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; 27 months.
- Location: Sampson Hall in Columbia, Missouri.
- Entry: January 2027.
- Interview: on campus on August 20 or 21, 2026.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a qualifying accredited U.S. bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 overall, science, last-60-credit, and prerequisite GPAs, three recommendations, a resume, at least 750 paid direct-patient-care hours, and at least 16 shadowing hours including eight with a PA. Official entrance requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA cycle opened.
- June 15, 2026: application deadline.
- August 20-21, 2026: on-campus interviews at Sampson Hall.
- January 2027: cohort begins.
How selection works
Admissions faculty review academic preparation, direct patient-care experience, character, and alignment with published program values. Qualified applicants may be invited to the on-campus interview, and offers are rolling. Official application process
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants attend an on-campus interview at Sampson Hall on August 20 or 21, 2026. Official application timeline
Not published
Stephens does not publish the interview exercises, number or duration of interviews, interviewer file access, scoring rubric, or quantitative post-interview weights.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who want a January-start, 27-month curriculum in Columbia and who already meet substantial direct-care and PA-shadowing expectations. Review the published curriculum and clinical structure before deciding. Official curriculum
Practice and next step
Record one response explaining why the PA profession fits your experience and goals. Review whether you distinguish the role clearly and support your motivation with specific evidence. Make one adjustment, answer again, and compare the two attempts before continuing through Physician Assistant Interview Essentials.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Stephens PA interview?
The current page lists August 20 and 21, 2026 at Sampson Hall. Official application timeline
How much patient-care experience is required?
Stephens requires at least 750 paid direct-patient-care hours. Official entrance requirements
Does Stephens publish its interview format?
No. The school confirms the on-campus dates and location but does not publish the exercises or scoring.
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