Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the UC PA Program accept “Passing” grades for prerequisite courses?
- Does the UC PA Program waive required prerequisite labs?
- Does the UC PA Program substitute prerequisite courses?
- Does the UC PA Program accept online courses and labs?
- Does the UC PA Program accept community college credits?
- Does the UC PA Program accept AP and CLEP Credits?
- My classes are in quarter hours. How will that be converted to semester hours?
- I submitted my application and have since completed additional courses. Can I update my application?
- I submitted my application and have since completed additional experience hours. Can I update my application?
- Can you explain what you mean by “courses for non-science majors will not be accepted” for your prerequisites?
- Are there any institutions from which the program does not accept prerequisite courses?
Does the UC PA Program accept “Passing” grades for prerequisite courses?
The program only accepts passing grades for prerequisite courses completed during the Spring 2020 to Summer 2021 semesters.
Does the UC PA Program waive required prerequisite labs?
The program only waives lab requirements for prerequisite courses taken during the Spring 2020 to Summer 2021 semesters and only if the associated lecture was taken during that time frame as well.
Does the UC PA Program substitute prerequisite courses?
Under the discretion of the UC PA Program Director, upper-level or equivalent courses to satisfy prerequisite requirements will be considered.
Does the UC PA Program accept online courses and labs?
The program accepts online courses and labs from regionally accredited institutions.
Does the UC PA Program accept community college credits?
The program accepts community college credits. The community college must be regionally accredited.
Does the UC PA Program accept AP and CLEP Credits?
AP and CLEP credits are accepted if the applicant’s undergraduate school accepted credit for these. AP and CLEP credits will not be considered in an applicant’s prerequisite GPA calculation.
My classes are in quarter hours. How will that be converted to semester hours?
CASPA converts quarter hours into semester hours. All applicants must meet the “semester” credit hour minimums for prerequisite courses.
I submitted my application and have since completed additional courses. Can I update my application?
Courses that have been completed and sent to CASPA will be reflected on an applicant’s CASPA application; however, CASPA does not verify courses if the application is in a verified status. If an applicant wishes the program to consider additional courses after an application has been verified by CASPA, the applicant should have an official transcript sent to CASPA and notify the program.
I submitted my application and have since completed additional experience hours. Can I update my application?
While it is advantageous to grow in experiences, please note that the program will evaluate an applicant’s experience section as submitted at the time of application.
Can you explain what you mean by “courses for non-science majors will not be accepted” for your prerequisites?
Prerequisite courses need to be taken at a level of academic rigor that will adequately prepare students for academic success; therefore, introductory, survey, basic, and non-science major courses may not meet prerequisite requirements.
Acceptable prerequisite courses can be found on academic catalog degree pattern sheets for natural science majors (e.g., biology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, and physics).
Are there any institutions from which the program does not accept prerequisite courses?
The UC PA Program does not accept prerequisite courses taken from Portage Learning, Straighterline, or Sophia Online Learning.
- Are there any scholarships?
- When will the application cycle open to be considered for a seat in the program next January?
- What is the length of the master’s program?
- What degree will be awarded?
- How will my application be evaluated?
- Does the program grant advanced placement?
- Will the program require drug screening?
- What is the start date and how many seats are available in each class?
- Do I need to have all prerequisite courses completed before I apply?
- Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree before I apply?
- Can I apply through CASPA?
- Why is a background investigation required?
- Does UC give preference for a certain type of undergraduate degree?
- What will happen if I am unable to matriculate in the year for which I was accepted?
- When are the deposits due if selected for the UCPAP?
- Can a seat offer be rescinded?
Are there any scholarships?
Scholarship funding is generally limited for PA students. All known scholarship opportunities are published on the Program Cost page.
When will the application cycle open to be considered for a seat in the program next January?
The application cycle for classes beginning in January opens the year prior in late April and closes on September 1st. Interested applicants can register for an online account through CASPA (Traditional & Transfer Pathway applicants).
What is the length of the master’s program?
The professional program is seven contiguous semesters spanning 28 months. This includes 16 months of didactic work followed by 12 months of supervised clinical practice experiences.
What degree will be awarded?
Upon successful completion of the Physician Assistant Program, students will be awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
How will my application be evaluated?
Your application will be reviewed to confirm you meet the minimum admission requirements. If it does, an academic score will be determined by evaluating the:
- Overall CASPA-defined GPA (3.0 GPA minimum is required)
- Overall Prerequisite GPA (no minimum GPA required)
- Overall Science GPA (no minimum GPA required)
- Overall Last 60 Credit Hour GPA (no minimum GPA required)
- Official GRE Score (no minimum score required)
Applicants with the most competitive academic scores will be invited to participate in an interview.
Does the program grant advanced placement?
Yes. Advanced placement can be granted under the Transfer Admissions Pathway if a PA student is unable to complete their PA education at their current school. All students who enter the program must fulfill all program requirements as outlined in the program’s policies, including being able to meet the program-defined competencies. Course audits may be required at a nominal fee.
Will the program require drug screening?
Yes. Students are subject to random drug screenings at any time during the didactic and supervised clinical practice experience phases.
What is the start date and how many seats are available in each class?
Each cohort begins the first Wednesday in January, unless otherwise notified. Up to thirty-three (33) seats can be awarded for each matriculating class. Temporary cohort-size increases may occur to accommodate transfer students as needed and if approved by the accrediting body, ARC-PA.
Do I need to have all prerequisite courses completed before I apply?
No. CASPA Traditional and Transfer applicants may have outstanding prerequisite courses and still apply to the program. Provide a feasible plan in CASPA to complete the outstanding prerequisites prior to matriculation. Candidates can be conditionally offered a seat and must provide official transcripts as evidence of completion, as described in the Admissions policy.
Do I need to have a bachelor’s degree before I apply?
No. CASPA Traditional and Transfer applicants who are still completing their bachelor’s degree may apply if they provide a feasible plan to complete the degree before matriculation. Conditional seat offers can be made, and official transcripts must be submitted as evidence of the degree prior to matriculation.
For UC Fast Track applicants, a bachelor’s degree is not required, unless the applicant attests to practicing in a state that requires a bachelor’s degree for licensure.
Can I apply through CASPA?
Traditional Admission Pathway applications are only accepted through CASPA. Fast Track Admission Pathway applicants apply by completing a UC eConnections application.
Why is a background investigation required?
Supervised clinical practice experience sites require background investigations for employees and students.
Does UC give preference for a certain type of undergraduate degree?
No. We value admitting students who have a variety of backgrounds and degrees.
What will happen if I am unable to matriculate in the year for which I was accepted?
If the seat deposit has been paid and all admission requirements can be met prior to matriculation, the program will consider a written request for a deferral. A written request should be sent to the Program Director, stating the circumstances surrounding the request for deferral. The Program Director will share the request with the Admissions Committee and the committee will determine if the request can be granted. Not being able to meet all program admission requirements is not a good reason to request a deferral.
When are the deposits due if selected for the UCPAP?
A $1,000 non-refundable seat deposit is required if offered a seat in the program. All of it will be applied toward tuition the first semester.
Due dates for the seat deposit are as follows:
- Accepted prior to November 1st: Due within two weeks of acceptance.
- Accepted from November 1st to December 1st: Due within 1 week of acceptance.
- Accepted from December 1st to January 1st: Due within 3 days of acceptance.
Can a seat offer be rescinded?
Yes. The UC PA Program may rescind a seat offer if:
- An applicant does not respond to an email within 2 weeks.
- An applicant provides inaccurate information.
- An applicant does not fully disclose reasons for the requested transfer (Transfer Pathway applicants).
- An applicant does not fulfill the program’s post-acceptance requirements.
- The program observes unprofessional behaviors prior to the start of the program.
- An applicant misses the seat deposit deadline.
- An applicant cannot meet financial obligations to the university.
- What does it mean if you are offered a seat in the PA Program via the PA Program Fast Track Pathway?
- When is the $1,000 nonrefundable seat deposit due if selected for the PA Program Fast Track Pathway?
- What is the timeline from the beginning of the undergraduate curriculum to the completion of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree?
- What is my undergraduate major as a PA Fast Track Student?
- Can I earn a bachelor degree in addition to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree? If so, does it have to be a Biology degree?
- Do Fast Track applicants need a bachelor degree to matriculate into the UC PA Program?
- Is it possible to be a PA student and a Presidential Scholar?
- What are the advantages of applying to the PA Program via the Fast Track Admission Pathway?
- Do I need to submit GRE results?
What does it mean if you are offered a seat in the PA Program via the PA Program Fast Track Pathway?
If you are offered a seat in the PA Program via the PA Program Fast Track Pathway, the program will hold a seat for you as long as you continue to meet minimum admissions requirements as set forth in your acceptance letter. Documentation of meeting all requirements will be required prior to matriculation.
When is the $1,000 nonrefundable seat deposit due if selected for the PA Program Fast Track Pathway?
The timeline for seat deposits is the same for all admission pathways. See the official admission policy for exact due dates.
What is the timeline from the beginning of the undergraduate curriculum to the completion of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree?
The typical PA Fast Track student will enter the PA program in the Spring semester of their junior year. Entering at that time will take five years from the freshman year to a MPAS degree. Matriculating past that point in the undergraduate studies would
take longer than five years. You may choose to apply to the program at any point during your undergraduate studies after the first semester.
What is my undergraduate major as a PA Fast Track Student?
You are designated as a PA Fast Track Student and placed in the Biology Program for advising and guidance as you complete your requirements to matriculate into the UC PA Program. You technically do not have an undergraduate major since you are working
toward entering the master level program prior to the completion of an undergraduate degree. Once you successfully complete the UC PA Program, you will earn a MPAS degree.
Can I earn a bachelor degree in addition to the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree? If so, does it have to be a Biology degree?
Yes, you have an option to earn a bachelor degree by choosing to apply for a later matriculation date. You can choose a later matriculation date (i.e., spring of senior year, or the spring following your senior year) and earn a traditional bachelor degree
of your choice. The degree that aligns closest with the PA Program’s prerequisites is a Biology degree. However, students can choose other majors, as long as they complete the required program prerequisite courses and other stated requirements, as well
as the requirements of their chosen undergraduate major. The department you are assigned to for advising will match the traditional bachelor’s degree you choose to pursue.Back to top
Do Fast Track applicants need a bachelor degree to matriculate into the UC PA Program?
No, PA Fast Track Admission Pathway students are not required to earn a bachelor degree prior to matriculation.
Is it possible to be a PA student and a Presidential Scholar?
You cannot participate in both at the same time. When a student matriculates into the PA Program, they are in class from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The rigors of the program will not allow for any extra coursework.
Note: The student may choose a later matriculation date for the PA Program in order to complete the Presidential Scholarship program.
What are the advantages of applying to the PA Program via the Fast Track Admission Pathway?
Earning a seat in any physician assistant program is extremely competitive. UC Fast Track students who are meeting minimum admission requirements are guaranteed an interview. They have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree within 5 years of matriculating as a freshman, if they enter the PA Program in their junior year. In addition, Fast Track students do not have to pay to apply to the program through CASPA. Fast Track students do not have to have a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation. Fast Track students also have access to one-on-one counseling with the PA Program Admissions Coordinator upon request.
Do I need to submit GRE results?
Not necessarily. Fast Track applicants only need to submit one standardized test score report. The options are to submit either an official ACT, SAT, or GRE score.
