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: 24 months and 110 credits.
- Didactic location: primarily San Luis Obispo, California.
- Clinical phase: community health centers across California and the United States.
- Interview: virtual MMI, leadership Q&A and three faculty interviews.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying U.S. bachelor's or higher degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, specified science prerequisites and three recommendations. Up to two prerequisites may be outstanding at application. ATSU does not require or consider the GRE or CASPer and publishes no fixed clinical-hour minimum. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 23, 2026: application cycle opens.
- October 1, 2026: CASPA, transcripts and recommendations must be complete and verified.
- October 31, 2026: secondary and endorsement materials due.
- July 1, 2027: outstanding prerequisites due.
- September 1, 2027: qualifying degree must be conferred.
How selection works
Rolling review emphasizes academic readiness, service, disadvantage, mission alignment, Central Coast ties and endorsed Hometown Scholar or partner applicants. After interview, the committee assigns offer, hold or decline and generally communicates within two weeks. Exact scoring weights are not public. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
The interview is virtual by Zoom and includes an MMI, leadership Q&A and exactly three individual faculty interviews.
Not published
Interview dates, MMI station count and timing, prompts, interviewer file access, scoring rubric and component weights are not public. Official program page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who want community-health-center training and can show service, resilience and commitment to underserved communities. Applicants should be comfortable with a didactic year centered in San Luis Obispo and distributed clinical placements. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response to an MMI resource-allocation scenario. Review your decision rule, patient-safety tradeoffs and communication. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
October 1, 2026, with verification complete.
What is the interview format?
A virtual MMI, leadership Q&A and three individual faculty interviews.
Where is the didactic year taught?
ATSU's current page places it primarily in San Luis Obispo.
Are the GRE or CASPer required?
No; ATSU says neither is required or considered.
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