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, residential.
- Location: Ithaca, New York.
- Cohort: 50.
- Start: August 2027.
- Interview: Zoom, October 2026 through March 2027.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Probation; next review April 2028.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall and 3.2 prerequisite GPAs, current C-or-better prerequisites, at least 500 hours of direct patient care and three recommendations. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- September 1, 2026: semi-rolling review begins for verified applications.
- November 1, 2026: application deadline.
- October 2026-March 2027: Zoom interviews.
- May 31, 2027: one permitted outstanding prerequisite must be complete.
- August 2027: Class of 2029 begins.
How selection works
Holistic review considers academics, care, recommendations, statements, underserved or rural experience and interview performance. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
The 2026-27 cycle uses Zoom interviews from October 2026 through March 2027. Interviews involve two interviewers drawn from program leadership, faculty and alumni, plus a program information session.
Not published
Duration, whether both interviewers attend together, questions, file access, rubric and quantitative weights are not public. Official interview page
Who this program may suit
Ithaca may suit applicants seeking a residential program who can assess material probation before entry. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your example is specific and evidence-based. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When does the class begin?
The selected Class of 2029 begins in August 2027.
What is the interview modality?
Zoom.
What is the accreditation status?
ARC-PA's current history lists Accreditation-Probation, with the next review in April 2028.
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