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.
- Location: Reno, Nevada.
- Entry: summer following the application year.
- Patient care: 2,000 paid direct hands-on hours.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2033.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum 2.75 overall GPA, B- or better prerequisite grades, 2,000 paid direct hands-on patient-care hours, three references and a CV. All requirements and prerequisites must be complete and verified by the deadline. Official screening policy
Important dates
- September 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET: complete and verified CASPA deadline.
- By December: the next cohort is selected.
- Following summer: classes begin; the current FAQ does not print an exact date.
How selection works
UNR compares academic background, direct patient care, references, statements, primary-care and underserved experience, PA exposure and achievements. Nevada heritage, rural residence and military service can each add six preference points. Interview assessment covers motivation, communication, problem solving and maturity. Official selection factors
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete an interview assessing motivation, communication, problem-solving ability and maturity.
Not published
Interview dates, modality, structure, duration, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and final weighting are not public. Official selection factors
Who this program may suit
UNR may suit applicants seeking a Reno program with an explicit Summer 2027 cycle. 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
What is the deadline?
September 1; the application must be complete and verified.
When does the cohort begin?
The summer following the application year; the exact date is not published.
How much patient care is required?
At least 2,000 paid direct hands-on hours.
Is the interview modality public?
No.
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