5 Critical Updates For The University Of Charleston PA Program: 100% PANCE Pass Rate & 2026 Admissions
Aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) considering a top-tier graduate education need the most current data, and the University of Charleston (UC) PA Program has significant, recent updates for the 2025-2026 application cycle. As of December 24, 2025, the program maintains its esteemed Accreditation-Continued status and has demonstrated exceptional student outcomes, notably achieving a 100% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) for its most recent graduating class.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential information—from competitive admission pathways and tuition costs to its stellar PANCE performance and accreditation details—to help you navigate your application to this West Virginia institution. The UC PA Program, established in 2013, is dedicated to educating compassionate, skilled caregivers, with a specific focus on preparing students for primary care and service in medically underserved areas.
University of Charleston PA Program: Fast Facts and Key Statistics (2025-2026)
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at the University of Charleston (UCWV) is a highly competitive and established graduate program. Understanding these core entities is crucial for any prospective applicant.
- Program Name: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
- Location: Charleston, West Virginia
- Program Director: Teresa Preston, MBA, MPAS, PA-C
- Program Established: 2013
- Accreditation Status: Accreditation-Continued (Granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, ARC-PA)
- Program Length: Approximately 27 months (often structured over seven semesters)
- PANCE First-Time Pass Rate (Class of 2023): 100%
- PANCE 5-Year Average First-Time Pass Rate: 98%
- Application Service: CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants)
The Unprecedented PANCE Performance: Why It Matters
One of the most compelling reasons to choose the University of Charleston PA Program is its exceptional performance on the national board exam. The PANCE is the qualifying examination required for all PA graduates to obtain certification.
For the graduating Class of 2023, the program achieved a perfect 100% first-time pass rate. This statistic is a direct indicator of the quality of the curriculum, the rigor of the training, and the dedication of the faculty and clinicians. Furthermore, the program’s five-year average first-time pass rate stands impressively at 98%, consistently above the national average.
This high performance ensures that graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and skilled healthcare providers. The program focuses heavily on primary care and patient-centered care, which are core components of the PANCE blueprint.
2025-2026 Admission Pathways and Requirements
The University of Charleston PA Program offers multiple admission routes tailored to different applicant profiles, all of which require a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The application process is managed through the CASPA system, with verified status required by September 1st for the Traditional Pathway.
1. The Traditional Admission Pathway
This is the standard route for most applicants. It emphasizes a strong academic background and relevant experience.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: An overall CASPA-defined GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
- GPA Flexibility: Applicants with a GPA between 2.95 and 2.99 may still be considered, demonstrating a holistic review process.
- Prerequisite Courses: Applicants must meet all prerequisite course requirements.
- References: Strong references are valued, including at least one reference letter from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, or PA).
2. The PA Fast Track Admission Pathway
The Fast Track is designed for high-achieving undergraduate students from the University of Charleston itself.
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.75 is required.
- Application Process: The program obtains official transcripts directly from the UC Undergraduate Admissions Office, simplifying the process.
- Transfer Credit Limit: Fast Track applicants should have no more than 30 transfer credit hours from other institutions.
3. PA Transfer Admission Pathway
This pathway is specifically for applicants seeking to transfer into the program. The most recent window for this was for the January 2026 cohort, with applications accepted from April 24, 2025, to September 1, 2025.
Tuition, Program Structure, and Accreditation Details
Gaining an understanding of the financial commitment and the program's official status is essential for making an informed decision about PA school.
Program Costs and Financial Commitment
The cost of the University of Charleston PA Program is structured on a per-year and per-semester basis. The program is a significant investment in your future career as a Physician Assistant.
- Annual Tuition (2024-2025 Rate): $34,600 per year (fees pending).
- Semester Breakdown: Tuition is approximately $12,850 per semester, with an additional $570.00 in fees.
- Total Estimated Tuition: The total tuition for the program is approximately $89,950, plus associated fees, over the full seven semesters.
- Technology Inclusion: The tuition includes a Student Learning Technology Fee, which provides students with a MacBook to enhance classroom and practical learning.
The Accreditation and Programmatic Nuances
The University of Charleston PA Program holds Accreditation-Continued status from the ARC-PA, which is the highest level of accreditation a program can receive. This status has been in place since 2012.
Recent accreditation notes from the ARC-PA, however, provide crucial context for prospective students. In June 2025, the commission noted that the program’s student attrition rate was 10.9% or greater. Additionally, in September 2025, a proposed change by the program was not approved by the commission. These details, while not impacting the current Accreditation-Continued status, highlight the program's ongoing commitment to self-assessment and improvement, a common practice among accredited PA programs.
Curriculum Focus: Didactic and Clinical Years
The program is structured to provide a strong foundation in medical science before transitioning to hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum is delivered in a full-time, residential format.
The initial phase focuses on didactic learning, covering core medical sciences and patient-centered care courses. Following the didactic year, students transition into the clinical year, which involves a series of required clinical rotations.
A key programmatic goal is to prepare students to competently provide medical care in the primary care setting. To support this mission, students are required to complete at least one rural clinical rotation. This ensures graduates have direct experience in medically underserved areas, fulfilling the program’s goal of addressing healthcare disparities in West Virginia and beyond.
The University of Charleston PA Program offers a rigorous, high-quality education backed by a 100% PANCE pass rate and a commitment to serving the community, making it a highly attractive option for the 2025-2026 application cycle.
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