Admissions & Selection Process with Dates & Deadlines
The mission of the University of Arizona Physician Assistant Program is to develop skilled, compassionate and mission-driven physician assistants with a strong focus on primary care and rural health. We are committed to fostering a learning environment that cultivates clinical and inclusive excellence, wellness and community engagement. Our goal is to produce adaptable, collaborative graduates who are equipped to reduce health disparities and provide person-centered care in underserved settings.
Class Size
A cohort of up to 50 students will matriculate each August.
Admissions Dates & Deadlines
We recommend submitting your application by early June for the best chance at securing an interview. Our rolling admissions model means that applications are reviewed, interviews are conducted and acceptances are offered continuously until all seats are filled. As the cycle progresses, available interview spots and seats become more limited. The remaining class seats will be filled following the November application deadline.
- Late April – CASPA application opens
- May – Application review begins on a rolling basis
- Early June – Suggested application submission date
- June – Interview invitations begin to be sent on a rolling basis
- July to December – In-person interviews held on the University of Arizona campus
- July – Admissions decisions begin to be released and continue until all seats are filled
- November 1 – Final CASPA submission deadline (Green-Verified Deadline):
- Application must be submitted to CASPA
- Payment, all transcripts and at least three letters of recommendation must be received by CASPA
- Application must be in Green-Verified status (CASPA GPA calculation complete)
No additional admissions materials will be accepted after CASPA submission, with the following exceptions:
- Confirmation of non-science prerequisite coursework completion listed as “In Progress” or “Planned” in CASPA
- Final official transcripts reflecting updated grades or degree conferral
Applicants completing a non-science prerequisite course may still be considered, provided the course is successfully completed prior to matriculation. Final transcripts must be submitted to the program as soon as grades or degree conferral are available. Electronic transcripts are preferred.
Note: The University of Arizona PA Program does not grant advanced placement (A3.13c) or course credit for prior academic or professional experience. All applicants must meet the program’s established admissions criteria, including the program’s Technical Standards (A3.13e), which outline the essential abilities required for successful participation in the program.
Admissions Process
The admissions process includes three phases:
All verified CASPA applications undergo a holistic review process. Every component is considered, and no single factor guarantees admission. This initial evaluation includes:
- Completion of admissions prerequisites
- Review of preference factors
- Letters of recommendation
- LORs are evaluated during the manual review only if the recommender’s overall rating is below “Recommend” (e.g., “Recommend with Reservations” or “Do Not Recommend”).
- Personal Statement
- Motivation to become a PA
- Clarity, organization, spelling, grammar
- Supplemental Questions
- Alignment with the program’s mission
- Knowledge of the program
- Desire to live in Arizona
- Clarity, organization, spelling, grammar
- Overall impression of the application and candidate fit for the U of A PA Program
Applicants who demonstrate strong alignment with the program’s mission, vision and values will receive greater consideration. Individuals that score higher in the above areas will be given preference over those with lower scores.
Approximately 200 applicants will be invited to participate in in-person interviews held on designated Saturdays between July and December on the University of Arizona campus. We invite the top 64 applicants to interview each month. In the event of a tie at the cutoff, selection will be determined by the highest number of preference factors. If applicants remain tied, we will consider the highest "Desire to Live in Arizona" score, followed by the earliest verified CASPA submission date. Interview invitations are extended on a rolling basis beginning in June and are sent via email several weeks in advance.
Please note: The U of A PA Program does not offer virtual interviews. We believe the in-person interview experience is a vital part of the selection process for both the applicant and program faculty and staff.
Interview day includes:
- Program overview with leadership
- Tour of program facilities
- Q&A session with staff and faculty
- Small group and one-on-one interviews with members of the Admissions Committee
- Program Faculty
- Advisory Board Members
- SOHP Faculty
- Students
The University of Arizona PA Program utilizes a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. MMIs allow applicants to demonstrate critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills through a series of structured interview stations.
Applicants will be evaluated on qualities aligned with PA program’s mission, vision, values, goals and professional readiness, such as:
- Commitment to primary care and rural health
- Alignment with the program’s mission, vision and core values
- Empathy and compassion
- Self-awareness and insight
- Leadership and patient advocacy
- Resilience
- Professionalism
- Communication skills
- Emotional intelligence and professional maturity
- Understanding and readiness for the PA profession
- Overall impression
Final admissions decisions are made through a comprehensive holistic review of each applicant invited to interview. This process takes into account the entire CASPA application, performance during the in-person interview, and supplemental materials, including a GPA reflection that allows applicants to provide insight into their academic journey and demonstrate self-awareness. Each element is evaluated in context and in relation to the whole candidate, and no single criterion holds disproportionate weight. We consider a combination of all components to gain a comprehensive understanding of each applicant's potential to succeed in our program and contribute meaningfully to the profession and community.
The comprehensive holistic review of all interviewed candidates includes the following:
- Application materials submitted through CASPA
- Academic Performance
- Overall undergraduate GPA and science GPA
- Post-baccalaureate GPA and science GPA (if applicable)
- GPA trend and course load
- Upper-division science coursework
- Notable academic concerns
- Experience & Mission Alignment
- Healthcare experience and employment type/trend
- Volunteer and community involvement
- Leadership and advocacy
- Demonstrated alignment with the program’s mission, vision, and primary care focus
- Letters of Recommendation
- Relevance and strength of recommender narratives
- Evaluated ratings and insights
- Interview Insights
- Scores and themes from MMI stations
- Strengths and concerns observed from interviewers
- Consideration of additional supplemental content, including:
- GPA reflection
- Thoughtful insight
- Academic awareness
The University of Arizona Physician Assistant (PA) Program uses a rolling admissions process. Applications are reviewed, interview invitations are extended, and offers are made throughout the interview season as seats remain available. A small number of seats are intentionally held until the end of the interview cycle to ensure a comprehensive holistic review of all interviewed applicants.
Not all interviewees will be offered admission. Applicants are notified of their admission status as decisions are finalized throughout the cycle.
Final Seats & Comprehensive Holistic Review
To ensure fairness for every interviewed applicant, approximately five (5) seats are intentionally held until the end of the interview cycle. After the final interview session, offers for these remaining seats are determined through a comprehensive holistic review of all interviewed candidates.
Hold List & Notifications
All applicants will receive their initial admission status: offer, hold, or denial, no later than January 1. If a seat becomes available prior to matriculation, it will be offered to the next applicant prioritized through our holistic review process.
Once selected for admission to the University of Arizona Physician Assistant (PA) Program, students must complete additional pre-enrollment requirements. The cost of these requirements is the responsibility of the student.
- University of Arizona Graduate College Application:
- Admitted applicants will be invited to complete the University of Arizona Graduate College GradApp (at no cost). Admission to both the University and the PA Program is officially conferred by the Graduate College.
- Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening:
- Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screen is required prior to enrollment.
- Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card:
- Students must obtain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card. Instructions are available on the Arizona Department of Public Safety website.
- Laptop Computer:
- A personal laptop computer is required. We recommend following the University of Arizona’s technical specifications.
- Proof of Health Insurance:
- Students must provide proof of active health insurance. Some clinical partners may require a letter from the insurance provider verifying coverage.
- Immunizations:
- Students must provide verification of required immunizations prior to matriculation.
- Travel and Transportation:
- Reliable transportation is required throughout the program. Travel is expected during the clinical phase, and students are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of housing, transportation, and other living expenses associated with all program-related activities and clinical rotations.
Background Check and Eligibility Disclosure Policy
Applicants to the University of Arizona Physician Assistant Program should be aware of the following:
- If you have a criminal history or are designated as a sex offender, you may be prohibited from enrolling in the PA program and/or may not be able to secure clinical placements, even if you are extended an offer of admission.
- Prior to matriculation, you will be required to complete a criminal background check and other compliance screenings (including Office of Inspector General (OIG) Exclusion List review). These checks are conditions for participation in clinical practice experiences, which are required for graduation, and may also be required for licensure under applicable state law.
- Our affiliated clinical sites establish their own requirements regarding student participation. This may include repeating background checks or other onboarding requirements. A history of felony convictions, OIG exclusion, or other disqualifying findings may prevent assignment to certain clinical sites, potentially limiting your ability to complete the program.
- Admission to the program does not guarantee eligibility for clinical placement, licensure, or employment. State licensing boards review convictions and exclusions on a case-by-case basis, and some findings may prevent you from becoming licensed as a PA, even after graduation. The University cannot provide advice as to whether applicants’ backgrounds are likely to disqualify them from placements, licensure, or employment.
Acknowledgment
By applying, you acknowledge that you understand these requirements and limitations.
Nondiscrimination Statement
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity institution. As such, the University prohibits sex and other forms of discrimination in any educational program or activity that it operates. The University's notice of nondiscrimination is located at equity.arizona.edu. Individuals may report concerns of discrimination to the Office of Institutional Equity and may also report concerns of sex discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator.