Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Why the physician assistant profession?
Practise explaining why the PA role fits your experiences and goals. Review whether you distinguish the profession clearly, use specific evidence, and connect your motivation to patient care; then record again with a sharper answer.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: two years and 116 units.
- Location: Riverside, California.
- Start: September.
- Interview: all-day, face-to-face assessment.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review October 2030.
Admission requirements
Applicants need minimum 3.2 overall, 3.0 science and 3.0 prerequisite GPAs, prerequisite grades of B- or better and at least 1,000 verified patient-care hours. GRE and MCAT are not required. Degree and prerequisites generally must post by December 31 of the application year. Official requirements
Important dates
- April through January: recurring CASPA cycle.
- January 15: standard fall deadline.
- September onward: interviews begin.
- Following September: classes begin.
The live pages publish this recurring route without attaching calendar years. Official FAQ
How selection works
Selection considers completeness, academics, letters, statement, interview, local screening exams, preference factors and technical standards. Published preferences include veterans, CBU graduates, Inland Empire or shortage-area service and underserved or rural experience. Exact weights are not public. Official requirements
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants attend an all-day, face-to-face process. The requirements page names basic math and English composition screening tests, each requiring 70%.
Not published
The FAQ also names medical terminology, so the current official pages disagree on the screening-test set. Interview count, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and weighting are not public. Official requirements
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who meet the high patient-care threshold, value its Christ-led underserved-service mission and are comfortable with an all-day in-person assessment. No religious-affiliation requirement is published. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your answer is specific, evidence-based and aligned with service. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much patient care is required?
At least 1,000 verified hours.
Are GRE or MCAT scores required?
No.
Is the interview face to face?
Yes; the current process is face to face.
Is medical terminology tested?
Current official pages conflict, so applicants should confirm directly.
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