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 Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
- Duration: 27 months and 139 quarter credits.
- Location: Downers Grove, Illinois.
- Cohort: 86 seats.
- Interview: required and virtual.
- Application: rolling review; September 1 deadline.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree before matriculation, minimum 3.0 cumulative and science GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, at least 500 direct-patient-care hours at submission, two professional recommendations and Casper before interview consideration. GRE is not required. Current admissions catalog
Important dates
- April 2026: CASPA opened for the current process.
- September 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET: application deadline.
- March 19 through October 20, 2026: published Casper options.
- August through January: typical virtual interview period.
- End of March: all complete applicants receive status.
The catalog does not label a specific matriculation year. Current admissions catalog
How selection works
Rolling review considers GPA, academic rigor, recommendations, healthcare experience, PA knowledge, motivation and Casper. Published interview domains include communication, patient-care commitment, flexibility, resilience, maturity, motivation, problem solving, professionalism and integrity. Exact weights are not public. Current admissions catalog
Interview details
Confirmed
Competitive candidates complete a required virtual interview, usually between August and January.
Not published
The programme does not publish current session dates, interview structure, number or duration, prompts, interviewer roles or file access, rubric or Casper and interview weights. Current admissions catalog
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with hands-on patient care who can show resilience, maturity, PA-role understanding and professional communication in a virtual interview. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review your patient-care evidence, resilience and role understanding. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
The current recurring deadline is September 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Is Casper required?
Yes, before interview consideration.
How much patient care is required?
At least 500 direct-patient-care hours at submission.
What is the interview format?
A required virtual interview; detailed mechanics are not published.
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