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: 24 months.
- Location: Phoenix Bioscience Core, downtown Phoenix.
- Cohort: up to 60.
- Interview: required full-day virtual assessment.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, an eligible bachelor's or higher degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, required sciences including nine recent credits, at least 500 healthcare-experience hours and three recommendations. Official requirements
Important dates
- September 1: CASPA and NAU Graduate applications, prerequisites and recommendations due.
- October 1: CASPA verification due.
- September through December: virtual interviews and activities.
- January: final status usually released.
- Fall 2027: mapped target entry.
The official pages do not print calendar years or a matriculation date. Official requirements
How selection works
Detailed file review considers the overall combination of academics, experience and mission factors. Published preferences include Arizona workforce potential, first-generation or disadvantaged background, veteran status and rural background. The program generally aims to interview at least three applicants per seat. Official department page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete a required full-day virtual assessment described as qualitative and holistic, allowing candidates to explain their purpose and process.
Not published
Exact activities, interview or station count, duration by component, interviewer roles, file access, rubric and quantitative weight are not public. Official FAQ
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who want an on-campus Phoenix MPAS and can connect their experience to Arizona, rural or underserved workforce needs in a full-day virtual assessment. Official MPAS page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your purpose, experience and Arizona mission alignment are clear. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is the program in Flagstaff?
No. The MPAS is delivered at the Phoenix Bioscience Core.
How much healthcare experience is required?
At least 500 completed hours.
Is the interview virtual?
Yes; it is a required full-day virtual assessment.
Are the Fall 2027 dates exact?
The current schedule is recurring and not year-labelled.
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