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 Science in Physician Assistant.
- Location: Portland, Maine.
- Entry: Summer 2027.
- Patient care: 500 hours.
- PA shadowing: 20 unpaid in-person hours.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; the directory still shows a July 2026 next-review date and no later action.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 BCP and last-60 GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, 500 direct-care hours, 20 unpaid in-person PA-shadowing hours and three recommendations including one from a PA. Official admission
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- November 1, 2026: verified CASPA deadline.
- December 31, 2026: final prerequisite transcripts due.
- Summer 2027: entry; exact date not public.
How selection works
Screening rewards stronger GPAs, recommended courses, care, shadowing, service, military experience, UNE affiliation and rural or underserved mission alignment. Decisions follow each interview session. Official admission
Interview details
Confirmed
Interview sessions are invitation-only and required. Decisions follow each session.
Not published
Dates, modality, location, duration, format, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official admission
Who this program may suit
UNE may suit applicants with substantial hands-on care, in-person PA shadowing and evidence of service to rural or underserved communities. Official admission
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your care and shadowing evidence proves role understanding. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
How much patient care is required?
At least 500 hours before submission.
How much PA shadowing is required?
At least 20 unpaid, in-person hours.
What is the interview format?
UNE confirms an interview but does not publish the format.
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