Frequently Asked Questions

Interested applicants should attend a Virtual Advisement & Information Session. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn about the rigorous program and the competitive admissions process. To register for a scheduled session, visit the Upcoming Events under Student Engagement on https://www.utrgv.edu/pa/

The program has been approved to accept up to 100 students.

All CASPA questions are handled directly by CASPA customer service.

There is no secondary application for the current 2024-2025 application cycle. However, The Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Office requires that you pay an application fee. After your CASPA application is certified by Web Admit/CAPSA, The Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Office will invite you via a link to your CASPA verified Email account to pay the application fee. Submit the non-refundable UTRGV Graduate application fee to process your application to UTRGV.  The fee is $50 for domestic applicants and $100 for international applicants. Payment can be made online using a credit card or electronic check. You will receive an email from gradadmissions@utrgv.edu with payment instructions. Fee is required to create your application and student record on UTRGV’s application and student system.    

The PA Program does rolling admissions each admissions cycle. Applications do not carry over to the next cycle.

The PA Program does not offer waivers for any pre-requisite coursework. Additionally, the Department does not offer waivers, advanced placement, or proficiency exams for any coursework. All students must complete the entire professional curriculum while enrolled at UTRGV. The Department of Physician Assistant does not admit students from other physician assistant programs. All currently or formerly enrolled physician assistant students at other physician assistant programs must participate in a competitive admissions process along with all other applicants.

The PA Program accepts any Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent.  

No.

No, shadowing is no longer a requirement for application. However, it is still recommended.

Yes, as long as they are from an accredited institution.

Yes, as long as they are from an accredited institution.

All applicants must have taken AT LEAST 15 semester credit hours of any coursework in the United States within the last 10 years.

No.

All transcripts are submitted to CASPA.

Yes, transcripts from all schools attended are required regardless of transfer coursework.

Yes, all transcripts from all schools attended are required.

Yes, but be prepared to discuss the incident on a personal statement on CASPA and/or during the interview process.

No, on https://www.utrgv.edu/pa/, there are multiple tools for prospective applicants to utilize in order to evaluate and plan their application. Additionally, interested applicants should attend a Virtual Advisement & Information Session. These sessions are a great opportunity to learn about the rigorous program and the competitive admissions process. To register for a scheduled session, visit the Upcoming Events under Student Engagement.

The minimum overall GPA needed to apply is 3.0.  This GPA is calculated by the CASPA system. It includes ALL courses taken at ALL institutions.

The program follows CASPA policy. CASPA includes ALL grades for ALL courses taken regardless of repetition.

The program is offered only on a full-time basis.