ADMISSIONS


FAQs

MBKU’s Admissions Office would be happy to answer any questions you may have, but here are a few that we get frequently.  If you do not find the answer to your question here, please look around our website then email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  Answers refer to the P.A. program unless otherwise specified.
 

General Information

  1. What programs does MBKU offer?
  2. How much is tuition?
  3. Is MBKU Accredited?
  4. Can I visit the campus?
  5. Does MBKU accept transfer and foreign students?
  6. What events does MBKU have on campus for visitors?
  7. How many students in the class?


Connecting with MBKU

  1. Email Us
  2. Advising By Phone
  3. Join us on Facebook and Twitter
  4. MBKU’s Blog on WordPress
  5. Check us out on YouTube
  6. Visit the campus
  7. Explore our website
     

About Applying

  1. When is the deadline to apply?
  2. Do I need my bachelor’s degree to apply to MBKU?
  3. Does it matter what school I graduate from or what major I choose?
  4. Is there a minimum GPA?
  5. Does MBKU require the GRE?
  6. Do prerequisite courses or patient care experience hours expire?
  7. Who should I ask to write my Letters of Recommendation?
  8. Does MBKU accept AP credit?
  9. Can I take prerequisite courses online?
  10. Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
  11. What should I do if I’m not sure if my course satisfies the prerequisite requirement?


Admissions & Interview Day

  1. Does MBKU do phone interviews?
  2. Does your school admit on a rolling basis?
  3. When will interviews be held?


Accepted Students

  1. Can you please tell me more about the clinical program
  2. What is a Certificate of Added Qualifications?
  3. What are the library hours and what resources are available?
  4. Is there a recreational area or fitness facility on campus?


Around MBKU

  1. Is Fullerton a safe area?
  2. Are there fun things to do in the Fullerton area?
  3. Where do MBKU students live?
  4. Do I need a car if I come to MBKU or is there public transportation?

 

General Information

  1. What programs does MBKU offer?
    MBKU has 3 programs currently with a third projected to begin Fall, 2014:
    • O.D. – Doctor of Optometry
    • M.S. – Masters of Science in Vision Science
    • MMS – Masters of Medical Science (Physician Assistant program), classes planned to start Fall 2014, pending provisional accreditation.
  2. How much is tuition?
    Annual tuition is $39,000, which does not include cost of living, books and equipment.

    A stethoscope, combined otoscope/opthalmoscope, and a few other pieces of equipment, such as a reflex hammer, penlight, and EKG calipers will be required.  A laptop computer will be necessary as well.
  3. Is MBKU Accredited?
    MBKU has applied for accreditation pending approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and provisional accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on the Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).  MBKU anticipates matriculating its first class in August 2014, pending WASC approval and accreditation–provisional from ARC-PA.  Accreditation–Provisional is an accreditation status for a new PA program that has not yet enrolled students, but at the time of its initial accreditation review, has demonstrated its preparedness to initiate a program in accordance with the accreditation Standards.
  4. Can I visit the campus?
    • Click here for Visitor Information.
    • Campus touring is arranged by appointment only.  For a hosted visit, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to set up an advising session or tour of the campus.
  5. Does MBKU accept transfer and foreign students?
    • Transfer students will not be accepted.
    • All prerequisites must be completed at a regionally accredited institution in the United States.
    • For more information regarding foreign students or students who have studied abroad during their education, request “Foreign Applicants and Study Abroad” by sending an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
  6. What events does MBKU have on campus for visitors?
    Please see our “Admissions Events” page by clicking here.
  7. How many students in the class?
    For the first matriculating class, there will be 24 students.
     

Connecting with MBKU

  1. Email us: Feel free to email us with questions about MBKU’s pre-requisites, the admissions process, or about anything else on your mind.  We have information to answer your questions available that we can email to you at any time.
  2. Advising by Phone: If you would like a one-to-one counseling session, we’re happy to schedule phone calls to discuss your questions.  Please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with your questions, date and time of your availability, and phone number.  We will make an appointment for a counseling session by phone.
  3. Join us on Facebook and Twitter: The PA Program page and Twitter handle provide updates about the program and other relevant articles in the field.  Both are maintained by the admissions department to answer your questions. You can find us at: https://www.facebook.com/sccoAdmissions or @PAadmissionscco.
  4. MBKU’s Blog on WordPress: Topics on a variety of subjects related to the admissions process and student life are discussed here.  Find us at http://sccopaadmissions.wordpress.com.
  5. Check us out on YouTube: MBKU has a series on YouTube with new episodes added regularly.  Video themes range from Student Life to Admissions Tips.  Click here or YouTube keyword search: SCCO.
  6. Visit the campus: The Summer Admissions Open House is an excellent way to get involved with our community.  If that date does not work for you or you would prefer an individual tour during the summer, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule an appointment.
  7. Explore our website: You’re already on the website, but here are a few other key places to explore and learn more about our program and community:

About Applying

  1. When is the deadline to apply?
    Applications for the 2013-2014 cycle are currently accepted via CASPA from April 17, 2013 through September 1, 2013.
  2. Do I need my bachelor’s degree to apply to MBKU?
    Yes.  You must have completed your degree before you begin classes at MBKU.
  3. Does it matter what school I graduate from or what major I choose?
    No.
  4. Is there a minimum GPA?
    The most competitive applicants will possess a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) and a minimum 3.0 GPA culminating from all science courses.
  5. Does MBKU require the GRE?
    The GRE is not required.
  6. Do prerequisite courses or patient care experience hours expire?
    No.
  7. Who should I ask to write my Letters of Recommendation?
    MBKU suggests that you obtain letters written by 1) a professor, 2) an immediate supervisor and 3) a health professional.
  8. Does MBKU accept AP credit?
    Yes.  AP credits are acceptable for English, Psychology and Statistics.
  9. Can I take prerequisite courses online?
    Yes, as long as the school is regionally accredited and the courses do not require a lab.  Labs must be completed in a classroom setting.  Virtual labs are not acceptable.
  10. Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
    Yes, as long as the school is properly accredited.
  11. What should I do if I’m not sure if my course satisfies the prerequisite requirement?
    Check our list of Articulation Agreements to see what courses the Admissions Policy Committee approved for qualification.


Admissions & Interview Day

  1. Does MBKU do phone interviews?
    No. MBKU conducts interviews in person, on campus only.
  2. Does your school admit on a rolling basis?
    No.  MBKU does not use rolling admissions.
  3. When will interviews be held?
    Interviews are tentatively scheduled for late September through early November.
     

Accepted Students

  1. Can you please tell me more about the clinical rotations?
    The planned rotation areas are Internal medicine, General surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Family medicine/primary care, Psychiatry, and Emergency medicine. We are also planning on two elective rotations (area of medicine TBD).
  2. What is a Certificate of Added Qualifications?
    Earning a CAQ allows PAs to achieve recognition for their specialty experience, skills and knowledge. The CAQ offers PAs a credential to effectively document their specialty experience and expertise. Over time, we expect this will help PAs remain competitive in environments where credentials are increasingly important. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) provides more information regarding CAQ.
  3. What are the library hours and what resources are available?
    MBKU has four full-time library staff members who are available to assist students. For more information regarding hours of operation and resources, click here to visit the library’s website.
  4. Is there a recreational area or fitness facility on campus?
    Yes. MBKU’s fitness center and locker rooms are located next to the parking structure, and access is included in tuition. They feature cardio equipment, free weights, weights machines, and flat screen TVs. The men’s and women’s locker rooms have lockers, restrooms, and showers. If you prefer to exercise outdoors, there are many hiking and biking trailheads near campus, and a recreational park just up the street.
     

Around MBKU

  1. Is Fullerton a safe area?
    Yes. MBKU is located in a suburban neighborhood. Our 7 acre campus borders Cal State Fullerton, a fire station, apartments/condos/homes, and a greenbelt with a stream. It is not uncommon to see our students or Cal State students walking home from campus late at night. As an extra measure to ensure that our students feel safe anytime, we have Security Guards on campus 24/7 who constantly monitor the grounds.
  2. Are there fun things to do in the Fullerton area?
    You’re in Southern California!  Of course there are!  Here’s a small and very general list:
    • Beaches
    • Amusement and Theme parks
    • Sporting Events
    • Arts and Entertainment
    • Nightlife
    • Mountains
    • Weekends Worth the Drive & Shopping
  3. Where do MBKU students live?
    Over half of our students live within a mile of campus in the many apartments, condos and homes surrounding the campus. MBKU has a housing list that we are happy to provide for you upon request to get a better idea of cost of living in Southern California. Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for the Housing List.
  4. Do I need a car if I come to MBKU or is there public transportation?
    MBKU is located in an affordable, safe, residential area where pedestrian traffic is common. Within a mile of campus there are a few grocery stores, pharmacies, countless places to eat, and a few department stores. Everything you need is within walking distance, but to get to the beach, mountains, Los Angeles, etc. you will need a car or know someone who has one.


Here are some additional questions you may have.  While currently in development, these specific details of the Physician Assistant program have yet to be determined.  Please continue to check back for updated information.

  • Does MBKU offer scholarships?
  • How long after I submit my application to CASPA will I hear from MBKU?
  • What is the interview day like?
  • How should I prepare for the interview?
  • What is the Alternate List?
  • How does MBKU view Re-applicants?
  • What does the curriculum look like at MBKU?
  • What are MBKU’s pass rates for the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam (PANCE)?
  • How does MBKU prepare students for the PANCE?
  • How does MBKU prepare students for getting a job after graduation?
  • What kinds of research opportunities are available to MBKU students?
  • Does MBKU require instrumentation to be purchased from MBKU?

Admissions

 


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