Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Allocate a limited same-day appointment
Practise making a fair, patient-safe recommendation when capacity is limited. Review whether you identify missing clinical information, avoid blaming either patient, explain your prioritization, and offer a workable alternative; then record again.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 26 months.
- Format: residential, on campus.
- Location: Mesa, Arizona.
- Start: July.
- Interview: MMI plus one-on-one file review, in person or virtual.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a recognized U.S. accredited institution, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, at least 500 patient-contact hours and three specified recommendations: employer or supervisor, physician/PA/NP, and faculty member. The current page does not list the GRE as a requirement. Official program page
Important dates
- Mid-April: CASPA opens in the academic year before matriculation.
- September 1: completed CASPA deadline.
- October 1: secondary deadline.
- Mid-September through January: rolling interviews, predominantly Mondays.
- July: program begins.
How selection works
ATSU uses weighted academic and experience factors, mission-related preference points and committee review of healthcare roles, course rigor, service, letters, statements and secondary responses. After invitation it considers MMI scores, the one-on-one file interview, CASPA academics and mission fit. Exact weights are not public. Official selection process
Interview details
Confirmed
Interviews may be in person or virtual. Both use an MMI and a one-on-one file review session, plus Q&A and time with current students.
Not published
Current-cycle dates, MMI station count and timing, one-on-one duration, scorer file access beyond the file-review label, rubric and component weights are not public. Official program page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with strong patient-contact evidence and commitment to primary care, rural or underserved communities, community service and ATSU's mission. Official department page
Practice and next step
Practise an MMI access-allocation scenario. Give a clear decision process, recognize underserved-patient constraints and explain how you would communicate with the care team. Review one weakness and record again.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
September 1 under the current annual contract.
What is the interview format?
MMI plus a one-on-one file review session.
Can the interview be virtual?
Yes; ATSU says interviews may be in person or virtual.
Is patient contact required?
Yes, at least 500 hours.
Sources
Recommended preparation
Physician Assistant Interview Essentials
Build a credible PA interview foundation through four focused spoken responses: profession-specific motivation, interprofessional teamwork, fair clinical decision-making, and reflective use of feedback.
Page history
- Published