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 Services - Physician Assistant Studies.
- Format: full-time and in person in Sacramento.
- Duration: 27 months.
- Entry: Summer 2027; exact date not published.
- CASPA deadline: August 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
- Interview: the current page says selection may require one but does not confirm mechanics.
- ARC-PA status: Accreditation-Continued; next review January 2027.
Official admissions page · Current ARC-PA directory
Admission requirements
Applicants need a completed bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 bachelor's and science-prerequisite GPAs, three recommendations, required prerequisite courses completed before submission, and at least 1,000 paid or volunteer hours in a clinical environment with direct patient exposure. Hands-on paid care is preferred. The GRE is not required. Official requirements
Important dates
- April 30, 2026: CASPA opened.
- August 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern: CASPA closed; the file had to be Complete or Verified.
- January 2027: next ARC-PA review.
- Summer 2027: entering cohort begins; exact start date is not published.
Official timeline · Current ARC-PA directory
How selection works
UC Davis uses comprehensive review of experiences, attributes, academics, and mission alignment. A selected pool is invited to complete the UC Davis Graduate Studies application. The school gives additional consideration to specified first-generation, multilingual, military, rural, service-area, and Northern or Central California backgrounds. Official selection criteria
Interview details
Confirmed
The current admissions page says the application process may require an interview. Official admissions page
Not published
UC Davis does not confirm that every Summer 2027 applicant cycle uses an interview or publish its date, modality, format, duration, exercises, interviewer roles, rubric, or weighting.
Who this program may suit
This program may suit applicants who can show strong direct patient exposure, academic readiness and alignment with UC Davis's clinical, leadership, research and California service mission. Interview mechanics remain unpublished, and applicants should recheck the January 2027 ARC-PA action before matriculation. Official admissions page · Current ARC-PA directory
Practice and next step
Record an answer explaining why PA practice fits your goals, using one clinical experience and one lesson about team-based care. Review whether the evidence is specific and personal, adjust the weakest point, record a second response, and compare the two attempts.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Summer 2027 deadline?
CASPA had to be Complete or Verified by August 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Is an interview confirmed?
No. UC Davis says the process may require one but does not publish a Summer 2027 format.
Is the GRE required?
No.
What is the accreditation status?
Accreditation-Continued, with the next ARC-PA review in January 2027. Current ARC-PA directory
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