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 Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 28 months over seven semesters.
- Sites: Grand Rapids, 36 seats; Traverse City, 12 seats.
- Start: August 31, 2027.
- Interview: half-day and in person.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree by May before matriculation, minimum 3.0 overall, last-60 and prerequisite GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, Casper, at least 500 healthcare-experience hours and at least two recommendation rubrics. Applicants select one site, not both. Official admissions criteria
Important dates
- April 2026: CASPA opens.
- July 15, 2026: ARF deadline.
- August 25, 2026: final U.S. Casper date.
- September 1, 2026: CASPA, supplemental and supporting materials due.
- October 30, 2026: Grand Rapids interview.
- November 13, 2026: Traverse City interview.
- August 27, 2027: orientation.
- August 31, 2027: classes begin.
How selection works
Interview selection can consider multiple GPAs, professional degree or clinical experience, healthcare, service and leadership hours, recommendations, military service, Casper, GVSU credits, disadvantage and underserved commitment. Traverse City also considers Northern Michigan connection. Exact weights are not public. Official admissions criteria
Interview details
Confirmed
The half-day interview is in person and includes individual interviews with faculty or local healthcare members, a facility tour, a group interview with programme administration and a faculty panel. It assesses motivation, life and patient-care experience, maturity and personal characteristics.
Not published
The number and length of individual interviews, prompts, interviewer file access, rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official interview page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with healthcare experience, service and leadership evidence who can choose one site deliberately and work effectively through individual, group and panel interview settings. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response to a care-team disagreement. Review your listening, group contribution and patient-centered close. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Grand Rapids and Traverse City separate programs?
No. Applicants choose one site within a single accredited programme.
When is the application due?
September 1, 2026.
Is Casper required?
Yes.
What is the interview format?
A half-day in-person experience with individual, group and panel activities.
Sources
Source check: August 22, 2026. GVSU explicitly supports September 1, 2026 deadlines, site-specific interviews, August 27 orientation and August 31, 2027 classes. Grand Rapids and Traverse City remain sites within one programme.
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