Admission

*To matriculate into the DMS Bridge Program, an official transcript from the student’s entry-level PA program and the student’s NCCPA certification number must be submitted two weeks before the start date of the term in which the applicant is applying.

Spring 2026

• Application deadline: February 23
• Start date: March 16

Summer 2026

• Application deadline: June 8
• Start date: June 29

Fall 2026

• Application deadline: September 28
• Start date: October 19

Spring 2027

• Application deadline: February 22
• Start date: March 15

Students with highly unusual or extenuating circumstances, i.e., military service, inability to schedule PANCE exam due to external factors, etc., should request an admission term deferral from the DMS Bridge program director, who will forward to the DMS Bridge Program Admission Committee for review and approval or denial.

Application to the DMS Bridge Program is limited to NCCPA-certified PAs who must have graduated from an ARC-PA accredited entry-level PA program within 6 months of their intended DMS Bridge Program start date.

Current Butler University MPAS students or students enrolled at other ARC-PA accredited programs may initiate the admission process near the end of the didactic portion of their entry-level education. Matriculants must earn certification from the NCCPA after graduating from their entry-level program and results must be received prior to matriculating into the 700 level courses of the program.

Applicants must be able to meet University technology requirements during the entirety of the doctoral program. Students will need access to a reliable computer and high-speed internet. Strong computer skills and/or the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology is necessary for success.

To apply, candidates should submit the following:

• Butler application
• Official transcripts from all degree-granting colleges and universities should be sent immediately by mail or electronically to gradadmission@butler.edu*
• NCCPA certification number, must be received prior to matriculation
• An updated, comprehensive curriculum vita
• Submit a 400-word personal statement explaining:
  • Why PAs should earn a doctorate and what you plan to do when you complete your doctorate degree?

*If a student has not graduated from their entry level PA Program, they should provide a copy of an unofficial transcript. An official transcript must be sent from the issuing institution immediately upon graduation and before matriculation into the DMS Bridge Program.

A phone interview may be required.

Applicants must be fluent in English (the language of instruction of this program). When the applicant speaks and/or writes in English as a second language, the applicant must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for review. International students must have a TOEFL score and evaluation of any international transcripts. Please note that this takes additional time. 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 or Educational Credential Evaluators must evaluate all international transcripts.

Applicants who believe the TOEFL requirement should be waived may petition the Office of Admission.

Other than the supervised clinical practice experiences, no other courses outside Butler University may be transferred within the DMS Bridge Program.

Admission to the Butler DMS Bridge Program is competitive and limited based on space availability. The DMS Bridge Program has a rolling admissions process, and applicants will be considered as they apply to the program. Applicants will be notified as soon as possible following the committee’s decision. Admission decisions are considered final.

PAs who graduated prior to six months before matriculation date are not eligible for the Bridge Program; however, they may apply to the DMS Degree Program.