Program Overview

Physician Assistant Studies Admissions Requirements

The Department of Physician Assistant Studies at The University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston requires applicants to complete and submit a CASPA application, official transcripts, supporting documents, and take the CASPer test on or before the published deadline.

Application Process

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

• Complete and submit a CASPA application
• Submit official transcripts
• Submit supporting documents
• Take the CASPer test by September 1st

GPA Requirements

• Overall GPA Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Science GPA Minimum: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Prerequisites

The following prerequisite coursework is required:

• Microbiology/Bacteriology with Lab: 4 credits
• Biochemistry: 3 credits
• Genetics: 3 credits
• Human Anatomy with Lab: 4 credits
• Human Physiology with Lab: 4 credits
• Organic Chemistry with Lab: 4 credits
• Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits
• Statistics: 3 credits
• Medical Terminology: 1 credit Total Credit Hours: 29

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

• Prerequisite courses must be passed with a letter grade of "C" or better
• Prerequisites may be taken at any accredited college or university, including online or distance courses
• Advanced placement, credit by exam, or pass/fail courses do not meet the requirements
• Prior learning experiences, continuing education, CME, and/or workforce credits are not counted to fulfill prerequisite courses
• Prerequisite coursework must be completed within the last ten years from the September 1 deadline date
• All science courses must be designated for "science majors"

Application Evaluation Criteria

The UTMB Physician Assistant Studies department reviews applications and recommends for admission the applicants deemed best qualified. The following factors are considered in decision-making:

• Personal qualifications
• Reference letters
• Personal statements
• Undergraduate coursework
• Graduate coursework
• Overall and science GPAs
• CASPer scores
• Community service
• Healthcare experience
• Patient-care experience
• Type of healthcare or patient-care experience
• Shadowing
• Leadership roles
• Unique educational, career, or life experiences

Additional Requirements

• Background Check: All entering students must undergo a security background check prior to matriculation
• Basic Life Support: BLS or BCLS Certification is required upon enrollment in the program and must be maintained throughout matriculation
• Technical Standards: Applicants must be able to perform the technical standards and competencies found in the UTMB PA Handbook

Characteristics of Accepted Students

The following characteristics are based on the last 5 years of admissions data:

• Verified applications: 932
• Interviewed applicants: 258
• Enrolled students: 90
• Male students: 13%
• Texas residents: 96%
• Reapplicants: 11%
• Mean age: 24
• Under-represented groups in medicine: 19%
• Environmentally disadvantaged: 43%
• Economically disadvantaged: 24%
• Post-graduate degrees: 6%
• First-generation college students: 20%
• Patient contact hours: 1995 (mean)
• Healthcare hours: 1056 (mean)
• Cumulative GPA: 3.70
• Science GPA: 3.63

CASPA Personal Statement

The personal statement should include experiences, special and unique talents, honors and accomplishments, work history, community service, extracurricular activities, geographic representation, social and economic background, special personal circumstances, and leadership potential.

Deposit

If accepted, a deposit of $1,000 is required for a position in the class, which is payable at the time of acceptance. This deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to the first semester's tuition.