Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UT Southwestern PA Program accredited?

Yes, the PA Program has been accredited since its inception and was re-accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of Physician Assistants, Inc. (ARC-PA) for a six year period in 2006. The next re-accreditation site visit is scheduled in October 2012.

What are the regional accrediting organizations?

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges – CIHE
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges – CTCI 
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools – HLC 
• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement 
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities – NWCCU 
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools 
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges – ACCJC
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges – ACS 
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges – SCU

What is the length of the program and what degree is awarded?

The program is 30 consecutive months. It begins in May and ends 30 months later in November. A Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree is awarded.

What does the curriculum consist of during each phase?

The didactic curriculum is designed to provide students with basic science knowledge, concepts of health care and disease as well as medical history and physical examination skills. The clinical curriculum consists of rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, infectious disease, a clinical selective, and a clinical elective.

How many candidates are accepted to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies?

40 candidates are accepted once a year.

How many applications are received and how competitive is acceptance?

The department receives a large volume of completed applications annually. Total numbers of applications for the past three years has ranged from 800 to more than 1,000. Applications are welcome regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

Do you interview candidates for your program and what is the format?

Yes. A multiple mini-interview is conducted for the most competitive applicants to the PA program. Approximately 100 applicants are invited to interview each year.

What are the characteristics of an ideal candidate for your program?

An ideal candidate has a strong work ethic and desire to enter the PA profession. They will have a combination of life, work and academic experience that shows a commitment to perform under the demands of a challenging academic and professional program.

How important is an individuals' GPA in getting an interview and how do I make myself more competitive?

A recommended minimum cumulative and science GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. As with other universities or colleges, higher GPAs make a more competitive candidate. Science grades above a "C" are more competitive. The goal is to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the program's curriculum. However, the admissions committee does not base its decision solely on grade point averages. It evaluates the application packet as a whole. Therefore, the quality and quantity of academic preparation, strong letters of recommendation, prior "hands-on" healthcare experience, community service activities, leadership evidence, and awards are all part of the evaluation process.

Must I take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

Yes. The GRE is not required of applicants who have a U.S. acquired Master's degree or higher. All other applicants are required to submit GRE scores to the UTSW registrar as part of the application process. There is no minimum GRE score required for admission. Scores from the GRE general examination must be received by the application deadline of October 1. Applicants may choose to submit scores from a previously taken examination if within the past five years. For more information on the GRE, visit their website.

In order for my GRE scores to be sent to the Physician Assistant Department at UTSW, what is the GRE code?

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center institutional and departmental GRE Code is 6686.

Is it beneficial to have health care experience prior to application to the PA program?

Yes, health care experience is important. Keep in mind that your health care experience should provide you with as much exposure or experience as possible to the roles and responsibilities of physicians, PA's, and/or other medical professionals whose primary responsibility is patient care. Familiarity with the tools of the trade, medical terminology, and various medical procedures is valuable.

What are my chances of getting accepted into the program?

A variety of people with various backgrounds apply to the program each year, and a variety of applicants are accepted. There is no way to say who will or will not be admitted, nor can any guarantee be made about anyone's admittance. A good strategy is to present yourself as well as possible on paper.

If I were accepted into the program, when does it begin?

The Class of 2014 will begin on Monday, May 21, 2012.

Can you attend this program part-time?

No. Due to the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis.

Can I work while enrolled in the program?

It is recommended that students do not work while enrolled in the program.

What is the advanced placement policy for the program?

With the exception of courses that meet The University of Texas credit transfer criteria, (such as Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit awarded for undergraduate courses), advanced student placement, or waiving of required or department courses is not available for applicants to the physician assistant program. All students must complete all required courses, even if medically-related courses have been taken in a previous academic setting.

I already have a medical degree from another country. Do I have to complete all required coursework?

Yes. Each applicant is viewed equally. Therefore, each must complete all required course work as outlined in the brochure or catalog. No advanced placement or course credit is given for previous work or life experience, including any medically-related training or certification.

Is there a time limit on the required coursework?

Currently, there is no time limit on required coursework.

May I apply and interview even though I lack required credits?

Yes, as long as the prerequisite classes will be completed by the fall semester (Dec 31) of the year that you are applying. We must receive those transcripts by Feb 1.

Is housing available on the UT Southwestern campus?

Yes. The University has constructed a complex which provides 282 apartments. For information, call 214-956-9300 or go to their website.

Is UT Southwestern's Physician Assistant program ranked by the US News & World Report?

Ranked eighth in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in "America's Best Graduate Schools 2012" 

How many of your graduates passed the NCCPA examination?

Over the past five years, 100 percent of our graduates passed the NCCPA examination on the first attempt.

What is the most recent five-year Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) first time pass rate?

2011 - 100%
2010 - 100% 
2009 - 100%
2008 - 100%
2007 - 100%

Is a supplemental application required?

No supplemental application is required.

What is the application deadline?

October 1

Where can I find Physician Assistant shadow opportunities?

You can visit Physician Assistant Shadow Online.