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7 Crucial Facts About The Notre Dame Of Maryland University PA Program For 2025 Applicants

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Are you considering a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) and looking for a top-tier program in the Mid-Atlantic region? The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) Program at Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) in Baltimore, MD, represents a dynamic and highly competitive option for prospective students. As of this current date, December 26, 2025, the program holds a critical status that all applicants must understand: it has been granted Accreditation-Provisional status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

This comprehensive 26-month, full-time program is designed to transform dedicated students with a bachelor's degree into highly competent healthcare providers, emphasizing a rigorous curriculum focused on inter-professional education and patient-centered care. Understanding the specific admissions criteria, accreditation status, and program structure is essential for anyone preparing their application for the upcoming 2026 cohort and beyond.

Program Leadership, Structure, and Accreditation Status

The NDMU PA Program is defined by its concise structure, dedicated leadership, and current accreditation standing, which are all vital details for potential students.

Key Program Leadership

  • Program Director: Jack Goble, Jr.
  • Medical Director: Dr. Solaide Akintade, who also serves as a Department of Transportation Medical Examiner.
  • Academic Director: Jennifer Norris, PA-C, who is passionate about education and student success.

The 26-Month MSPA Program Structure

The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) at NDMU is an intensive, year-round professional program. It is structured to be completed in just 26 months, offering a fast track to a career in medicine. The curriculum is divided into didactic and clinical phases, preparing students with both foundational knowledge and extensive hands-on experience.

Accreditation-Provisional Status Explained

A crucial piece of information for any applicant is the program's accreditation status. At its June 2023 meeting, the ARC-PA granted the Notre Dame of Maryland University Physician Assistant Studies Program Accreditation-Provisional status. This status is a significant achievement, indicating the program is compliant with the ARC-PA standards and allows the program to enroll its first cohort of students.

  • What does Accreditation-Provisional mean? It is a temporary status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards.
  • Is it a concern? It is the standard status for all new PA programs. It remains in effect until the program achieves Accreditation-Continued status, which is typically granted after the first cohort graduates and the program has undergone a comprehensive review.

The Competitive NDMU PA Program Admissions Requirements

Admission to the NDMU MSPA Program is highly competitive, utilizing the national Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and adhering to a rolling admission process. The program strongly favors applicants who have completed all prerequisites upon application submission. The application window for the cohort beginning in Fall 2026 has a deadline of January 15, 2025, highlighting the importance of early submission.

Minimum Academic and Experience Benchmarks

To be considered for admission, prospective students must meet several demanding minimum criteria:

  • Overall GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
  • Prerequisite GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required specifically for all prerequisite coursework.
  • Prerequisite Course Grades: A minimum grade of 'B' is required for every single prerequisite course. Furthermore, all prerequisite courses must have been completed within the last eight years.
  • Patient Care Experience (PCE): Applicants must complete a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience. The program notes that more hours are considered most favorable, underscoring the importance of extensive clinical exposure.
  • PA Shadowing: A minimum of 40 hours of Physician Assistant shadowing is required, with more hours also being highly favorable.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required. The program specifically requests references from a PA, a Physician, and another healthcare provider.

Financial Planning and Curriculum Focus

Understanding the financial commitment and the unique pedagogical approach of the NDMU PA Program is crucial for making an informed decision about your graduate education.

Current Tuition and Fees (2025 Rates)

The cost of the MSPA program reflects the high-quality, intensive nature of the education. Based on the most current published rates, the financial breakdown is as follows:

  • MS in Physician Assistant Tuition: $34,755 Per Year.
  • MS in Physician Assistant Student Fees: $1,500 Per Year.

It is important to note that additional program-specific fees will apply, including costs for standardized patient activities, professional organization memberships, mandatory training modules, in-services, and clinical year LMS fees. Prospective students should consult the official NDMU financial aid and tuition pages for a complete and personalized cost of attendance estimate.

A Modern, Systems-Based Curriculum

The NDMU PA Program employs a contemporary and highly effective teaching methodology designed to produce clinically ready Physician Assistants. The curriculum is systems-based and focuses on active learning techniques.

  • Case-Based Learning (CBL): Students work through real-world clinical cases, applying their knowledge in a practical context.
  • Organ-Based/Systems-Based Learning: The curriculum is structured around the body's organ systems, which promotes a holistic and integrated understanding of disease and patient care.
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL): This method encourages critical thinking and self-directed learning, preparing students for the continuous learning required in clinical practice.

Core coursework includes foundational classes like PAS-500 (Medical Law/Ethics/PA History), PAS-501 (Anatomy), and PAS-502 (Patient Evaluation and Clinical Reasoning I), alongside their respective lab components. This rigorous academic foundation, combined with extensive clinical rotations, ensures graduates are well-prepared for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) and a successful career in a variety of medical specialties.

7 Crucial Facts About the Notre Dame of Maryland University PA Program for 2025 Applicants
notre dame of maryland university pa program
notre dame of maryland university pa program

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