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.
- Campuses: Kansas City and Columbia.
- Entry: January.
- Interview: virtual in early September.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review October 2027.
Admission requirements
Applicants meet UMKC’s published degree, GPA, prerequisite, recommendation and experience requirements through one admissions process for both campuses. Official application
Important dates
- Mid- to late April: UMKC general application opens.
- April 30: CASPA opens.
- June 15: CASPA must be submitted and verified.
- June 29: UMKC general application and PA Student Portal are due.
- Mid-August: interview offers.
- Early September: virtual interviews.
- Mid-September: admission offers.
- January: classes begin.
The official timeline publishes these as recurring milestones without calendar years. Official timeline
How selection works
One admissions committee reviews applicants for the Kansas City and Columbia campuses and invites selected candidates to a virtual interview. Exact weighting is not public. Official application
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete virtual interviews in early September.
Not published
Exact dates, duration, format, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official timeline
Who this program may suit
UMKC may suit applicants open to either Kansas City or Columbia who can explain their readiness for one shared program and January entry. Official campuses
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession and UMKC fit your goals. Review whether you address the shared two-campus program accurately. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kansas City and Columbia separate PA programs?
No. UMKC describes one program across two campuses.
When are interviews?
Early September, virtually unless otherwise notified.
Is a specific January entry year published?
No. The official timeline presents a recurring January start without calendar years.
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