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: 27 months, 123 credits.
- Location: Dubuque, Iowa.
- Cohort: up to 30.
- Interview: on campus.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. or Canadian bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and prerequisite-science GPAs, 500 direct-care hours, eight primary-care PA-shadowing hours and three specified recommendations. GRE is not required. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- September 1, 2026: recommended submission.
- October 1, 2026: application must be CASPA Verified.
- October 16, 2026: on-campus interview day.
- August 2027: target cohort start; the exact date is not public.
How selection works
The most competitive complete applications receive interview invitations. After interview, the committee combines interview scores with prerequisite review and returns offer, waitlist or denial. Exact weights are not public. Official process
Interview details
Confirmed
The target-cycle interview is on campus on October 16, 2026.
Not published
Format, station count, duration, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, scoring rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official dates
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking a small Iowa cohort who meet its care and shadowing requirements and can attend the dated campus interview. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your care and primary-care shadowing examples support the choice. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GRE required?
No.
When is the interview?
October 16, 2026 for the target cycle.
When does the program begin?
August 2027, but the exact date 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