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, seven semesters and 112 credits.
- Location: Searcy, Arkansas.
- Application cycle: 2026-27.
- Interview: virtual first stage followed by an on-campus stage for selected candidates.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Probation; next review October 2026.
Admission requirements
Applicants need an eligible U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA, C-or-better prerequisites, at least 200 healthcare-experience hours, ten in-person PA-shadowing hours and three recommendations. Only one prerequisite may remain for the final spring or winter before matriculation. Official admissions page
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: 2026-27 CASPA cycle opened.
- July onward: interviews generally begin.
- November 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST: verified-CASPA deadline.
- Mid-March 2027: latest status target for interviewed applicants.
The exact matriculation term and start date are not published. Official admissions page
How selection works
Rolling review considers prerequisites, mission alignment and holistic evidence. Published emphasis includes prerequisite, science and last-40 GPAs, healthcare experience and PA shadowing. Interview domains include professionalism, communication, resilience, self-awareness, cooperation, mission alignment and capacity to succeed. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Qualified applicants first complete a virtual interview. Selected candidates then attend an on-campus interview with faculty and staff.
Not published
Exact dates, count, duration, prompts, interviewer roles, file access, scoring scale and quantitative weights are not public. Official admissions page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants comfortable with a two-stage assessment and Harding's published Christian conduct expectations, who can show patient-care preparation, professionalism and mission alignment. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review your professionalism, mission alignment and patient-care evidence. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much healthcare experience is required?
At least 200 hours.
How much PA shadowing is required?
At least ten in-person hours.
What is the interview sequence?
A virtual first stage followed by a campus stage for selected candidates.
What is the accreditation status?
The latest official evidence lists Accreditation-Probation.
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