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.
- Location: Tampa, Florida.
- Length: 24 continuous months.
- Cohort: 50 seats.
- Entry: May 10, 2027.
- Interview: two faculty interviews, virtual or in person.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a U.S.-accredited bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, the published prerequisites, GRE scores under code 8854, 500 direct-patient-care hours, and three recommendations including at least one clinical supervisor or colleague. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opened.
- May 1 through September 1, 2026: review and interview invitations.
- September 1, 2026: verified CASPA and official GRE deadline.
- September 2026: virtual and in-person interviews.
- May 10, 2027: first day of the program.
How selection works
USF reviews academics and course load, prerequisites, GRE, professional preparation, recommendations, and the personal narrative. About 150 applicants interview for 50 seats. The committee meets after each session and may make immediate offers, with remaining seats filled later in the fall. Official application process
Interview details
Confirmed
Candidates choose a virtual or in-person morning or afternoon session and complete two separate conversational one-on-one interviews with different faculty members. Published domains include judgment, problem solving, insight, confidence, motivation, PA-role understanding, communication, and professionalism. Official application process
Not published
USF does not publish each interview's duration, prompts, faculty file access, scoring rubric, or quantitative weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants seeking a two-year Tampa program with clear direct-care expectations and two conversational faculty interviews rather than a group or station-based day. Official program page
Practice and next step
Practise explaining why the PA profession fits your goals in a conversational interview. Use one direct-care example, show what it changed in your understanding of the role, and connect it to your future practice. Review whether your answer sounds specific rather than rehearsed, adjust one weakness, record a second attempt, and compare the two responses.
Frequently asked questions
When does USF's Class of 2029 begin?
The first day is May 10, 2027. Official timeline
What is the interview format?
Two separate one-on-one faculty interviews in a virtual or in-person session.
How much direct patient care is required?
Applicants need 500 hours before applying.
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