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 Health Science.
- Location: Mobile, Alabama.
- Length: 27 months, 121 credits.
- Entry: May 2027.
- Interview: virtual by Zoom in October 2026.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S.-accredited bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall, science, and last-60-hour GPAs, prerequisite grades of C or better, the GRE with at least 145 verbal and 145 quantitative scores, 500 direct-patient-care hours, and three references including one PA, MD, or DO. Official admissions requirements
Important dates
- April 25, 2026: annual application cycle opens.
- October 1, 2026: CASPA verification, supplement, fee, GRE, and evaluation deadline.
- October 16 and October 23, 2026: published virtual interview dates.
- Mid-May 2027: annual matriculation.
How selection works
Holistic review considers academics and GRE, additional science or graduate education, direct care and PA shadowing, service, leadership, military experience, disadvantage, and connection to Alabama or the service area. Approximately 170 applicants are interviewed and 60 are invited to matriculate. Official admissions page
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants complete a virtual Zoom interview in October. The program describes the interview as a complement to academic review for non-academic traits. Official application process
Not published
South Alabama does not publish the interview or station structure, duration, prompts, evaluator roles or file access, scoring rubric, or quantitative weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking an established Mobile program with a May start, substantial direct-care expectations, and a virtual interview after a metrics-rich holistic review. Official program page
Practice and next step
Practise explaining why the PA profession fits your goals in a virtual interview. Connect one direct-care example to the PA role, show what you learned about team-based care, and name what you still need to develop. Review your specificity and camera delivery, adjust one weakness, record a second attempt, and compare the two responses.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Alabama's PA interview virtual?
Yes. The current cycle uses Zoom interviews. Official application process
How much direct patient care is required?
Applicants need 500 hours for the 2026-27 cycle.
Is the GRE required?
Yes, with published minimum verbal and quantitative scores of 145 each.
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