How To Apply

Applying to the Northeastern State University Physician Assistant Studies Program involves completing the CASPA application, submitting all required materials, and meeting the Program’s application deadlines.

Before applying, applicants should review the Admissions Requirements & Preferences page to confirm eligibility.

Application Timeline

Timeframe	What to Expect
April – October 1	CASPA application period
October 1 by 11:59 p.m. Central Time	Completed CASPA application and required CASPA documents must be submitted
October 20	CASPA application must be verified and the NSU PA Program application fee must be paid
November	Applicants selected for an interview are notified
Early January	Interviews are conducted
2–4 weeks following interviews	Applicants selected for admission are notified
June	Meet and Greet for Incoming Students
Early October	Incoming cohort begins the PA Program

There are no exceptions to the published application deadlines. Applications that do not meet the applicable deadlines will be considered incomplete and removed from further consideration.

Step 1: Apply Through CASPA

All applicants must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Applicants must submit their completed CASPA application by 11:59 p.m. Central Time on October 1 of the year prior to intended enrollment.

All required CASPA documents, including official transcripts, must also be received by CASPA by October 1.

Apply Through CASPA

Step 2: Submit Required Application Materials

The following materials must be submitted through CASPA:

• Completed CASPA application
• Official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended, including NSU
• Three letters of recommendation

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials well in advance of the deadline to allow adequate time for CASPA processing.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required.

Applicants are encouraged to select professional references who can comment on qualities such as:

• Academic ability
• Professionalism
• Commitment to the medical profession
• Leadership
• Service

All three letters must be received by the application deadline.

Step 3: Complete CASPA Verification

Submitting an application to CASPA is not the same as having the application verified.

CASPA may continue verifying completed applications between October 1 and October 20; however, verification during this period is not guaranteed.

To remain eligible for consideration, the application must be verified by CASPA no later than October 20.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their CASPA application before October 1 to allow sufficient time for verification.

Step 4: Pay the NSU PA Program Application Fee

After the CASPA application has been verified, applicants will receive information regarding payment of the required $50 NSU PA Program application fee. 

The application fee must be paid by October 20.

The NSU PA Program application fee is separate from the application for institutional admission through the Graduate College to Northeastern State University.

Applicants should not submit a separate application for institutional admission through the Graduate College to NSU until they have been offered a seat in the PA Program. Instructions for completing the institutional admission process will be provided after an offer of admission.

Applicants With Outstanding Prerequisites

Applicants may apply while completing allowable outstanding prerequisite coursework as outlined on the Admissions Requirements & Preferences page.

Applicants selected for an interview who complete prerequisite coursework after the application deadline must provide updated grades directly to the NSU Physician Assistant Studies Program as instructed.

Interview and Selection Process

Applicants selected for an interview are generally notified by email in November.

Interviews are normally conducted in person at the NSU Muskogee campus, and applicants are responsible for their travel arrangements and expenses.

Applicants with documented, extraordinary circumstances that create an insurmountable barrier to travel may request an alternative interview format in accordance with the Program’s published policy. Approval is not guaranteed.

Review the Alternative Interview Format Policy

The NSU PA Program reserves the right to modify the interview format, platform, or schedule when necessary because of unforeseen institutional or environmental circumstances. Invited applicants will be notified of any changes.

Following the interview and selection process, applicants may be:

• Offered admission
• Placed on the alternate list
• Denied admission

Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the applicant’s complete application and interview.

After an Offer of Admission

Applicants offered admission must submit a $500 nonrefundable seat deposit to secure their place in the incoming cohort.

The deposit will be applied toward tuition at matriculation.

Applicants who are offered a seat in the Program must:

• Complete all outstanding prerequisite requirements
• Complete the institutional admission process for Northeastern State University
• Complete all required pre-matriculation requirements

Instructions for completing these requirements will be provided to accepted applicants.

Questions About Applying?

Applicants are encouraged to review the following resources:

• Admissions Requirements & Preferences
• Guaranteed Interview Program
• Technical Standards
• Frequently Asked Questions

For questions not addressed on the website, contact the NSU Physician Assistant Studies Program at pa-admission@nsuok.edu