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 Studies.
- Duration: 27 months.
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- Cohort: up to 26.
- Entry: Summer 2027 following the 2026-27 application cycle.
- Mission: New Mexico and underserved-community emphasis.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S. bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 math/science and last-60 GPAs, 1,000 direct-care hours, three recommendations and the published prerequisites. Official program
Important dates
- July 1, 2026: recommended CASPA submission.
- August 1, 2026: verified deadline.
- August 2, 2026: UNM supplemental due.
- Summer 2027: entry.
How selection works
Holistic review emphasizes New Mexico ties, mission alignment, academics, care, service, references, language skills, military service and PA-role understanding. Official program
Interview details
Confirmed
Recent interviews have been in person in Albuquerque and include narrative or essay writing.
Not published
Exact dates, invitation volume, format, count, duration, roles, file access, prompts, rubric and weights are intentionally not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
UNM may suit applicants with strong New Mexico or underserved-community alignment and substantial direct-care experience. 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
Care minimum?
1,000 direct-patient-care hours.
PA-CAT?
Recommended, not required.
Interview format?
UNM withholds details until selection.
Sources
Source check: August 22, 2026. UNM explicitly labels the 2026-27 application cycle, states that accepted students start the following summer and publishes the August deadlines. ARC-PA lists Accreditation-Continued with an October 2034 review.
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