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 Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 24 months.
- Location: Rinker Health Science Campus, Irvine.
- Start: January 2027.
- Direct patient contact: 1,000 hours at application.
- Testing: GRE required.
- Interview: required personal interview; current mechanics are not published.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2030.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree before matriculation, minimum 3.2 cumulative and science GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, GRE within five years, two recommendations including one from a PA, MD or DO and at least 1,000 direct patient-contact hours at application. Official admissions page
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opened.
- May 2026 onward: interviews began by invitation.
- August 1, 2026: verified application, supporting documents and GRE due.
- January 2027: classes begin.
Decisions are rolling until the cohort is full. Official admissions page
How selection works
Selection considers CASPA, academics, GRE, recommendations, patient-contact and shadowing hours, other experience, graduate degrees and interview performance. Exact quantitative weights are not public. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants must complete a personal interview.
Not published
Current modality, location, count, duration, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and quantitative weight are not public. Do not infer these details from campus events. Official admissions page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with substantial direct patient contact who want a two-year Irvine program and can explain their PA motivation in a personal interview. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your direct-care experience supports the choice. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application due?
August 1, 2026, complete and verified in CASPA with supporting materials and GRE scores.
When do classes begin?
January 2027.
How much patient contact is required?
At least 1,000 hours at application.
What is the interview format?
A personal interview is required, but current mechanics are not published.
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