Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Requirements
- Overall GPA 3.0
- Overall Science GPA 3.0
Sep
01
Application deadline
Two separate applications; (1) CASPA application and (2) the PAS Supplemental Application are required. Both must be submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
- The CASPA application, the PAS Supplemental Application, official transcripts, two reference letters, all other supporting documents (including academic updates), and fees must be submitted and your CASPA status must be listed as completed by the specified CASPA application deadline.
- Prior-year applicants must submit a new application and are not guaranteed an interview or admission into the program. Questions about re-application should be directed to the School of Health Professions' Office of Admissions and Special Programs and/or CASPA.
Admissions Process
After reviewing eligible applications, the Admissions Committee invites select applicants to visit the campus for in-person multiple mini interviews. After the interviews, the Admissions Committee conducts a final review and will notify candidates of its final decisions.
Enhancing application factors.
As part of the Health Science Center PA program's holistic process, all applicants are categorized based on multiple performances and experience-based data points; these include overall GPA, science GPA, hours of community service, hours of health care experience, hours of PA shadowing, history of military service or an affiliation with a medically underserved region. While none of these items, individually or in combination, guarantee selection, they can augment the applicant’s overall submission.
Campus Location: The PA program will be offered on the main campus at and at of Texas Education and Research Center at Laredo in Laredo, Texas. All applicants are asked to select their campus location preference upon submission of their CASPA application as either “San Antonio”, “Laredo”, or “no preference”. Priority for the Laredo campus will be given to applicants from Laredo or Webb County who qualify through the admissions process and choose the Laredo campus in CASPA. The Laredo campus provides a unique learning opportunity for individuals demonstrating a predisposition toward aiding and supporting a medically underserved population.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university (must be completed by class start date if accepted)
- official scores up to five years old (no minimum score requirement). GRE code for CASPA 7552.
- Shadow hours (PA, MD, DO, and NP), hands-on patient care experience, and community service hours are strongly recommended and may enhance the application, but not required.
- Two reference letters - submit directly to CASPA
- Candidates for this program must be able to meet these minimum , with or without reasonable accommodation
- A grade of C or better in the individual prerequisite classes (a C- will not fulfill a prerequisite)
All prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline.
Application and Fee
- application
- Supplemental application (completed form must be uploaded to CASPA)
(Non-refundable)
| Required Semester Hours | Subject | TCCNS Course |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab* | BIOL 2401 |
| 4 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab* | BIOL 2402 |
| 4 | General Chemistry I with lab | CHEM 1411 |
| 4 | General Chemistry II with lab | CHEM 1412 |
| 4 | Microbiology with lab | BIOL 2421 |
| 4 | Organic Chemistry I with lab | CHEM 2423 |
| 3 | Genetics | BIOL 2316 |
| 3 | Psychology – Introductory, General, Abnormal or Developmental | PSYC 2301 |
| 3 | Statistics – any discipline-specific course is acceptable | MATH 1342 |
Coursework Notes
All science courses, including a lab component, MUST be intended for science majors ONLY.
Prerequisite courses transitioned to an online platform between Spring 2020 and Summer 2021 will be accepted.
* Human Anatomy with Lab (4 SCH) and Human Physiology with Lab (4 SCH) sequences also meet the Anatomy and Physiology requirements.
No online courses will be accepted to fulfill science prerequisites. We will consider online courses for the following courses:
- Genetics
- Psychology
- Statistics
All required courses MUST BE completed within ten years of class enrollment.
All prerequisite courses MUST be completed before the application deadline.
No Credit by Exam or AP credit can be used to fulfill any prerequisite coursework.
Check course equivalencies for Texas institutions using the
Transcripts
Official transcripts from each college/university currently and previously attended reflecting completed and in progress coursework - submit directly to CASPA (Do not send transcripts to the Health Science Center)
Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be submitted in the original language and must be accompanied by a agency English translation for each course.
International Applicants
Applicants from countries where English is not the official language must submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test. The minimum required scores are: TOEFL 84, IELTS 7.0, or Duolingo115
Scores on TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo tests taken more than two years before the date of application are not acceptable.
Program Information
Find more information on the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program on the .
Student employment while enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies program
Prior-year applicants must submit a new application and are not guaranteed an interview or admission into the program. Questions about re-application should be directed to the School of Health Professions' Office of Admissions and Special Programs and/or CASPA.
COVID-19 Vaccinations MAY be required by Clinical Affiliates
Future Prerequisite/Admission Changes
No changes for the 2024- 2025 application cycle.