Admissions

How to Apply

The Doctor of Medical Science at Marshall B. Ketchum University offers two tracks: a six-month bridge program for those who graduated from an ARC-PA-accredited PA program within two academic years of the DMSc start date, and a twelve-month program for more experienced PAs. Both options result in the degree, Doctor of Medical Science. To apply for the DMSc program, simply click the "Apply Now" button below and complete the online application.

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Requirements

Passed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- Applicants to the bridge program must be PANCE eligible.
- Students currently enrolled in a PA program can apply to the DMSc program if they are set to graduate before the program start date.
- Official transcripts showing a conferred PA degree will be required prior to the program start date.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Demonstration of graduate-level writing skills through an essay that explains what the candidate’s professional aspirations are, how the degree aligns with their career goals, and how the candidate intends to use the DMSc degree to make a difference.
A current CV or resume
Be at least 18 years old
Must be fluent in English
Must be a resident of California, Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Nevada, Washington, Colorado, Florida, or Tennessee to apply
Optional: A letter of recommendation from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician associate/assistant. If you are submitting reference letters, please note that they should not be from personal friends or family members.

Our Review Process

At MBKU, we practice rolling admissions. Rolling admissions is the process by which applicants are considered for a seat in the class as they apply. To maximize success in a rolling admissions cycle, students are encouraged to apply early to ensure they are considered before the class is filled.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Winter 2025 term (which started in November of 2025) is October 1, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with offers of admission being issued starting in September of 2025.

MBKU Admissions Legacy Policy

At Marshall B. Ketchum University, we are committed to fostering a transparent, equitable, and merit-based admissions process. In alignment with California Assembly Bill 1780, MBKU does not consider legacy status, donor affiliations, or internal referrals from members of the university community when evaluating applicants. This ensures that every candidate is assessed solely on their individual qualifications, relevant experience, and potential to contribute to the healthcare professions.

While we value the support and enthusiasm of our alumni, faculty, staff, and partners, we maintain strict adherence to this policy to uphold the integrity of our admissions process. All applicants are reviewed fairly and impartially, without influence from personal or professional connections to the university.

Non-Discrimination Statement

MBKU is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, it is University policy to prevent the unlawful discrimination against students, applicants for admission, employees, applicants for employment and patients requesting treatment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The University also prohibits sexual harassment and harassment on any of the above bases (please refer to the Title IX page for more information).
Inquiries regarding the University’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs at studentservices@ketchum.edu for students and the Vice President for Human Resources at humanresources@ketchum.edu for employees.
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, please contact the Office for Civil Rights for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1.800.421.3481.

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