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: 24 months.
- Location: Westfield, Massachusetts.
- Cohort: 30.
- Entry: January.
- Patient contact: 500 hours.
- Interview: in person.
- Accreditation: ARC-PA Accreditation-Continued; next review April 2032.
Admission requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s or graduate degree, minimum 3.0 overall, science and prerequisite GPAs, C-or-better prerequisites within 10 years, 500 patient-contact hours, three recommendations, CASPA and a supplemental. Official admission
Important dates
- Late April: the recurring CASPA cycle opens.
- August 1: CASPA verification, supplemental, degree and other requirements are due.
- January: the cohort begins; the exact start date is not public.
How selection works
Holistic scoring prioritizes academics, patient care, references, leadership, service, military status and essays. Qualifying Massachusetts public-university graduates receive a one-time interview. Official admission
Interview details
Confirmed
Selected applicants interview in person at Westfield State.
Not published
Dates, duration, individual or group structure, interviewer roles, prompts, file access, rubric and weights are not public. Official admission
Who this program may suit
Westfield may suit applicants seeking a public Massachusetts program who can demonstrate strong patient care, service, leadership and academic preparation. Official admission
Practice and next step
Record a first response explaining why the PA profession fits your goals. Review whether your patient-care example demonstrates leadership and service. Record it again and compare.
Frequently asked questions
When is the application deadline?
Verified CASPA and the supplemental are due August 1.
How much patient contact is required?
At least 500 hours by the deadline.
Is the interview in person?
Yes.
Are GRE scores required?
No.
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