What if I have taken courses that are not listed on the prerequisite course list?
If you have questions, contact the Admissions Department or the Program office. We will be happy to answer your questions.

If I don't have a bachelor's degree, can I still apply to the program?
Yes, but you will need to meet all the required prerequisites including completing a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation into the program if accepted. No prerequisite courses can be taken while in the professional phase of the program.

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Yes, applicants will be required to take the general test component of the GRE. No minimum score is required, but it is expected that most applicants will have received a minimum score of 1000. The school code for Lincoln Memorial University is 1408.

What is the admissions process?
You can apply at any time. Completed applications are reviewed as they are received. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2009. Applicants are notified as soon as possible regarding interview selection. After interviews, we will notify applicants within one month regarding admissions decisions. The program will start on May 18, 2009.

Do I need to have a background check prior to attending LMU-DCOM?
Yes, all students accepted into the PA Program will be required to have a background check prior to being fully accepted into the program.

Will I need to have a drug screen prior to admission to the PA Program?
If accepted into the PA Program, you will be required to have a "URINE 10 PANEL" drug and alcohol screening. Hospital sites during clinical rotation may also require the same panel. Students will be responsible for obtaining and paying for the drug screen(s).

When do you interview applicants and who is allowed to interview?
Only applicants who are selected by the admissions staff and committee are offered interviews. Interviews are offered beginning in October to selected applicants on designated dates. It is important to note that only applicants with complete files will be considered for an interview.

What does it mean if I am put on the alternate list?
We will notify you if you are designated for the alternate list. You will need to notify our admissions staff that you are still interested in our program if you are placed on this list.

Is it useful to shadow a PA or other health professional before applying to the program?
Shadowing involves observing a PA or other health professional and offers the applicant a chance to increase their understanding of the role of the PA and of the health care profession. Shadowing or health care experience is not required.

Will I be able to work while a student in the program?
The PA program strongly discourages working while attending the program. The PA program is an intensive didactic and clinical educational program that involves an average of at least 40 to 50 hours per week, in addition to study, laboratory and other activities. Most students find they cannot be academically successful in the program if they attempt to work. During the clinical year, students are not allowed to work due to the number of hours required in the clinical setting which includes on call. Students are not allowed to be substituted for staff at any time during their training.

Is housing available?
The University Inn Apartments are located one and a half miles from campus and are available to medical and PA students. Housing is also available in the community.

Is financial aid available?
Yes. After an applicant is accepted, financial aid information will be provided.

Can I visit LMU to see the program?
Yes. We periodically conduct program information sessions. Feel free to call us to find out the schedule for these sessions, which will include information about curriculum, admissions, a facility tour and a chance to interact with faculty.

Am I able to attend the program part-time?
No. The program is full-time and 27 continuous months.

Do you have an orientation for new students?
Yes; we conduct a new student orientation at the beginning of the program for those students who have been accepted into the program.

What part of the application is most important for admissions decisions?
All parts of the completed application are given equal consideration. The admissions committee looks at cumulative and science grade point averages, GRE scores, reference letters, responses to questions in the application and the interview evaluation report. The Admissions Committee also evaluates the applicant's desire to become a physician assistant, evidence of academic potential, motivation, personal maturity, self assurance and good interpersonal skills.

Can I apply if I haven't completed all the prerequisite courses?
Yes, provided you will have successfully completed all the prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher by the end of the semester or term preceding your anticipated matriculation if accepted. Applicants must provide documentation of the plan to complete prerequisite courses, if/when invited for an interview.

Do you accept transfer credits toward the PA program?
No. We do not accept transfer academic credits or experiential learning credit for the PA program. No advanced placement is granted. All students must complete the entire 27-month master's degree program.

Where are the clinical education sites?
Numerous sites for clinical education are available throughout Tennessee and surrounding states. Elective clinical experiences may be obtained at approved locations. Students are responsible for their lodging, transportation and meals.

Will I have any input into where my clinical rotations will be?
Students are assigned to clinical rotation sites by the Director of Clinical Education. Students will have input into this process, but ultimately, the Director of Clinical Education will place the student where they will obtain the best experience based on their level of skill and knowledge. Students will be able, with program approval, to assist in selection of elective rotation sites.

Dr. Michelle Heinan, PAC, DFAAPA
Director, Physician Assistant Program
800-325-0900, ext. 6669 (toll-free)
423-869-6669 (direct)
PAAdmissions@lmunet.edu

The LMU-DCOM Physician Assistant Program is applying for provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA). Accreditation is anticipated to be granted in March, 2009. Provisional accreditation is required prior to starting the program in order for graduates to be able to sit for the national certification examination for physician assistants, a credential required for state licensure. Should the program not receive provisional accreditation, all deposits will be returned to candidates. Information on accreditation is available at www.arc-pa.org.