Other Information

In 2020, California became the fifth state to prohibit the use of criminal background checks in admissions considerations for graduate schools when the California Education Code 66024p was updated following passage of the Ban the Box bill. While this legislation generally prohibits post-secondary institutions from considering criminal backgrounds in the admissions process, it does not prohibit criminal background checks for matriculated students. 

Students who matriculate into the Stanford School of Medicine, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program will be required to undergo background checks as those are required to work with minors and to participate in clinical training activities at our partnering clinical training sites. Students with a history of a criminal conviction may not be able to successfully complete the curriculum and progress through the program, and may not be able to graduate.  

In addition, criminal background checks are required for state licensure in California, and a history of criminal conviction may be considered by the California Physician Assistant Board as well as other state medical boards and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants in the licensure application. Applicants and matriculants with a criminal conviction should consult with these entities prior to matriculation to ensure they will be eligible for licensure upon completion of their degree.

Accepted applicants may petition in writing for deferral of matriculation. Deferrals may be approved for up to one year for reasons related to the personal and professional circumstances of the admitted applicant and the furtherance of their educational plans. The request for deferral should provide an appropriate degree of detail. Deferrals are granted at the discretion of the Office of PA Admissions.

Application materials, once submitted as part of your application, become the property of Stanford University. Materials will not be returned, and copies will not be provided to applicants or released to other institutions. Please keep a copy for your records.

Stanford reserves the right to investigate the authenticity, accuracy, and authorship of materials submitted, information provided, and assertions made in connection with the application.

Stanford reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if: (1) An applicant shows a significant drop in academic performance or fails to graduate; (2) There has been a misrepresentation in or breach of the terms of the application; or (3) Stanford learns that an applicant has engaged in behavior prior to the first day of enrolled attendance that indicates a serious lack of judgment or integrity.

Stanford reserves the right to require that applicants provide additional information and/or authorization for the release of information about such matters, or about any matter relating to your application for admission.

Information on third-party websites may not be accurate and is not endorsed or maintained by our program.  Please refer only to our website for up-to-date admissions information, including requirements, recommendations, and deadlines.