Physician Assistant
Important Dates and Deadlines
Admissions staff will contact you to schedule a one-on-one appointment.
Exxat is where you will upload most pre-matriculation materials, including health forms, your headshot, etc. It’s also how you will request your background check. You will receive an email from Exxat in your MBU email account with instructions for logging in and setting up your account. Please check your spam folder in the event it’s not in your inbox.
Complete 2024-2025 FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
If you have already filed a 2024-2025 FAFSA as an undergraduate student, please update questions 29 and 30 to “graduate degree,” add Mary Baldwin FAFSA code 003723, and remove your undergraduate code.
For Spring and Fall of 2025 complete the 2024-25 FAFSA using 2022 income and tax information.
If you have any questions about the process, contact the Office of Financial aid at 540-887-7022 or email finaid@marybaldwin.edu.
Please give us some quick information about yourself by completing this form. We will use this information to create a Class of 2026 booklet for your faculty!
Please submit a simple head and shoulder shot, like a passport photo. This does not need to be taken professionally; however, no selfies.
Upload via Exxat.
Photo Guidelines:
- Send .jpg.
- Make sure the photo isn’t grainy.
- Face the camera directly, not at an angle, and don’t tilt your head.
- Make sure no part of your face or head is cropped out.
- Don’t wear a hat or graduation cap in the photo.
- Keep the background neutral, not busy or brightly colored.
- No selfies.
A Criminal Background Check (CBC) is required to enter into clinical rotations, and must be completed before classes begin. The student pays to the service directly.
Students can access their results at any time. If your background check has been flagged, your results will be reviewed by an internal committee. We will contact you with the results and/or next steps.
To order your CBC from Universal through Exxat Prism, refer to these instructions, which are also available to you in the resources section of your account. A basic NY background check is required if you have ever lived in NY. Drug screens are not required.
- Go to http://www.themedicalstore.biz or scan the QR code.
- Click “School/Group Orders” tab in top left corner of homepage.
- Enter School Code mdpacoats111424n. This will take you to your school’s specialized store where you can select your lab coat.
- After you have made your selections click “Add to Cart” at the bottom of the screen.
- “SHIP TO SCHOOL” will be auto-selected as your shipping method in checkout. Custom lab coats will ship to school only.
- No need to enter the campus shipping address, only your BILLING address. Ignore the “Ship to school OR…” prompt.
- View order form.
Certification must be from American Heart Association, which is required by hospitals. Certifications from Red Cross or other providers DO NOT meet this requirement.
If you need to register or renew before you arrive, we require “BLS for the Healthcare Provider”. More information about BLS training.
We recommend a complete in-person course. If you take an online course, it will only provide a certificate for Part 1. The skills portion must be taken in person to complete the certification. When scheduling, note that the skills portion must be taken within 60 days of taking the online portion.
Certification is for two years – students should expect to update their certification while in the program to remain current.
Upload via Exxat.
Health records can take some time to complete. Please plan on meeting with your health care provider before the deadline to ensure that your paperwork is completed by this date.
MBU/MDCHS Health Records Forms
The MDCHS Health Forms are required to be signed in their ORIGINAL format to ensure we have the information needed for clinical sites. Titers provided should be scanned in with these documents (See forms C and D). They can take some time to complete, so please plan on meeting with your health provider in advance to ensure that your paperwork is completed by the December 2nd target date. Forms are organized into 5 sections: (A) medical information release form, (B) proof of insurance, (C) immunization records, (D) tuberculosis testing/screenings, and (E) physical clearance. Review forms for further details.
All required immunizations* must be completed before the start of classes.
*The University honors Covid vaccine religious and medical exemptions. However, clinical sites may not honor those exemptions, rendering it difficult for students to complete required clinical experiences needed to graduate.
Newly enrolled students MUST undergo a two-step Turberculin skin test (TST) OR have 1 Inteferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test for individuals who have had the BCG vaccine. A 2-step TST will require 4 visits (2 injections and 2 readings) and must be performed in the US. Plan for annual tuberculosis testing thereafter per program requirements.
The retest must be completed 1-3 weeks after the first TST result is read.
What to expect during each visit:
Visit 1, Day 1: PPD antigen is applied
Visit 2, Day 3: PPD test is read (within 48-72 hours of placement)
Visit 3, Day 7-21: Second PPD skin test for those that test negative. (Test #2 is placed 7-21 days from when the first test is placed or read.)
Visit 4, 48-72 hours after second placement: The second test is read. A positive test indicates TB infection from the past. A chest x-ray and a further evaluation will likely be necessary.
NOTE: Students should wait 4 weeks from the last COVID vaccine to get blood or skin testing done.
A completed physical examination is required before coming to Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences (See form E). A primary care provider must complete and sign the form provided. This is the only form accepted to verify health information.
You are not limited to digital form submission. They also can be printed, filled out, and scanned to the link below, whichever is most convenient for you and your provider. *Refer to the upload instructions on your health forms.
Some clinical sites may have additional health-related requirements, including additional or repeat immunizations, and/or titers. Specific requirements are provided prior to placement at each site. It is the student’s responsibility to meet these requirements for placement.
Upload via Exxat.
Invoices will be mailed in December. For students who will be funding their tuition through student loans, as long as the paperwork is in place, you may or may not have additional payments due at this time. Invoices are also available on “MyMBU.” To access that page, Log in using your User Name & Password provided with your email log-in information. Contact Student Accounts with any questions.
If you were accepted conditionally due to missing or incomplete documents, such as official transcripts, test scores, proof of course completion, or proof of completion of baccalaureate degree, please have these sent to the Office of Admissions by December 13. Incomplete documentation will result in a hold on your account and you will not be able to register.
Send transcript(s) to:
Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences
100 Baldwin Blvd, Fishersville VA 22939
Attention: Admissions Office
Email: mdchsadmit@marybaldwin.edu.
For students with documented learning disabilities, we strongly urge you to contact MBU’s Office of Accessibility Services (accessibility@marybaldwin.edu) with your accessibility request BEFORE classes start. Include “MDCHS Student” in your subject line.
More coming soon!
More coming soon!
All students are required to have health insurance coverage by the start of the program to be ready for clinical fieldwork.
Mary Baldwin University offers the option of purchasing the Murphy Deming sponsored health insurance plan underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. If you already have a health insurance plan, you must complete an insurance waiver form each year. Students are encouraged to compare the MBU plan against other options, such as being a dependent on a parent’s health insurance plan, or having individual coverage through an ACA/Health Exchange plan.
The Student Health Insurance premium will be added to all eligible student’s University accounts. Students who already have coverage through a private insurance plan must contact RCM&D directly through their website. Once the waiver is verified and approved, your student account will be credited. Students who do not waive (decline) the insurance will be automatically enrolled in the school-sponsored plan through RCM&D. Your decision to enroll or waive this coverage must be completed by January 31, 2025.
Premium amounts for 2025 will be available soon. For reference the policy premium for January 1, 2024 through July 31, 2024 is:
Student/Spouse/Child: $2,541
2+ Children: $5,082
Enrollment/Waiver Process
To take action go to the below site starting December 1: https://rcmdstudentbenefits.com/murphydeming/
To Enroll: Select “Enroll Today”
Complete the enrollment process between December 1 – January 31. You will receive an e-mail notification that the enrollment has been processed and the charge will remain on your University account for the cost of the policy premium.
To Waive: Select “Waive Today”
Complete the waiver process. When the waiver request review is complete you will receive notification by email that the waiver has either been accepted or denied. If accepted, the charge will be removed from your account within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive an email notification, please e-mail Murphy.Deming@rcmd.com.
*You will need your student ID#, Date of Birth, MBU Email and a cell phone number. To find your student ID, login to MyMBU and look under My profile and settings.
Students are responsible for all health care costs while enrolled in programs at MDCHS.
If you have any questions, please send an email to Murphy.Deming@rcmd.com or call Paige Fritze at (800) 346-4075 ext. 1607.
Getting Ready for Anatomy
Students have asked for tips on preparing for the rigorous anatomy course in the first semester. Here are a few suggestions:
- Required text:
- Essential Clinical Anatomy, Moore et al.; Lippincott, Williams, and Wilkins (LWW); 7th edition, 2023; ISBN 9781975174248 OR E-text – ISBN 9781975215095; available at https://shop.lww.com/Moore-s-Essential-Clinical-Anatomy-7e-Lippincott-Connect-Instant-Digital-Access/p/9781975215095
- Students can review the first chapter in the textbook. This chapter includes material that is covered in most undergraduate anatomy courses and will be covered on the first quiz
- The first exam will cover the back:
- Vertebral column and superficial back: pg. 45 – 68; 114 – 115
- Deep back: pg. 75 – 90
- Atlas Required (one of the following):
- Atlas of Anatomy, Gilroy et al.; Thieme; 4th edition, 2020; Print ISBN 9781684202034 OR E-text –ISBN 9781638536956 available at https://www.vitalsource.com/products/atlas-of-anatomy-anne-m-gilroy-brian-r-v9781638536956
- Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy, Agur and Dalley; LWW; 15th edition, 2023; Print ISBN 9781975210328 OR E-text – ISBN 9781975210489 available at https://shop.lww.com/Grant-s-Atlas-of-Anatomy-15e-Lippincott-Connect-Instant-Digital-Access/p/9781975210489
- Atlas of Human Anatomy, Netter; Elsevier; 8th edition, 2023; ISBN 9780323680424 OR E-text available with book at https://www.us.elsevierhealth.com/netter-atlas-of-human-anatomy-classic-regional-approach-9780323680424.html?nosto=nosto-page-search1
- You may also purchase access to the Essential Anatomy app (https://3d4medical.com/apps/essential-anatomy-5).
- You will receive an email from Dr. Hancock in May to give you access to the course materials for the first quiz and exam.
Items to Pack for Courses this Summer
- Long pants and closed toe shoes for anatomy lab.
- Sports bra or halter top, gym shorts, t-shirts, and sports shoes for some lab classes.
- A few business casual/business professional options for special events/presentations/speakers.
- A watch with a second hand.
- A lock for your locker.
Medical Equipment List (Needed After Start of Classes)
MDCHS faculty will provide advice on suggested medical equipment. A medical equipment company representative will be here on the first week of class and will offer significant discounts to our students.
- Littman Cardiology IV (or equivalent) Stethoscope
- Penlight
- Pulse Oximeter
- Rosenbaum Pocket Eye Chart
- Taylor Reflex Hammer
- Tuning fork 128 Hz
- Tuning fork 512 Hz
- Retractable Tape Measure
- 6″ Clear Plastic Ruler
- Standard Adult Size Sphygmomanometer
- Watch with a second hand
Medical List Recommended:
- Oto/Opthalmoscope – Highly Recommended
- Pediatric Syphgmomanometer
- 7.5″ Utility Trauma Shears
- 8″ Goniometer
- Medical Equipment Bag
Books
Mary Baldwin University’s online bookstore offers students the ability to order books in all formats available (new, used, rent, e-book) at competitive prices. Books can be ordered at the Mary Baldwin Online Bookstore or any bookseller once the booklist is available. Our professors note when books may be rented or purchased. Professors also offer free e-book options, when available.
Coming Soon: Spring 2025 Book List
Class Schedule
Coming Soon: Spring 2025 Class Schedule
Orientation
Mandatory Orientation information will be available soon!
Please bring:
- Laptop (no tablets) and Mary Baldwin log in information (PIN).
- If you are bringing a new laptop, remember to test wifi, and set up your email account prior to Orientation.
- Car make/model and license plate #
- Enrollment confirmation forms/deferment forms for the Registrar
- Outstanding items (copies of CPR cards, outstanding immunization information)
- Dress is business casual.