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Accelerated Pathway

The 3.5 + 2 Accelerated Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies Program Overview

3.5 years at Queens and 2 years at the 鶹Ƶ PA in Charlotte

The 3.5 + 2 Accelerated Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies Program is a selective undergraduate program open to Queens University students that provides preference for admission and enrollment into the PA Program in Charlotte. All Accelerated Pathway students will adhere to the conditions outlined in the 鶹Ƶ Accelerated Pathway Program Contract and meet the published admissions requirements outlined by the 鶹Ƶ PA Program in Charlotte. The undergraduate coursework and programming completed in the Accelerated Pathway Program does not replace any aspect of the PA curriculum and does not represent “advanced placement.”

Admissions Requirements for the 鶹Ƶ PA Program in Charlotte

Queens University Accelerated Pathway Program students who have met undergraduate requirements while in the program are eligible to apply for the 鶹Ƶ PA Program in Charlotte. Below are the admission requirements for the 鶹Ƶ PA Program in Charlotte.

  • Prerequisites. Students must obtain the grade of a “C” or better. No prerequisite course may be taken on a “pass/no pass” or “credit/no credit” basis
    • Human Anatomy & Physiology (7 semester hours): Anatomy (3 credits), Physiology (3 credits).Combined Anatomy and Physiology courses are acceptable provided the total credits received is a minimum of 6 semester hours. Lab (1 credit): either anatomy lab or physiology lab accepted.
    • Chemistry with Lab (8 credit hours): Two semesters of chemistry with lab. One semester must be either organic chemistry or biochemistry
    • Additional Upper- Level Science (6 Credit Hours) ​
      • Require 1 of the following courses, intermediate or upper-level: genetics, immunology, or neurobiology/neuroscience
      • Require 1 additional upper-level physical or life science course. Social or behavioral science does not fulfill this requirement.
    • Statistics (3 credit hours): Any college level statistics course will satisfy this requirement. Courses can include business statistics, biostatistics, statistical methods or any traditional mathematics statistics.
  • Accelerated Pathways Graduate Application
  • Official Transcripts. 
  • Health Care Experience Hours
    •  PA- 1,000 hours including a minimum of 20 hours spent shadowing a PA (Max 100 shadowing)​
    • 250 volunteer hours (service, advocacy, leadership)​
  • Three letters of recommendation

Undergraduate Enrollment Information for the 3.5 + 2 Accelerated Pathway to Physician Assistant Studies Program at Queens

Application Requirements

  • High School Academic Coursework Requirements: Applicants must complete 16 academic units including English, foreign language, math, natural sciences and social studies.
  • GPA and Admission Criteria: Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.7 to demonstrate academic excellence and readiness.
  • Essay and Personal Statements. Two essays are required to explain motivation, program interest and meaningful experiences in service or leadership.
  • Volunteer Hours and Interview. Applicants must complete volunteer hours and an in-person interview assessing communication and professionalism.

Accelerated Pathway Program Requirements

In addition to completing undergraduate requirements in 3.5 years at Queens, a student’s opportunity for admission and enrollment into The 鶹Ƶ PA Program in Charlotte is contingent upon completion of targeted programming throughout their undergraduate career and fulfillment of the following during their time at Queens:

  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above in all coursework and cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all science coursework.
  • Complete the minimum hours as outlined by program requirements of volunteer or work experience in health care setting.
  • Attend all meetings with assigned major and School of Health Sciences advisor.
  • Participate in Accelerated Pathways required programming.
  • Illustrate critical thinking, intercultural competence and awareness of health care disparities through activities engaging underserved communities in Charlotte and surrounding areas, including but not limited to veterans, LGBTQI+ individuals and those experiencing homelessness.
  • Participate in PA interview the summer/fall of the fourth year if all program requirements have been met.

Contact Information