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; Ashland, Virginia; maximum January 2027 cohort of 40. Official graduate admission
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Provisional; next review April 2027; maximum class size 40. The March 2025 action noted seven areas of noncompliance, and the September 2025 action acknowledged portal and website updates without publishing a new status. ARC-PA accreditation history
Admission requirements
Applicants use CASPA and need U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, a bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and science GPAs, listed prerequisites with C or higher, a GRE General Test score from the previous five years, current-application-year CASPer, and three references. There is no fixed clinical-hour minimum, but meaningful patient-contact experience is strongly recommended and preferred. Official graduate admission
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: Class of 2028 cycle opens.
- September 1, 2026: complete and verified application deadline.
- January 2027: matriculation for a maximum cohort of 40.
Applications, interview offers, and enrollment offers proceed on a rolling basis during the cycle. Official graduate admission
How selection works
The committee reviews complete, verified applications on a rolling basis against required prerequisites, program goals, and preferred factors, then invites selected applicants for interviews and additional non-cognitive assessments. Preference includes first-generation applicants and applicants from medically underserved or shortage areas. Qualified Randolph–Macon graduates receive an interview, not guaranteed admission. Official graduate admission
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants are invited to visit the PA program and participate in additional non-cognitive assessments used in the final admission decision. Official graduate admission
Not published
The current exact interview dates, exercise structure, duration, evaluator roles, prompts, and scoring weights are not published on the admissions page.
Who this program may suit
Randolph–Macon may suit applicants seeking a January-start program with rolling review who can demonstrate meaningful patient-contact experience and connect their background to the program’s preference for first-generation applicants or applicants from medically underserved and shortage areas. Official graduate admission
Practice and next step
Record one response explaining why the physician assistant profession fits your goals. Review whether your evidence shows patient contact, service, and readiness for a small January cohort; make one specific adjustment, then record the answer again and compare both attempts.
Frequently asked questions
What cycle does this guide cover?
The Class of 2028 cycle, open April 30 to September 1, 2026, for January 2027 matriculation. Official graduate admission
Are the GRE and CASPer required?
Yes. The GRE must be from the previous five years, and CASPer must be from the current application year. Official graduate admission
Is clinical experience required?
There is no baseline hour requirement, but meaningful patient-contact experience is strongly recommended and preferred. Official graduate admission
What is the current accreditation status?
Accreditation-Provisional, with the next review listed for April 2027. The current ARC-PA history records the March 2025 findings and a September 2025 website-and-portal update. ARC-PA accreditation history
Sources
- Graduate admission — Class of 2028 dates, requirements, rolling process, cohort size, preferences, and interview description; checked 2026-08-22.
- ARC-PA accreditation history — Provisional status, next review, class size, and current commission actions; checked 2026-08-22.
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