UVA Career Center

Clinical involvement is a crucial part of the pre-health journey, as it will help you to explore and confirm your interest in the profession and demonstrate a commitment to serving others. Most PA programs require a minimum of 1,000 direct patient care hours prior to application. You should plan to spend a significant amount of time outside of class gaining experience in clinical settings to strengthen your application. 

Check out all of the opportunities at UVA and around Charlottesville here!

Below is a list of action steps to plan for when you are applying to PA programs. This is a simplified version of a multifaceted process, so we recommend meeting with a Pre-Health Advisor at least once per year to make sure you are on the right track. 

For a full guide and details on each step in applying to PA school, read the Pre-Health Application Guide.  

Application System

Create an account for the system that you plan to use for your applications

• CASPA: Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants. This application opens for submission in April of each year. Program start dates vary (January, May, June, August, September), thus application deadlines vary widely.

Entrance Exam

Take the GRE no later than the February. 

Selecting Schools

It is important to select schools that are not only a good fit for your academically, but also a good fit for your values, skills, and interests that will help you become the professional you want to be. Take time to research programs prior to the application process. Here are some factors you should consider:

• Admission Requirements
• Institutional mission, goals, and values
• Size of cohort
• Location
• Clinical rotations and patient population
• Your professional interests as it aligns with the school’s mission and training

Timeline

The entire application process lasts approximately 18 months, which spans two academic years. Whether you plan to apply at the end of your 3rd year, 4th year, or after graduation, this timeline begins with preparation in the fall prior to your application submission in May.

Personal Statement

This is a distinctive part of your application that takes time and reflection. Consider the following questions to begin:

• Why do you want to become a PA? Why is this the profession you have chosen instead of another?
• Think back to your experiences volunteering, shadowing, researching, studying abroad. Can you provide a specific story that deeply impacted you and your decision to become a PA?

 

Character Limits:

CASPA: 5,000 characters (including spaces and punctuation)