Current-cycle decision support
Turn confirmed information into a first practice
Resolve a disagreement on the care team
Practise resolving disagreement without dismissing either colleague. Review whether you clarify the clinical risk, invite both perspectives, protect the patient, and name a practical next step; then record again with one improvement.
Quick facts
- Degree: Master Physician Assistant.
- Duration: 27 months over seven semesters.
- Format: full-time and on campus.
- Location: Oakland, California.
- Interview: mandatory all-day session, virtual or in person.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 cumulative and science GPAs, the specified prerequisites, 2,000 direct-patient-care hours and three references, including a medical provider who observed the applicant clinically. PA-CAT and Casper are required; no minimum score is published. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: 2026-27 requirements opened.
- July 1, 2026: PA-CAT deadline.
- August 25, 2026 at 8:00 p.m. ET: final accepted Casper session.
- September 1, 2026: application deadline for Fall 2027.
- March 1, 2027: final decisions due.
How selection works
Holistic review considers academics, clinical experience, community service, leadership and published preference factors. Final selection uses application-review scores together with interview scores and feedback. The school does not publish quantitative component weights. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
The mandatory all-day interview may be in person or virtual. It can include a chair meeting, individual faculty or alumni interviews, a student panel, MMIs and/or a team activity. Assessed domains include communication, emotional intelligence, professional practice, academic readiness, ethics and fit.
Not published
Exact dates, assigned modality, final activity set, prompts, duration, file access and scoring weights are not public. Official program page
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with substantial hands-on patient care who are ready for both situational testing and a varied interview day. Its published review also values service, leadership and readiness for professional practice. Official program page
Practice and next step
Record a first response resolving a care-team disagreement. Review the shared goal, evidence and relationship language. Record a second response and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application due?
September 1, 2026 for Fall 2027 entry.
Are PA-CAT and Casper required?
Yes; both are required under the current cycle.
How much patient care is required?
At least 2,000 direct-patient-care hours.
Is the interview virtual or in person?
Samuel Merritt may use either modality and does not guarantee every listed activity.
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