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: 24 months and 123 credits.
- Location: Naperville, Illinois.
- Start: January 2027, Class of 2028.
- Direct patient care: 750 hours.
- PA observation: 15 hours.
- Interview: virtual, rolling from June through October.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review April 2036.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree before enrollment, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites, 750 direct hands-on patient-care hours, 15 PA-observation hours, three recommendations and a personal statement. GRE or PA-CAT is recommended but not required. Official application page
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- September 1, 2026: CASPA closes.
- June through October 2026: virtual interviews and rolling offers.
- December 31, 2026: patient-care, observation and prerequisite completion deadline.
- January 2027: classes begin.
How selection works
Holistic review values academics, direct care, PA observation, leadership, service, research, teaching, references, narrative, military service and first-generation, disadvantaged or rural experience. Qualified North Central graduates receive an interview but no admission preference. Exact weights are not public. Official application page
Interview details
Confirmed
All candidate interviews are virtual and run on a rolling basis from June through October.
Not published
The programme does not publish exact dates, format, duration, prompts, interviewer roles or file access, rubric, scoring or component weights. Official application page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with meaningful patient care and PA exposure who can show leadership, service and readiness for a fast 24-month curriculum. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review the direct-care example, PA observation and program fit. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
September 1, 2026.
How much patient care is required?
At least 750 direct hands-on hours by December 31, 2026.
Is a test required?
GRE or PA-CAT is recommended, not required.
What is the interview format?
Virtual; detailed mechanics are not 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