PA Admission Information

The Butler University PA Program has several prerequisites that must be met to gain admission:

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The minimum eligible overall GPA for all postsecondary coursework must be a 3.2 at the time of application and matriculation into the program. The current average for those matriculated in 2023 is 3.73.

Courses

Students must complete the course prerequisites listed below with no grade of “C-” or less to be considered for admission to the PA program.

Earned Advanced Placement exam scores of 4 or 5 or International Baccalaureate exam scores of a 5 to 7 may substitute for prerequisite courses. Appropriately earned AP or IB scores may replace no more than two prerequisite courses. Applicants should have College Board submit exam scores to Butler University (College Code 1073).

For information about prerequisite fulfillment, course equivalencies, and unofficial transcript reviews, please contact the PA Admission Office at PAadmission@butler.edu or (317)-940-8268.

Healthcare Experience

The Butler University PA Program does NOT require healthcare experience for consideration of admission. However, the program looks to admit individuals with a wide range of backgrounds that may include healthcare experience. While previous healthcare experience or shadowing is not required, it may be useful to the student to help discern his or her interest in and aptitude for this career.

Graduate Records Exam (GRE)

The PA Program requires a GRE score and must be provided to CASPA at the time of application (Butler University’s CASPA GRE Code: 0477). Currently there is not a minimum GRE score required. The current average GRE scores for those matriculated in 2023 is Quantitative: 153, Verbal: 154, and Written: 4.2.

Technical Standards

Technical standards are essential functions that students must demonstrate to fulfill the requirements of the PA Program and thus are prerequisites for entrance, continuation, and graduation from the Program. It is the responsibility of each applicant to affirm that they meet these technical standards upon entrance to the PA Program. The Technical Standards for admission and retention to the College are included in the College Student Handbook.

It is the policy of the Butler University to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified students with a disability so they can meet these required technical standards. Whether or not a requested accommodation is reasonable will be determined on an individual basis. Determining what is a reasonable accommodation is an interactive process which the candidate should initiate with the PA Program Director in collaboration with Student Disability Services (SDS) and the Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Prerequisite Courses

• Chemistry:
  • General/Inorganic/Analytical with lab (2 courses)
  • Organic with lab (1 course)
  • Additional chemistry course at or above 300 level (1 course)
• Biology:
  • Any biology related course at or above 200 level (5 courses)
    • Examples might include but are not limited to anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, physics, bioengineering, biomedical science, exercise science, neuroscience, zoology, and nutrition.
• Statistics/Biostatistics:
  • Any course (1 course)
• Social Sciences:
  • Any combination of psychology or sociology courses (2 courses)

Candidates must have no more than 3 outstanding prerequisite courses remaining at the time of application. Only one Chemistry or Biology related prerequisite may be outstanding at the time of application.

This is a competitive process, as the Program generally accepts 60% of each class to be admitted through this pathway. Admission to the Butler University PA Program requires application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Application Requirements

Candidates must maintain all application requirements through matriculation into the program.

• Complete CASPA application and submit application fee.
  • All applications must be marked as “complete” in CASPA by July 15 in order to be reviewed.
• Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities (including Butler University) and other postsecondary institutions attended.
• Have no more than three outstanding prerequisite courses remaining at the time of application.
  • Only one Chemistry or Biology related prerequisite may be outstanding at the time of application.
  • All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation into the program.
• Earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution before the start of the PA Program
  • College seniors are encouraged to apply, provided they will receive a baccalaureate degree prior to May start date of the PA Program.
• Earn a 3.2 or higher grade point average on all postsecondary course work.
  • Including all coursework completed at any regionally accredited institutions.
• Earn no grade of a “C-” or less on prerequisite courses.
  • A letter grade must be earned and listed on the official transcript for all prerequisite courses.
  • All attempts of repeated course work will be included in the GPA calculation.
• Take and submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.
  • General Test scores must be submitted no later than July 15 (Butler University’s CASPA GRE Code: 0477) the year prior to matriculation. No other test scores are accepted in lieu of the GRE. The scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services to CASPA.
• International applicants must additionally submit the following:
  • TOEFL scores or equivalent proof of English proficiency
  • A clear copy of your passport
  • Evidence of financial support

Special Considerations

The following admission and enrollment practices are followed.

• The Butler University PA program is committed to accepting a diverse group of qualified individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The program selects students who reflect varied social, economic, ethnic, educational, and healthcare experience backgrounds. The program seeks students who excel in leadership, service, scholarship, communication, intellectual capacity, and interpersonal skills.
• Butler University and its graduates are at an advantage in the admission process through the Selective Internal Admission Pathway. For the CASPA Application Cycles of 2020-2021, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023 up to 60% of each class will be students who have previously earned Butler degrees at the time they begin in the PA Program. For CASPA Application Cycles 2023-24 and beyond 40% of each class will be reserved for students who have previously earned Butler degrees at the time they begin in the PA Program.
• The Butler University PA Program recognizes the special heritage to our profession provided by the United States Armed Services. One seat in the Program will be “reserved” for either a veteran or an active military member (Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard). The military candidate must meet all minimum application criteria and must participate in the interview process. Students should identify themselves as being interested in consideration for this “seat” at the time of CASPA application submission. This is a competitive process.
• The Butler University PA Program does NOT require healthcare experience for consideration of admission. However, the program looks to admit individuals with a wide range of backgrounds that may include healthcare experience. While previous healthcare experience or shadowing is not required, it may be useful to the student to help discern his or her interest in and aptitude for this career.
• International students are important to the fabric of the Butler student community; however, no special consideration is granted for an international student. If a student is looking to study in the United States under an F-1 or J-1 visa, we hope you will consider Butler University. International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of all international transcripts. Please note that this takes additional time. Deadlines will not be extended for these purposes. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073. World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) must evaluate all international transcripts. Please contact PAadmission@butler.edu for guidance and/or questions regarding TOEFL or credential and/or transcript evaluation.

The following Selective Internal Pathway application requirements will be in effect for applicants in the following CASPA Application Cycles of 2023-2024 and beyond.

The Selective Internal Admission Pathway is designed for Butler University alumni and current students of any major who would like to pursue a Master of PA Studies degree. This is a competitive process as the Program will reserve 40% of each class to be admitted through this pathway. Admission to the Butler University PA Program through the Selective Internal Admission Pathway requires application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Application Requirements

Candidates must maintain all application requirements of the Selective Internal Pathway through matriculation into the program.

To be eligible to apply, candidates must:

• Complete CASPA application and submit application fee.
  • All applications must be marked as “complete” in CASPA by July 15 in order to be reviewed.
• Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities (including Butler University) and other postsecondary institutions attended.
• Have no more than three outstanding prerequisite courses remaining at the time of application.
  • Only one Chemistry or Biology related prerequisite may be outstanding at the time of application.
  • All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation into the program.
• Earn a baccalaureate degree from Butler University before the start of the PA Program
  • College seniors are encouraged to apply, provided they will receive a baccalaureate degree prior to May start date of the PA Program.
• Earn a 3.2 or higher grade point average on all postsecondary course work.
  • Including all coursework completed at any regionally accredited institutions.
• Earn no grade of a “C-” or less on prerequisite courses.
  • A letter grade must be earned and listed on the official transcript for all prerequisite courses.
  • All attempts of repeated course work will be included in the GPA calculation.
• Take and submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores.
  • General Test scores must be submitted no later than July 15 (Butler University’s CASPA GRE Code: 0477) the year prior to matriculation. No other test scores are accepted in lieu of the GRE. The scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services to CASPA.
• Submit three evaluations (letters of recommendation) to CASPA.

Students not eligible to apply via the Selective Internal Admission Pathway may apply to the Program via the Standard Admission Pathway.

Special Considerations

The following admission and enrollment practices are followed.

• The Butler University PA Program is committed to accepting a diverse group of qualified individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The program selects students who reflect varied social, economic, ethnic, educational, and healthcare experience backgrounds. The program seeks students who excel in leadership, service, scholarship, communication, intellectual capacity, and interpersonal skills.
• Forty percent of each class will be reserved for students who have previously earned Butler degrees at the time they begin in the PA Program.
• The Butler University PA Program recognizes the special heritage to our profession provided by the United States Armed Services. One seat in the Program will be “reserved” for either a veteran or an active military member (Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard). The military candidate must meet all minimum application criteria and must participate in the interview process. Students should identify themselves as being interested in consideration for this “seat” at the time of CASPA application submission. This is a competitive process.
• The Butler University PA Program does NOT require healthcare experience for consideration of admission. However, the program looks to admit individuals with a wide range of backgrounds that may include healthcare experience. While previous healthcare experience or shadowing is not required, it may be useful to the student to help discern his or her interest in and aptitude for this career.
• International students are important to the fabric of the Butler student community; however, no special consideration is granted for an international student. If a student is looking to study in the United States under an F-1 or J-1 visa, we hope you will consider Butler University. International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of all international transcripts. Please note that this takes additional time. Deadlines will not be extended for these purposes. A TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073. World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) must evaluate all international transcripts. Please contact PAadmission@butler.edu for guidance and/or questions regarding TOEFL or credential and/or transcript evaluation.

Both the Standard and Selective Internal Admission Pathways are divided into two parts: 1) Application Review and 2) On-Campus Interviews. Note: The PA Program has the right to change admission and interview processes as it deems appropriate.

Application Review

All applications for admission meeting prerequisites, application requirements, and the required postsecondary cumulative grade point average minimum of 3.2 will be reviewed. All questions in the application must be answered fully.

Further review of an application may include the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP) GPA as calculated by CASPA. The PA Admission Committee and faculty will review the application to determine excellence in leadership, service, or scholarship (research, presentations, and/or publications) and effective written communication skills. It is the Program’s desire to establish a cohort of individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

All applications must be marked as “complete” in CASPA by July 15 in order to be reviewed. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid the “volume crush” of applications that occurs near the July 15 deadline.

The GRE score must be provided to CASPA at the time of application. Candidates are welcome to take the GRE multiple times. If the GRE is taken on more than one occasion, the highest earned quantitative and verbal sub scores will be used in the admission review process. A competitive average GPA and GRE for those students matriculating each year is dependent on the cohort. The five-year average is GPA: 3.7, Composite GRE: 308, Quantitative GRE: 154, Verbal GRE: 154, Written GRE: 4.3. The following are the most recent averages by cohort:

Cohort	Average GPA	Average Composite GRE Score	Average Quantitative GRE Score	Average Verbal GRE Score	Average Written GRE Score
2023	3.7	307	153	154	4.2
2022	3.8	310	155	155	4.3
2021	3.7	307	154	154	4.3
2020	3.7	307	154	154	4.3
2019	3.7	312	156	157	4.3

On-Campus Interview

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences faculty, staff, alumni, active preceptors, and/or community based PAs evaluate candidates during the on-campus interview.  Candidates invited to interview on campus will have multiple interactions. Candidates will complete a series of stations that are generally task oriented or interview based. The stations are designed to assess candidates for characteristics necessary to be successful within this Program and/or discernment to the PA profession. Candidates are ranked based on their cumulative scores from station evaluators.

Offers of Admission

Decisions to admit candidates into the PA Program will be made by the PA Program Admission Committee. After the on-campus interview process, selected candidates will be extended a conditional offer of admission into the Butler University PA Program, generally via email. The candidate must accept the conditional offer of admission and submit a non-refundable deposit to secure a seat within the PA Program. The Office of Student Accounts will apply the deposit to the candidate’s tuition. The candidate must meet all University and PA Program prerequisites and requirements at the time of matriculation to enter into the Program.

Application Timeline

The following timeline should provide guidance to those interested in applying to the Program. The PA Program has the right to change timelines, as it deems appropriate. Please contact PAadmission@butler.edu or (317)-940-8268 for additional admission questions.

Late April	CASPA Application Available
July 15	All materials must be received and marked complete by CASPA*
May–September	Application review of candidates
September–October	On-campus interviews of selected candidates
October–November	Conditional offers of admission to selected candidates

*The Butler University PA Program encourages all applicants to complete the Transcript Entry portion of the CASPA so as not to delay application completion processes.

Master of PA Studies Information Sessions

Information Sessions are designed for prospective students who are current undergraduate students or those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Register for MPAS information sessions here.

Explore Butler: Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Current high school students interested in pursuing a Master of PA Studies in the future should register to attend an Explore Pharmacy & Health Sciences Session through the Office of Admission. Register for Pharmacy & Health Sciences information sessions here.

The following admission and enrollment practices are followed:

• The Butler University PA Program is committed to accepting a diverse group of qualified individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The program selects students who reflect varied social, economic, ethnic, educational, and healthcare experience backgrounds. The program seeks students who excel in leadership, service, scholarship, communication, intellectual capacity, and interpersonal skills.
• Butler University and its graduates are at an advantage in the admission process through the Selective Internal Admission Pathway. Forty percent of each class will be reserved for students who have previously earned Butler degrees at the time they begin in the PA Program.
• The Butler University PA Program recognizes the special heritage to our profession provided by the United States Armed Services. One seat in the Program will be “reserved” for either a veteran or an active military member (Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard). The military candidate must meet all minimum application criteria and must participate in the interview process. Students should identify themselves as being interested in consideration for this “seat” at the time of CASPA application submission. This is a competitive process.
• The Butler University PA Program does NOT require healthcare experience for consideration of admission. However, the program looks to admit individuals with a wide range of backgrounds that may include healthcare experience. While previous healthcare experience or shadowing is not required, it may be useful to the student to help discern his or her interest in and aptitude for this career.
• International students are important to the fabric of the Butler student community; however, no special consideration is granted for an international student. If a student is looking to study in the United States under an F-1 or J-1 visa, we hope you will consider Butler University. International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of all international transcripts. Please note that this takes additional time. Deadlines will not be extended for these purposes. A TOEFL score of 79 (internet-based test) meets Butler University’s English language proficiency requirements. Butler’s TOEFL school code is 1073. World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) must evaluate all international transcripts. Please contact PAadmission@butler.edu or (317)-940-8268 for guidance and/or questions regarding TOEFL or credential and/or transcript evaluation.

The Butler PA Program recognizes the difficult situation both institutions and students faced during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Below are details to our response provided by the Butler PA Admission Committee.

• All applicants must take and submit Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores. ETS is currently offering the GRE General Test at Home option. Applicants are welcome to utilize this service or take the GRE at a testing site.
  • GRE General Test scores must be submitted no later than July 15 (Butler University’s CASPA GRE Code: 0477) the year prior to matriculation. No other test scores are accepted in lieu of the GRE. The scores must be sent directly from Educational Testing Services to CASPA.
• As is our common practice, we will continue to accept coursework, including prerequisites that are completed online. This includes both lectures and labs.
• For application to our Program a letter grade for prerequisite coursework is required.
  • If you were required to take prerequisite courses for Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit during Spring or Summer 2020, the PA Admission Committee will take these applications into consideration. You must submit a FORM that includes verification from your institution that a grade of P/F, Credit/No Credit, or similar was required.
• SPA Application Cycle, the Butler PA Program will return to pre-pandemic prerequisite requirements where applicants may have no more than three outstanding prerequisite courses at the time of application and only one of these may be chemistry or biology-related.
  • All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation into the Program.

No other requirements have been changed. Prospective students can see all requirements for application HERE.