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: 27 months, 112 credits.
- Location: Springfield, Massachusetts.
- Entry: January 2028.
- External graduate seats: five advertised.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Graduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree, C-plus-or-better prerequisites within 10 years, 500 healthcare hours including at least 30 PA-shadowing hours, specified forms, recommendations and a service and leadership writing sample. Official program
Important dates
- October 1, 2026: CASPA opens.
- April 1, 2027: application deadline.
- January 2028: graduate cohort begins.
How selection works
The program looks for academic strength, PA-role understanding, healthcare experience, shadowing, integrity, service, leadership, adaptability, resilience and teamwork. Five external graduate seats are advertised. Official FAQ
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected finalists must interview.
Not published
Dates, modality, location, duration, format, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric, weights and decision timing are not public. Official program
Who this program may suit
This route may suit applicants with strong care, shadowing, service and leadership evidence who accept the very limited external-seat capacity. Official FAQ
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your example demonstrates service and leadership. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When does the next graduate cycle open?
October 1, 2026.
How many external seats are advertised?
Five for the January 2028 cohort.
Is an interview required?
Yes for selected finalists.
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