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: 27 months and 120 credits.
- Location: Arvada, Colorado.
- Class size: 32.
- Start: August 2027.
- Interview: in person in December 2026.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2027.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a completed bachelor's degree and prerequisites by September 1, 2026, minimum 3.0 prerequisite GPA, C-or-better coursework, 2,000 paid health-related hours earned within the published five-year window and three references. GRE, PA-CAT and Casper are not required. Official application page
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opens.
- September 1, 2026: CASPA submission deadline.
- September 15, 2026: CASPA verification and supplemental-fee deadlines.
- Late November 2026: interview invitations.
- December 2026: in-person interviews in Arvada.
- August 2027: orientation and classes begin.
How selection works
The programme publishes a multi-step points process and mission factors including academics, primary-care and underserved commitment, teamwork, flexibility, self-awareness, integrity, healthcare experience, PA commitment, inclusion, resilience and dependability. Exact interview weights are not public. Official application page
Interview details
Confirmed
Highly qualified applicants attend an in-person interview at the Arvada campus in December 2026.
Not published
The exact date, questions, duration, panel composition, interviewer file access, scoring rubric and quantitative weights are not public. A generic COVID-era sentence elsewhere still mentions possible virtual interviews; the dated timeline controls. Official application page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with extensive paid healthcare experience and a demonstrated commitment to primary care, underserved communities, teamwork and resilience. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review your health-experience evidence and underserved-care commitment. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is CASPA due?
Submit by September 1, 2026 and reach verification by September 15.
How much experience is required?
At least 2,000 paid healthcare-relevant hours within the published five-year window.
Are admissions rolling?
No.
What is the interview format?
The dated 2026 timeline specifies an in-person Arvada interview in December; detailed mechanics are not published.
What is the accreditation status?
ARC-PA lists Accreditation-Continued, with the next review in July 2027.
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