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 Associate Studies.
- Location: Missoula, Montana.
- Entry: recurring fall start; first cohort began in August 2026.
- Review: rolling.
- Deadline: use September 30 because official copy conflicts with October 1.
- Tests: GRE, PA-CAT and CASPer are not required.
- Experience: no patient-care, healthcare, shadowing or service minimum.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Provisional.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree before matriculation, minimum 3.0 cumulative and science GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites completed within 10 years and three recommendations, including one from a healthcare provider. GRE, PA-CAT and CASPer are not required. Official admissions
Important dates
- Late April: recurring admissions-cycle opening.
- September 30: earlier deadline printed on the current page.
- October 1: conflicting deadline printed elsewhere on the same page.
- Fall: recurring cohort start; the next entry year is not labelled.
Use September 30 unless the program confirms otherwise. Official admissions
How selection works
The program uses rolling review. Published preference factors include Montana residence, regional or Indigenous community ties, rural background and experience with communities that have limited access to care. Exact screening thresholds and weights are not public. Official admissions
Interview details
Confirmed
The current admissions process includes applicant selection for the Missoula program.
Not published
Interview dates, delivery mode, duration, format, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and component weights are not public. Official admissions
Who this program may suit
Montana may suit applicants seeking a new PA program with a regional and rural-health mission. 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
Is the program accredited?
It holds ARC-PA Accreditation-Provisional status.
What deadline should applicants use?
The current page conflicts between September 30 and October 1. Use the earlier September 30 date unless the program confirms otherwise.
Are admissions tests required?
No. GRE, PA-CAT and CASPer are not required.
Is patient-care experience required?
No fixed minimum is 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