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Physician Assistant Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to apply through CASPA?
Yes, we have a legal agreement with CASPA stating that all applicants must apply through CASPA meeting the established application deadline.
2. How much does the AACC Physician Assistant program cost?
The total cost of the PA program at AACC is:
In-county students: $19,024
Out of county students: $27,003*
Out of state students: $39,830
The cost for the Master’s option is $6,850.
*Currently our program is designated a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the state of Maryland; therefore, a student who is a resident of Maryland may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required by the program.
These costs are all subject to change.
3. How many seats are available in the PA program?
40
4. How many applications does your program typically receive per admission cycle?
Over 200
5. How often do you admit students?
Once a year. A new class begins matriculation in May of each year.
6. Does the type of bachelor’s degree matter?
A BS/BA degree or higher from a nationally recognized institution is acceptable. For your success in the program, a science related degree is preferred.
7. Do you offer a part-time PA program?
No, our program is a 25-month, full-time program.
8. If I send my transcripts to CASPA, do I also have to send them to AACC?
Yes, all applicants are required to submit one official transcript from each college to AACC's Records and Registration office even though they have already been sent to CASPA. This is a college policy.
9. If I send letters of recommendation to CASPA, do I need to submit them to AACC as well?
No, we obtain letters of recommendation from CASPA. It is the students responsibility to make sure that CASPA receives all three letters of recommendation.
10. Do my prerequisites and degree need to be completed by the application deadline?
For first consideration, yes. Only complete applications will be reviewed. If space is available, we will review applications that are complete after the fall semester.
11. I have copies of my transcripts, can someone look at them and tell me if I have the necessary prerequisites?
You can e-mail the college transcript evaluator at records@aacc.edu to see if the courses you are referring to are equivalent. Please provide the college name, course title, number and description.
This is the only department that can evaluate transcripts at AACC.
12. How will I know if my transcripts have been evaluated for prerequisites?
First, all students wanting transcripts evaluated must submit an AACC College application online. Then, have the official transcripts sent directly from the institution to the AACC Records and Registration office. This office will then send you a letter stating that your transcripts have been evaluated and identify what has transferred in as prerequisites.
13. Do my science courses have to be taken within the last five years?
No, it is strongly recommended for your success in the program that Anatomy and Physiology courses be completed within five years but it is not required.
14. If I retake a course, which grade will count in my GPA?
If you retake an equivalent course, the last grade counts for the prerequisite GPA. For cumulative GPA and science GPA (as calculated by CASPA) ALL courses will be counted in the GPA. AACC USES THE GPA CALCULATED BY CASPA.
Last Updated: Aug 20 2008 3:40PM