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.
- Duration: 26 months, 90 credits.
- Didactic location: Carbondale, Illinois.
- Cohort: about 46.
- Entry: June.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review July 2027.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.4 overall, science and prerequisite GPAs, B-or-higher prerequisites, patient-care experience, PA shadowing, a resume and references. GRE and PCAT are not required. Official application
Important dates
- Late April: application cycle opens.
- Late May: rolling file review begins.
- November 1: CASPA must be submitted, complete and verified.
- June: program begins.
The official page publishes this as a recurring timeline without calendar years. Official application
How selection works
SIU uses rolling review and invites the most academically and experientially qualified applicants. Published preferences include strong academics, care experience, PA shadowing, references, Illinois ties and rural or underserved background. Official admission statement
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants attend a formal interview session.
Not published
Current dates, modality, structure, duration, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official application
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants with strong academics and patient-care exposure who are interested in serving rural or medically underserved communities. Official program
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your patient-care example proves role understanding. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GRE required?
No. SIU does not require GRE or PCAT.
Where is the program based?
The didactic phase is in Carbondale, with assigned clinical hubs later.
What is the interview format?
A formal interview is confirmed; mechanics are not public.
Is a specific entry year published?
No. The official application page publishes a recurring June-entry timeline.
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