives (program director, medical director, faculty member) from the departments of Health Sciences and Physician Assistant Studies. As this is a high stakes interview, it is strongly recommended that the student prepare for and practice their interviewing skills prior to the scheduled date of the interview. These interviews will typically occur during March and are preferred to occur in person, on the College campus.
• Upload an 800-1000 word essay on your decision to be a PA (submitted with your direct admit application).

Notes for Applicants

Application for DAS is made during the senior year of high school. Recommendation letters and ACT/SAT scores may be submitted upon application, and official high school transcripts showing grades through the Fall semester of the Senior year will be due February 1, 2025, for priority processing. If completing college classes through CCP, those official transcripts showing grades through the Fall semester must also be submitted at the same time. Individuals with complete application packets (meaning all materials have been received) will be reviewed, interviewed, and accepted on a rolling basis, beginning at the preferred deadline, until all spots are filled. Applicants are reminded that, due to the competitive nature of the admission process, meeting the minimum standards for admission does not guarantee admission to the program.

ACCEPTANCE

Those earning DAS are provided the opportunity to complete a five- to six-year (3/4+2) Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS), major in healthcare studies, pre-PA concentration, and MPAS program.

DAS to the MPAS program is only available to students who enter Kettering College as freshmen, though they may transfer in dual-credit awarded in high school from a regionally-accredited college or university.

PROGRESSION

All subsequent coursework must be completed through Kettering College. To maintain the DAS, the successful student will:

• maintain a cumulative and science GPA of 3.8 or higher in undergraduate coursework. Compliance with this requirement will be evaluated at the end of each term in which coursework is taken, though the science GPA will not be calculated until the individual has completed at least three science courses. If a program student falls below the required 3.8, they will have a single term to bring their GPA back to or above that minimum standard. At the end of year three, if on the four-year track (or at the end of year two, if on the three-year track), their GPA must be at or above the minimum standard.
• meet with MPAS program faculty during each Fall and Spring semester during their undergraduate coursework, demonstrating progress toward any and all goals set collaboratively with the faculty member. This is in addition to the student’s meetings with their undergraduate advisor from the Department of Health Sciences.
• remain in good standing and compliant with the College’s Student Code of Conduct.
• complete between 250-1000 hours of patient care experience, preferably in settings that allow for exposure to and interaction with PA
• complete the BSHS, major in healthcare studies, pre-PA concentration within four years. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis (e.g., student completed a year of mission service, foreign language/study abroad program, etc.).

A student who is unable to maintain compliance with the DAS progression requirements will lose that status. This student may continue in the BSHS, major in healthcare studies, pre-PA concentration, and apply to the MPAS program according to the guidelines set forth on the program’s website (Admission – Kettering College (kc.edu)). If their cumulative and science GPAs meet the minimum program criteria for admission, the student is guaranteed an interview for admission. Students who matriculate in the MPAS degree program must meet that program’s progressions standards.