Admission Requirements

• Prerequisite Coursework: Complete all prerequisite courses by December 31 of the year prior to starting the PA program. Prerequisite courses can be in progress at the time of application.
• GPA: A minimum GPA of a 3.0 in the CASPA Biology, Chemistry and Physics (BCP) GPA and in the most recent 45 Semester Credits. Both GPAs are calculated at CASPA verification and applications not meeting the minimum will not be reviewed. Higher GPAs increase the likelihood of applicants being invited to interview. For more information about GPAs, please refer to CASPA’s Help Center.
• Healthcare Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience within a healthcare setting. The admissions committee considers hours completed at the time of application.
• Professional Evaluations: Two professional evaluations are required. We recommend at least one evaluation be from a PA who you have worked with or shadowed and who is not a relative or personal relation.
• English Proficiency: International students and those whose first language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency.
• Technical Standards: Technical standards are defined by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) as “nonacademic requirements for participation in an educational program or  activity. They include physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the curriculum and for entry into the profession.” Submission of an application indicates the ability to meet these technical standards. Review our technical standards.
• Completed Application: Complete an application through CASPA which opens each year in April and have it verified by September 1 of that same year.
• Personal Interview: Highly qualified applicants will be invited to a virtual interview via Zoom. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision.

Bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the Pacific University PA program. Students may complete their bachelor’s as a part of the master’s coursework. More details are listed below.

Standardized testing is not required. The Pacific University PA program does not require or evaluate scores from the GRE, PA-CAT, MCAT, CASPer, etc.
 

Admissions Preferences

The PA program at Pacific University strives to find applicants who have a strong alignment with the mission of the program. Applicants will not be automatically granted or denied an interview or admission solely based on these factors.

CASPA Information
Special consideration will be given to applicants with one or more of the factors listed below. The information comes from the Personal Information Quadrant and Program Materials Quadrant for Pacific University. 

• First generation college students
• Economically disadvantaged childhood
• Raised, currently work, or currently live in a rural area (10,000 or fewer residents)
• Raised, currently work, or currently live in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Medically Underserved Area (MUA) per HRSA.gov
• Former or current member of the US Military (Veteran Outreach Initiative)
• Raised or currently live in Hawaii, or desire to return to Hawaii for clinical practice (Hawaii Outreach Initiative)
• Motivation for applying to Pacific University
• Evidence of adaptability, resourcefulness, initiative and engagement

Pacific University Students
Pacific University offers pathways for current undergraduate students to pursue graduate studies in a health profession at Pacific. The PA program does not participate in Pacific Priority. Special consideration is given for current undergraduate students participating in the program listed below.

• STEM & Health Professions Advantage Scholars: current students participating in this program are offered an interview, all admission requirements must still be met and participants are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Interview
We strive to make the experience positive for all applicants and also view the interview events as time for applicants to find out what we can offer them in regards to their PA education. During the interview, candidates are evaluated on:

• Understanding of the PA role
• Insight
• Problem solving skills
• Resiliency
• Program compatibility
• Verbal communication skills

Matriculation Requirements

Every incoming student must successfully complete the admissions process and meet admissions criteria. Once accepted to the Pacific University PA program, there are additional criteria that must be met and coordinated for matriculation. Review our matriculation requirements.

Apply Now

How to Apply

• Learn more about Pacific’s PA program. Join a virtual information session via Zoom. These sessions are available to watch from any computer, phone or other device and last about 60-75 minutes. We are unable to offer tours of our Hillsboro Campus, but you can also watch our virtual tour online.
• Check Your Eligibility. Use the unofficial evaluation worksheet to have your coursework evaluated. Our dedicated admissions counselor will respond via email quickly.
• Complete Your Application. The Pacific University PA program uses the CASPA application system. Your online application will include:
  • Transcripts from any institutions you have attended sent to CASPA.
  • Demonstrated patient care experience. This is documented in the CASPA application and only includes hours completed at the time of application.
  • Two professional evaluations. You will request these evaluations from your professional contacts through the CASPA online application.
  • Kira Assessment. This is built into CASPA and contains timed written and video responses allowing for a holistic review of applicants.
• Attend an Interview.  Highly qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. The interview is required and is a strong contributing factor in the admission decision. In the interview, consideration is given to candidates’ knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career as a PA, ability to think clearly and logically, self-confidence, verbal expression of ideas and program compatibility. All interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom. We strive to make the experience positive for all applicants and view the interview events as time for applicants to find out what we can offer them in regards to their PA education.
• Questions? Please reach out to your admissions counselor at the contact information below for any questions about the program or admissions. You may also review our frequently asked questions or see our class profile.