RESOURCES FOR ASPIRING PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
PA School Application Resources
Trusted Tools to Support Your PA School JourneyApplying to PA school requires careful planning, research, and organization. From understanding CASPA requirements and calculating your GPA to researching accredited PA programs and preparing for admissions assessments, having the right information can make the process easier to navigate.
We’ve gathered trusted PA school application resources to help you find reliable information and stay organized throughout your admissions journey.
FIND WHAT YOU NEED
Resources for Every Stage of the PA School Journey
Where you are in the process can help determine what information you need most.
Research PA Programs
PA program requirements can vary significantly. Prerequisites, minimum GPAs, patient care experience, admissions assessments, deadlines, and other requirements may differ from one program to another.
Research each program carefully and always verify current requirements directly with the school before applying.
ARC-PA Accredited Programs
Use the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) directory to research accredited PA programs and review their accreditation status.
Search Accredited PA Programs →
PAEA Program Directory
Explore PA programs and compare information that can help you begin building a thoughtful school list based on your background, goals, and application profile.
PA School Admissions Assessments
Not every PA program requires the same admissions assessments. Before registering for an exam, check the current requirements for each program you’re considering.
GRE
Some PA programs require or accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Review individual program requirements before deciding whether the GRE should be part of your application plan.
PA-CAT
The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is an admissions assessment used by some PA programs to evaluate applicants’ knowledge in subjects relevant to PA education.
CASPer
Some PA programs use CASPer, a situational judgment assessment designed to evaluate qualities such as communication, empathy, ethics, and professionalism.
CASPA Application Resources
CASPA, the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants, is where most applicants submit their PA school applications. Understanding how CASPA works before application season can help you prepare your materials and avoid unnecessary surprises.
CASPA Application
Access the official CASPA application portal to create your account, review application requirements, and submit your application to participating PA programs.
CASPA GPA Calculator
Your CASPA-calculated GPA may differ from the GPA shown on your college transcript. Review how coursework and grades are categorized and calculated so you have a clearer picture of the academic information programs will see.
PA School Application FAQs
-
Ideally, preparation begins well before the CASPA application opens. Prerequisite coursework, patient care experience, GPA, shadowing, letters of recommendation, and school selection can all require advance planning. Starting early gives you more time to identify potential gaps and make thoughtful decisions about when you’re ready to apply.
-
The ARC-PA directory provides information about accredited PA programs and their current accreditation status. You can also use the PAEA Program Directory to research programs. Always confirm admissions requirements and deadlines directly with each program before applying.
-
CASPA standardizes coursework and calculates GPAs using information from all colleges and universities you have attended. Because its methodology may differ from your institution’s, your CASPA GPA may not exactly match the GPA shown on your transcript.
-
No. Admissions assessment requirements vary by PA program and can change from one application cycle to another. Some programs require specific assessments, some make them optional, and others do not use them. Check the current requirements for every program on your school list.
-
Start with each PA program’s official admissions website. Requirements can vary in areas such as prerequisite coursework, minimum GPA, patient care experience, standardized testing, letters of recommendation, and application deadlines. Third-party directories can be useful for initial research, but always verify requirements directly with the program.
PERSONALIZED PA SCHOOL ADMISSION SUPPORT
Looking for Guidance Beyond These Resources?
Online resources can help you understand PA school admissions requirements. But your academic history, experiences, goals, and application strategy are uniquely your own.
PA Acceptance Lab offers personalized support designed to meet you where you are in the admissions process.
01
À La Carte Services
Get focused support where you need it most, from personal statement and CASPA editing to mock interviews and other individual application services.
02
Application Packages
Get more comprehensive support by combining key application services into a package designed to help you strengthen multiple components of your PA school application.
03
Private Advising
Work one-on-one with an experienced PA for personalized guidance, strategy, and ongoing support throughout your PA school admissions journey.
Not sure which service is right for you? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss where you are in the process and which type of support may be the best fit.