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: 28 months and 102 units.
- Location: San Rafael, California.
- Delivery: in-person program.
- Interview: personal interview remotely by Zoom.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review January 2032.
Official program and admissions page
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and all prerequisites complete at submission, minimum 3.0 overall and recent-science GPAs, B- or better prerequisites, three recommendations, a self-written statement, 500 paid hands-on care hours and eight hours of PA shadowing or work. GRE is recommended, not required. Official program page
Important dates
- May 1: recurring application window opens.
- October 1: recurring deadline.
- September through December: interview period.
- Fall: program entry; current pages do not print an exact matriculation date.
How selection works
Published preferences include stronger GPAs, licensed clinical status, extensive patient care, Dominican degree, disadvantage, underserved or nearby residence, language skills and service. Selected applicants receive personal interview invitations. Exact weights are not public. Official program page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete a required personal interview remotely by Zoom.
Not published
Exact dates, duration, exercises, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and quantitative weight are not public. Official FAQ
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with direct patient care, PA exposure and service evidence who want an in-person San Rafael program but are comfortable interviewing remotely. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your care and shadowing evidence is specific. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is the program online?
No. The program is in person in San Rafael; the interview is remote.
How much patient care is required?
Five hundred paid hands-on hours.
Is the GRE required?
No; it is recommended.
Are exact fall dates published?
No. The application and interview windows are recurring, and the exact start is not public.
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