Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Resolve a disagreement on the care team
Practise resolving disagreement without dismissing either colleague. Review whether you clarify the clinical risk, invite both perspectives, protect the patient, and name a practical next step; then record again with one improvement.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 26 months, 112 credits.
- Location: West Des Moines, Iowa.
- Cohort: up to 65.
- Entry: June.
- Interview: asynchronous assessment plus a synchronous virtual group or in-person experience.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review October 2035.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA, C-or-better prerequisites, 750 direct-care hours, PA shadowing and two recommendations. GRE is optional. Official admissions
Important dates
- April: CASPA opens for the class enrolling the following June.
- March 1: recurring application deadline.
- June: the cohort begins.
DMU uses rolling admissions and recommends applying early. Official admissions
How selection works
Rolling selection considers academic potential, healthcare experience, recommendations and statement. Decisions are Admit, Alternate or Release. Exact weights are not public. Official admissions
Interview details
Confirmed
The competency-based process begins with an asynchronous assessment and continues with either a synchronous virtual group experience or an in-person experience.
Not published
Exact dates, component duration, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, scoring and weights are not public. Official admissions
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with substantial direct patient care who are comfortable demonstrating competencies first asynchronously and then in a live setting. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response to a care-team disagreement. Review whether you explain the shared goal, manage tension and propose a safe next step. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
March 1, with rolling review before then.
Is the GRE required?
No. It is optional.
How much direct care is required?
At least 750 hours.
What is the interview format?
An asynchronous assessment followed by a virtual group or in-person live experience.
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