Apply to Graduate School
Transform your future, go beyond what's expected.
Whether your goal is to update your professional skills, advance your career or embark on a second career, Lenoir-Rhyne offers a graduate program that is right for you.
With more than 20 master degree programs to choose from, flexible scheduling with online or evening classes and experienced faculty to provide the guidance you need to succeed – LR makes earning your master’s degree a reality.
Apply TodayTake the Next Step
The first step toward enrollment at Lenoir-Rhyne is to submit all components of the application.
After submitting all materials, the average turnaround time to receive an admission decision is two to four weeks, unless you are considering a cohort-based program such as counseling, dietetic internship, occupational therapy or Doctor of Nursing Practice as they have specific application deadlines and decision release dates. *Please review this information under Program Specific Requirements
Once admitted, the admission team will provide detailed instructions on how to finalize the enrollment process and begin your course work. This includes reserving your space in our upcoming semester by submitting your enrollment deposit, registering for courses and completing the necessary paperwork.
To be considered for financial aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Lenoir-Rhyne also partners with the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) which provides resources and opportunities for students to receive scholarships and grants for their educational ventures.
Priority Application Deadlines
- Fall 2024: June 1
- Spring 2025: October 1
- Summer 2025: March 1
LR accepts applications after these priority deadlines; however, we recommend applying by these dates for a seamless enrollment process.*
The following programs accept applicants during specific terms:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice accepts applications for fall term.
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy accepts applications for fall term. See program specific requirements section below for decision deadlines and additional information.
- Master of Public Health accepts applications for summer and fall terms.
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies accepts applications for spring term.
- Post-Master’s DNP accepts applications for fall term.
- Lutheran Theological Seminary accepts applications for fall and spring term.
*Certain programs have different applications deadlines, which may occur earlier. Please review program specific guidelines section below for your intended program.
While pursuing my master’s degree, I was able to balance a full-time job and social life while completing my courses at my own pace.
Admission Tracks
Students can enroll in our graduate programs through traditional admission or career admission – designed for applicants who have distinguished themselves in the workplace or community.
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Traditional Admission
Traditional admission is designed for applicants who have received their baccalaureate degree within the past six years and have limited professional work experience. Application review is based on traditional admission procedures, including a review of previous coursework, writing samples, resumes and faculty recommendations. Standardized test scores and interviews may be required for some of our graduate programs.
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Career Admission
The Graduate School values work experience and offers Career Admission for applicants who have distinguished themselves in the workplace, military or community. Career applicants demonstrate their capability for graduate studies through documentation of professional work, letters of professional endorsement and written expression.
Degree-seeking candidates for admission to the Graduate School through Career Admission possess an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet the academic standards established by the desired program of study. Each applicant will submit the following:
- The online application for the desired program along with the non-refundable application fee.
- Official copies of all college transcripts to the Office of Admission at admission@lr.edu.
- A thoroughly detailed resume with relevant work and volunteer experience and accomplishments.
- A letter of recommendation/reference from an employer or professional within the chosen field that attests to the applicant’s qualifications for graduate-level work.
- A writing sample. The prompt is associated with the desired program of study and will be provided to the student once the online application is submitted.
- Any other documentation (e.g. work sample, portfolio, performance reviews, etc) the candidate believes would strengthen the application.
All additional documentation as required by the specific graduate program including an interview or standardized test scores if requested.
Not all graduate programs consider the career admission track. Programs not accepting Career Admission Track are M.S. in Occupational Therapy, M.A. in Teaching and M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies.
Start Your Application
Your application is considered complete once LR has received your online application form and all required supporting documents. Please submit your documents via email to admission@lr.edu or mail to the address below.
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Office of Admission
625 7th Ave NE, LRU 7227
Hickory, NC 28601
A successful candidate for admission to the Graduate School will at minimum possess and submit:
- An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A writing sample (the prompt is provided within the application).
- A resume describing education, work and volunteer experience.
- Submit academic or professional recommendations.
- Submit all additional documentation as required by the specific graduate program.
- Complete an interview upon request. The admissions committee determines admission decisions based on the whole application and reserves the right to admit, provisionally admit, waitlist or deny applicants.
*Candidates may be admitted based on unofficial transcripts and as courses are in progress. However, LR must receive a final transcript before a student is able to enroll.
School Codes
- FAFSA: school code 002941
- Graduate Management Admissions Test: school code 5365 (for MBA applicants only if requested)
- Graduate Record Exam: school code 5365
- Miller Analogies Test: school code 1358
- Test of English as a Foreign Language: school code 5365
- International English Language Testing System
Program Specific Requirements
In addition to the program application and submission details above, the following programs have supplemental requirements when applying.
- Business Administration (MBA)
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Counseling (MA) - Clinical Mental Health Counseling & School Counseling
Campus Offerings:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Hickory and Asheville
- School Counseling: Hickory and Asheville
Application Deadlines
- Fall 2024: June 1
- Spring 2025: October 1
- Summer 2024: March 1
Applicants who meet the graduate school admission requirements will then be invited to an in-person group interview.
Counseling Certificates
Students who are currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counseling program may choose to complete certificates in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling or Trauma Counseling. These certificate programs offer tailored coursework seamlessly integrated with your existing counseling degree. Visit the counseling certificates page for additional information.
Learn more about the Counseling, M.A. -
Post-Masters Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling in a different specialty area (e.g. School Counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC (and most other states). The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board.
Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program.
- Most likely, the courses would include the following:
- COU 520 - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- COU 566 - Advanced Counseling Techniques, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
- COU 592 - Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling I (300)
- Any other courses required by the licensure board.
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Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling
The Post-Master's Certificate in School Counseling is open to students who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling in a different specialty area (e.g., Clinical Mental Health Counseling). This certificate will provide students with the educational requirements to apply for licensure as a School Counselor in NC (and most other states).
Please note that courses taken in the post-master's certificate program are not eligible for financial aid, because they are not part of a degree-seeking program.
- The number of courses will be determined based on a transcript review and letter of requirements from the licensure board. Most likely, the courses would include the following:
- COU 510 - Introduction & Foundation of School Counseling
- COU 515 - Advanced School Counseling
- COU 516 - School Counseling and Special Education
- COU 590 - Internship in School Counseling I (300)
- Any other courses required by the licensure board.
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Post-Master's Certificate in Trauma Counseling
The Post-Master's Certificate in Trauma Counseling is open to applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree in Counseling. This certificate will provide students with advanced training in working with survivors of trauma.
- The Trauma Certificate includes the following four courses:
- COU 556 - Foundations of Trauma Counseling
- COU 557 - Child Trauma Effects Across the Lifespan
- COU 558 - Advanced Trauma Interventions
- One approved elective that may include interdisciplinary courses (Narrative Medicine, Public Health, etc.), and other trauma-related electives within Counseling or other graduate programs. 3 credits.
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Creative Writing (MFA)
Campus Offerings: Asheville
In addition to the essay noted above, applicants to the program must submit:
- One-page personal statement detailing your story of being a writer and your curiosity for what lies ahead. What do you seek for your writing from the MFA?
- Applicants should submit two writing samples. The writing samples should be 2-5 pages in length and double-spaced. They can be essays, stories, excerpts, or poetry. Applicants may submit both in one genre or demonstrate ability in two genres. If the sample is an excerpt from a longer work, please provide a summary of the structure of the whole. (Fiction, Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, Narrative Healthcare)
- GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
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Criminal Justice Leadership (MA)
Campus Offerings: Hickory
For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
Learn more about the Criminal Justice Leadership, M.A. -
Dietetic Internship
Campus Offerings: Hickory, Asheville, Columbia & Online
The Dietetic Internship (DI) participates in the spring match process for applications.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- For the Master of Science in Nutrition, Dietetic Internship option an undergraduate degree is required with cumulative GPA of a 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- For the Dietetic Internship Certificate option a graduate degree is required with cumulative GPA of a 2.9 on a 4.0 scale.
- A grade of B on all recommended Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) courses. If you have made a grade lower than a B in any DPD course, please provide a written explanation in your required essays.
- Have earned a DPD Verification Statement from an ACEND-accredited DPD program (completed by internship date).
- GRE scores are not required.
Applying to our program involves three steps:
Step 1. DICAS Application
- Submit a completed application through the Dietetics Inclusive Centralized Application Service (DICAS). You will not need to submit another application to Lenoir-Rhyne. Visit the DICAS website for current application fees.
- Include a DPD Verification Statement or a Declaration of Intent if DPD courses are still in progress. Your DPD director will review and approve this verification electronically through DICAS.
- Submit three recommendations completed by professionals attesting to your ability.
- Submit a résumé or vitae.
- It is strongly recommended (although not required at application) that students applying to the distance option have secured a commitment from an inpatient clinical rotation preceptor to precept the student if their application to the program is accepted.
- The deadline for submitting an application online through DICAS for the spring match is February 15.
Step 2. Submit the following directly to Lenoir-Rhyne University
- If accepted into the Solmaz Institute Dietetic Internship program, an original, signed verification statement from your DPD program will be required before program start.
Step 3. Register with D&D Digital and rank the program for computer matching
- Applicants must register with D&D Digital and prioritize the program for computer matching. See D&D Digital website for current registration fee.
Tuition and Fees
All graduate students at Lenoir Rhyne University are subject to the tuition and fees described in the graduate handbook. The 2024-2025 tuition rate for the DI certificate program is $690/credit hour and the M.S. in Nutrition DI program rate is $690/credit hour. The DI Certificate option, when completed in the nine-month time frame, totals 18 credit hours. The M.S. Nutrition, DI option, when completed in the 16-month timeframe, totals 35 credit hours. Since these costs are subject to change, students are encouraged to visit Graduate Cost and Aid. Costs for books, course materials, housing and transportation vary depending on the individual and the course requirements.
Estimated Costs
*This fee is for the DI certificate program only.
- DICAS fee
- D&D Digital fee
- *DI participation fee (estimated, assessed in addition to tuition): $275 fall semester and $275 spring semester, includes books and other materials provided to students, the RD exam review course and RD practice exam software
- Books (depending on student’s resources and individual needs): variable, up to $250
- Nutrition Care Process Terminology (NCPT) online subscription: $25
- Laptop/Desktop Computer and high-speed internet access: Cost varies
- Two Lab Coats: $40-$80
- Student AND Membership: $50
- Housing/Living Expenses: 1 or 2 bedroom apartment averages about $750/month (variable)
- Transportation to Experience Sites: Sites can be within a one-hour drive of your place of residence
- Physical Exam: Variable
- Criminal Background check: estimate $50 (assigned facility may require additional criminal background check based on its policies and requirements)
- Urine Drug Screen Panel: estimate $45 (assigned facility may require additional drug screens based on its policies and requirements)
- Professional Liability Insurance: estimate $50
The Solmaz Institute Dietetic Internship is accredited by:
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Learn more about Dietetic Internship
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
312.899.0040, ext. 5400 -
Exercise Science (MS)
Campus Offerings: Online
For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
Prerequisite Requirements
Learn more about the Exercise Science, M.S.
Competency in the basic areas of exercise science is required to begin courses in the program. Required prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs. The areas of competency are covered in the following courses or their equivalents: BIO 281/ 282 Anatomy and Physiology I and II. -
Human Services (MA)
Campus Offerings: Online
GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
Learn more about the Human Services, M.A. -
Leadership (MA)
Campus Offerings: Online
GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
Learn more about the Leadership, M.A. -
Nursing (MSN)
Campus Offerings: Online
Please note: The Master of Science in Nursing program is no longer accepting new applications after October 2023.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and 2.7 GPA in the last 60 hours of the program.
- No grade lower than a C on the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Nursing Research.
- Submit required two letters of endorsement clearly stating the applicant’s qualifications for graduate-level work and ability to complete this work in an online environment. Letters may be from an employer, professional within the chosen field or an undergraduate faculty member who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate-level work. New graduate applicants with less than one year experience must have one letter from an undergraduate faculty member.
- Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
- A criminal background check and drug screen will be required upon enrollment as directed by the School of Nursing.
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Nursing Practice (DNP/FNP)
Campus Offerings: Online
- We are currently accepting applications for fall. The fall priority application deadline is July 1.
- Each student cohort begins in the fall semester.
- Students entering are expected to be at the initial immersion which is held in late August.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (ADN and BSN).
- A baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (NLN or CCNE).
- Currently employed as a Registered Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
- No grade lower than a C on the prerequisite courses of Statistics and Nursing Research.
- Competent in computer skills.
- Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
- A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a Family Nurse Practitioner; describe a clinical practice problem that you would like to pursue for a potential DNP project, and how implementing this project may address a need for a change in practice. All references should be cited using APA format.
- Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
- Upon enrollment, a criminal background check and drug screen will be required as directed by the School of Nursing.
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Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s DNP)
Campus Offerings: Online
- We are currently accepting applications for fall. The fall priority application deadline is July 1.
- Each student cohort begins in the fall semester.
- Students entering are expected to be at the initial immersion which is held in late August.
For admission to the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- A nursing GPA of 3.0 from all nursing schools attended (AND, BSN and MSN).
- A master’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program (ACEN or CCNE).
- Currently employed as a Registered Nurse with an unrestricted nursing license.
- No grade lower than a B on a master's level nursing research/evidence-based practice course.
- Competent in computer skills.
- Evidence of an unrestricted RN license (provide license number and state in which the license is current).
- A philosophy statement reflecting personal and professional goals, including the reason you would like to become a doctoral prepared nurse; describe a clinical practice problem that you would like to pursue for a potential DNP project, and how implementing this project may address a need for a change in practice. All references should be cited using APA format.
- Submit three professional recommendations (done via email through the application system). The recommendations may include academic or nursing faculty, supervisor, former or current employer or manager. At least one reference must be from clinical practice.
- Upon enrollment, a criminal background check and drug screen will be required as directed by the School of Nursing.
After Admission
Learn more about the Nursing, DNP
The number of clinical hours completed during the master’s program must be verified. -
Occupational Therapy (MS)
Campus Offerings: COL and HKY
The fall 2023 application cycle opened on July 22, 2022 through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy.
View our information for prospective students document which provides details about program requirements, course sequence and program costs.
For admission to the program, the minimal criteria for application review is as follows:
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, prior to matriculation.
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of all prerequisite coursework.
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- A grade of at least B- on the prerequisite courses within the past five years, prior to matriculation. If you wish to submit a prerequisite that is older than five years, a request for permission can be submitted through the Waiver of Five-Year Limit Form.
- Lenoir-Rhyne will accept P/F or Credit/No Credit due to COVID-19.
**It is important to note that each application will be considered via holistic review and based on individual merit**
Prerequisite Requirements
Learn more about the Occupational Therapy, M.S.
Competency in the basic areas of occupational therapy is required to begin courses in the program. Required prerequisites are Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs. The areas of competency are covered in the following courses or their equivalents: Statistics (includes Intro to Statistics), Intro to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Sociology (includes Intro to Sociology) or Anthropology (includes Intro to Anthropology) and Medical Terminology. -
Physician Assistant Studies, M.S.
Accreditation Status
Lenoir-Rhyne University has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Lenoir-Rhyne University anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2026, pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the June 2025 ARC-PA meeting.
Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.
The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received, and the enrollment deposit will be refunded in full.
Admission Process
The Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies program (PA Studies program) is a demanding 24-month program using a highly competitive admissions process.
All applicants to the PA Studies program are required to apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). There is no supplemental application.
- Applications are reviewed by the graduate admission staff and by the Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies Admission Committee.
- Applicants are considered for an interview based on the relative strength of their CASPA application in meeting or exceeding the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program admission requirements as compared to the applicant pool.
- Lenoir-Rhyne students/graduates, graduates of Lenoir-Rhyne Partners in Higher Education or veterans who meet the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program admission requirements and are verified by CASPA will receive a priority review during the admission process.
- Based on the number of applications, it is anticipated that many applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements may not be selected for a candidate interview.
This interview process is comprised of individual and group interviews along with the completion of an interview essay. Overall comprehensive candidate scores will be tabulated using data such as GPA, interview rating scores, direct patient care experience and hours, PA shadowing hours and other program requirements. After each interview session, a ranked list of highly qualified candidates will be chosen and offered a seat in the next cohort using a rolling admissions process.
The program reserves the right to modify admission requirements for subsequent admission cycles. Any updates will be posted to the Lenoir-Rhyne PA admission website.
Eligibility
- Completion of a bachelor's degree and all prerequisite courses from a regionally accredited institution in the United States (US) by September 1st of the year just prior to matriculation for the January start of the program.
- Overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above OR GPA of 3.0 and above on last 60 credit hours of college coursework, including undergraduate and graduate study, based on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants can have no more than two outstanding prerequisite courses pending at the time of application to the program in CASPA
- Courses must be completed by September 1 and final completed transcripts containing these course grades must be submitted by October 1 of the year just prior to matriculation for the January start.
- Extensions for completion will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the applicant will be designated as "pending" until further review.
- Unacceptable reasons for extensions include not even having started or registered for the required prerequisite course.
- These are rare extensions out of the applicant’s control (such as military service, acute illness or other circumstances out of the control of the applicant).
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework is required by September 1 of the year just prior to matriculation.
- The program will complete all final reviews by October 15 of the year just prior to matriculation in January.
- You must successfully complete all requirements before matriculation into the program.
- A grade of C or above is required in all prerequisite courses. A prerequisite course may be repeated, and the highest grade will be used to calculate the prerequisite GPA. However, both grades will be reflected in the cumulative GPA.
Prerequisite Courses
- Biology course with lab – 1 semester course designed for science majors (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- Upper-level Biology – 1 semester; Highly recommend Genetics. Other options include Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Embryology, Histology, Virology, Immunology, etc. (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- Microbiology – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- Human Anatomy/Human Physiology with lab– 2 semesters; This requirement may be met by the applicant taking either: one semester of Anatomy (with lab) and one semester of Physiology (lab preferred but not required) or by the applicant taking two semesters of Human Anatomy with lab and Human Physiology combined. (Minimum 6 semester hours or 8 quarter hours)
- General Chemistry I with lab – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- General Chemistry II or higher with lab – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- (Courses and labs can only count for 1 prerequisite requirement)
- Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry – 1 semester, in addition to the General Chemistry or higher with lab requirements (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- General Psychology or higher – 1 semester; General, Abnormal or Developmental Psychology from the Psychology Department (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- Gen Psych-AP accepted as long as undergraduate institution gave 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours credit.
- Statistics – 1 semester (Minimum 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours)
- AP Statistics accepted as long as undergraduate institution gave 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours credit)
- Medical Terminology – 1 semester or continuing education credit (No minimum credit hours and may be credit hour course completed at a regionally accredited institution or continuing education course in the United States. Documentation of successful completion, if not reflected on college or university transcript, must be submitted directly to the LR Graduate Admissions)
COVID-19 Exceptions
- The admissions committee will accept Pass/Fail coursework for 2020 and 2021. No additional documentation is required.
- If the institution moved laboratory courses online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the physician assistant studies program will review these on a case-by-case basis.
- The applicants should state this in their application.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE - Not required
- MCAT - Not required
- PA-CAT: It is recommended that applicants complete the PA-CAT prior to application to the program through CASPA. The PA-CAT measures academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for successful completion of a PA Program Curriculum. Preference points are given to those applicants voluntarily completing the PA-CAT.
- The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program requires the PA-CAT if the oldest prerequisite course will be greater than ten years before matriculation in the program.
Experiential Learning Guidelines
Clinical Experience/PA Shadowing Hours
- Students must have signed documentation of clinical experience or PA shadowing hours.
- Minimum of 500 hours of direct, hands-on patient care is required.
- 1,000 hours of direct hands-on patient experience is recommended.
- These experiences will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Extra preference points are given to those applicants with greater than 500 hours with more points given to those applicants with 1,000 hours or more of direct hands-on-patient experience.
- Recommended 20 hours of shadowing/observation of a physician assistant. Preference points are given to those applicants with 20 hours or more of PA shadowing experience depending on the number of hours performed.
- Direct, hands-on patient care experience does not include seat time, lab time or training programs.
- Telemedicine experience is acceptable, though in-person experience is preferred. Telemedicine or virtual experience will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Contact hours accepted.
- All other positions not listed here will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Committee Review.
- Shadowing a PA, NP, MD, or DO – up to 50 hours may be counted toward Patient Care Experience Hours
- In alignment with our PA Program Mission and Vision as well as program diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, applicants that have shown significant interest and experience in serving urban and/or rural underserved populations as demonstrated by long-standing community service, will be given preference.
- Applicants with demonstrated/documented community service hours for underserved populations will be evaluated during the interview.
Three Letters of Recommendation
It is recommended that applicants have:
- At least two letters from physicians, PAs or clinical supervisors and others familiar with your clinical experience.
- One academic recommendation is acceptable.
- Personal recommendations are not accepted.
- Choosing recommendation letter writers wisely is important because recommendations may positively or negatively impact applicants' scores.
*Please note that a background check and substance abuse screening test are required for students who are accepted into the program (prior to matriculation).
Advanced Standing or Transfer Credit
The Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program does not offer an advanced standing within our program, nor do we accept transfer of credit for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. All Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program coursework required for graduation must be completed at the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program.
Admissions Process Preferences
Preference during the admissions process will be given to students who have one or more of these characteristics:
- Students will get extra points toward admission if:
- Currently enrolled Lenoir-Rhyne students (undergraduate or graduate)
- Lenoir-Rhyne alumni (undergraduate or graduate)
- Graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne Partners in Higher Education
- US Armed Forces Military Veterans or active military will receive extra points
- Previously earned graduate degrees (MS, MA, PhD, EdD, JD, etc.), regardless of the field of study will receive extra points
- Applicants with more than 500 hours of hands-on patient experience will receive extra points
- Applicants with 20 hours of shadowing a physician assistant will receive extra points
- Applicants that have taken the PA-CAT and submitted their scores will receive extra points
- Students with higher GPAs (cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, last 60-hour GPA and science GPA) will receive extra points
The program will reserve 3 seats for LR alumni, graduating LR students and LR Higher Education partner institution graduates that will be placed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program will also reserve 3 seats for qualified veterans of uniformed military service that will also be placed on a first-come, first-served basis.
If there are no qualified candidates meeting these criteria, then these seats will be made available to the general applicant pool.
Technical Standards
The Technical Standards, along with the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Studies program policies, procedures and process for the admission and education of PA students, inform and guide the decisions of the Lenoir-Rhyne PA Program faculty. View our technical standards.
Admitted Applicants
All successfully selected applicants are conditionally accepted into the program pending:
- Verification that all admission requirements have been satisfied
- Meets all technical standards
- Successfully passes the required routine drug test
- Successfully passes a criminal background check
- Submission of Health Forms and Immunization Records
International Applicants
International applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and all required prerequisite courses at a regionally accredited institution in the United States are eligible to apply to the program. International student applicants may be asked to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores directly to the admission office if English is a second language.
Learn more about the PA Studies, M.S. -
Public Health (MPH)
Campus Offerings: Online
For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal, 147, Quantitative 147, Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT score is 390.
The MPH program accepts applications for fall and summer terms only.
Priority Application Deadlines
- Summer term: May 1
- Fall term: August 1
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Public Health/Business Administration (MPH/MBA) Dual Degree
Campus Offerings: Online
For admission to the program, GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT score is 390.
Learn more about the MPH/MBA Dual Degree -
Sustainability Studies (MS)
Campus Offerings: Asheville
GRE or MAT test scores may be requested. Minimum GRE scores are Verbal 147, Quantitative 147; Analytical Writing 3.5; Minimum MAT scores is 390.
Learn more about the Sustainability Studies, M.S. -
Teaching (M.A.)
Campus Offerings: Online
For admission to the program, applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale and complete a:
- Praxis II Content Knowledge Exam (content area testing tab) according to desired content area.
- Criminal background check using Castlebranch upon enrollment. The LR code is EO50. There is a fee associated with this service.
The teaching program does not consider the career admission track.
Learn more about the Teaching, M.A.