Program Overview

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is a professional school that offers various programs in the field of medicine.

Physician Assistant Studies Admissions

The Physician Assistant Studies program at UNR Med is a highly competitive program that requires applicants to meet specific requirements and prerequisites.

Application Submission

The application cycle for the Physician Assistant Studies program opens on April 24, 2026, and closes on September 1, 2026. Applications and supporting documents must be submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Admissions Process

The admissions process involves a thorough review of applications, including a review of academic background, clinical experience, and personal statements. The admissions committee selects candidates for an interview, and those who are selected are required to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Physician Assistant Studies program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Non-U.S. citizens must have permanent resident visas.
• Degree: Must have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
• GPA: Overall qualifying GPA of 2.75.
• Clinical Experience: Minimum of 2,000 hours of paid hands-on direct patient care experience.
• Additional Supporting Documents: Official college transcripts, three current letters of recommendation, and an updated CV/Resume.

Required Courses

The program requires applicants to complete specific courses, including:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology: Minimum of 8 semester credits or 10 quarter credits, with in-person labs.
• Biology: Minimum of 3 semester credits or 4.5 quarter credits.
• Microbiology: Minimum of 4 semester credits or 5 quarter credits, with lab.
• Chemistry: Minimum of 3 semester credits or 4.5 quarter credits.
• Statistics: Minimum of 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits.

Recommended Courses

The program recommends that applicants complete additional courses, including:

• Genetics
• Immunology
• Medical Terminology
• Spanish
• Abnormal Psychology
• Public Health
• Biochemistry

Technical Standards

The program has established technical standards that applicants must meet to be eligible for admission. These standards include:

• Communication skills
• Motor skills
• Sensory skills
• Cognitive skills
• Behavioral skills

Selection Factors

The admissions committee evaluates applicants based on their academic background, clinical experience, interest in primary care, rural health, or underserved areas, and preference points that align with the program's mission.

Licensure Requirements

The program meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each state requires passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Class Trends

The program has a diverse student body, with students from various academic backgrounds and healthcare experiences. The class trends for the past few years are as follows:

• Class of 2025: 1,611 applicants, 91 interviewed, 24 selected.
• Class of 2026: 1,517 applicants, 82 interviewed, 24 selected.
• Class of 2027: 1,795 applicants, 90 interviewed, 24 selected.

Program Details

The program is dedicated to training skilled and compassionate physician assistants through a comprehensive evaluation of academic and non-academic factors. The program's mission is to provide high-quality education and training to students, with a focus on primary care, rural health, and underserved areas.