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 Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 25 months.
- Format: full-time and onsite.
- Location: Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston.
- Start: Fall 2027.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2029.
- Institution name: MGH Institute of Health Professions through August 31, 2026; the institution has announced a September 1, 2026 name change.
Official program and admissions page
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying bachelor's degree or recognized international equivalent, minimum 3.0 overall GPA, all prerequisites completed with B- or better, three recommendations and at least 1,000 paid, hands-on direct-patient-care hours at submission. GRE and PA-CAT are not required. Official admissions page
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA cycle opens.
- September 1, 2026: application must be submitted and CASPA-verified.
- Winter 2026-27: interview period.
- Fall 2027: program begins.
How selection works
MGH Institute reviews applications as submitted. Published additional consideration includes stronger GPA, advanced chemistry, 2,000 or more direct-care hours, leadership, service, compassion, empathy, significant challenges and sustained Mass General Brigham employment. Exact component weights are not public. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants interview in winter 2026-27. The programme says it assesses compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation.
Not published
Exact dates, modality, location, interview count and duration, prompts, interviewer roles or file access, rubric and quantitative weighting are not public. Official admissions page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with sustained paid patient care who can show compassion, service, leadership and readiness for an intensive onsite curriculum within the Mass General Brigham environment. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review the patient-care evidence and team-care link. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
September 1, 2026, submitted and verified.
How much direct care is required?
At least 1,000 paid, hands-on hours at submission.
Are GRE or PA-CAT required?
No.
What is the interview format?
MGH Institute confirms winter interviews but does not publish the mechanics.
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