If you have questions about whether a course will satisfy a prerequisite requirement, please contact the Admissions Department or the program office. We will be happy to review the course and answer your questions.
LMU–SMS Harrogate PA Admissions Office
800-325-0900, ext. 6691 (toll-free)
423-869-6691 (direct)
PAAdmissions@LMUnet.edu
No. In an effort to reduce barriers in the application process, the GRE is not required for admission.
The LMU–SMS Harrogate Physician Assistant Program participates in CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants). Applications may be submitted through CASPA beginning in April when the application cycle opens.
Completed applications are reviewed as they are received. Selected applicants are invited to interview, and interview invitations are sent as soon as possible. Following interviews, applicants are notified of admissions decisions within four to six weeks.
For more information about our admissions requirements and process, visit:
Yes. All students accepted into the LMU–SMS Harrogate PA Program must complete a background check prior to final acceptance.
Yes. Accepted students must complete a URINE 10-panel drug screen prior to entering the program. Clinical rotation sites may also require additional drug screening. Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for all required drug screenings.
Only applicants selected by the Admissions Committee are invited to interview. Interviews begin in September and are held on designated dates throughout the admissions cycle.
Only applicants with complete application files will be considered for an interview. For additional details about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the Harrogate PA Admissions page.
Applicants who are not initially offered admission may be placed on the alternate list. The Admissions Committee periodically reviews the alternate list throughout the admissions cycle and may extend additional offers of admission as positions become available.
Applicants on the alternate list will receive final notification before the cohort with which they interviewed begins the program.
Yes. Shadowing allows applicants to observe a physician assistant or other healthcare professional and gain a deeper understanding of the PA role.
Applicants must complete a minimum of 40 hours of verifiable direct shadowing of a Physician Assistant, including at least 20 hours in a primary care setting (Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Emergency/Urgent Care Medicine).
The Harrogate PA Program strongly discourages students from working while enrolled. The program is academically rigorous and typically requires 40–50 hours per week in scheduled coursework, labs, and clinical training, in addition to independent study.
Most students find it difficult to maintain employment while remaining academically successful. During the clinical year, students are not permitted to work due to the demanding schedule, which may include extended hours and on-call responsibilities.
Students are not used to replace instructional faculty, clinical staff, or administrative personnel at any time during their training.
Campus housing is available on the main LMU campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, and additional housing options are available in surrounding communities. Students are responsible for securing their own housing during clinical rotations.
Financial aid information is provided after an applicant has been accepted into the program. For more information, please visit Student Financial Services.
Yes. The program periodically hosts information sessions that provide an overview of the curriculum, admissions process, and facilities. These sessions also provide an opportunity to meet faculty and ask questions. Please contact the program office to learn about upcoming sessions.
No. The LMU–SMS Harrogate PA Program is a full-time, 27-month continuous program.
All components of the application are considered during the admissions review process. The Admissions Committee evaluates cumulative and science GPAs, letters of recommendation, responses within the application, and interview evaluations.
The committee also considers an applicant’s motivation to become a physician assistant, academic potential, maturity, professionalism, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills.
Yes. A new student orientation is held at the beginning of the program for all accepted students.
Yes. Applicants may apply while prerequisite courses are still in progress, provided all prerequisites are completed with a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the academic term preceding matriculation.
Applicants invited to interview must provide documentation showing their plan to complete any remaining prerequisite coursework.
No. The program does not grant advanced placement or accept transfer credit for academic or experiential learning. All students must complete the full 27-month curriculum of the Harrogate PA Program.
Clinical education sites are located throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, with established core sites in Florida and Texas. Students should expect to travel to one or more of these locations during the clinical year.
Students are responsible for their lodging, transportation, and meals during clinical rotations.
Clinical rotation assignments are determined by the Director of Clinical Education. While student input is considered, final placement decisions are made to ensure the best educational experience based on the student’s level of knowledge and skill.
With program approval, students may select their own elective rotation sites.
Yes. However, all applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree and all prerequisite courses prior to matriculation if accepted. Prerequisite courses cannot be completed during the professional phase of the program.
LMU–SMS Harrogate PA Admissions Office
800-325-0900, ext. 6691 (toll-free)
423-869-6691 (direct)
PAAdmissions@LMUnet.edu
