Physician assistant acceptance rates are highly competitive, even more so than medical school! Physician assistant (PA) schools are selective and have strict admission requirements, and the overall acceptance rate of these programs is only 31%. Premed students who plan on pursuing a career as a PA often look for physician assistant application help due to the amount of work and time involved to craft a successful application. In this blog, we’ll look at the overall acceptance rates of PA schools and how to improve your PA application to increase your chances of getting in.

Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.


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Physician Assistant Acceptance Rates Physician Assistant Acceptance Rates in Canada How Hard is it to Get Into PA School? How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into PA School FAQs

Physician Assistant Acceptance Rates

Physician assistant acceptance rates in the US are actually lower than medical school acceptance rates, if you can believe it. US med school admission statistics show average medical school acceptance rates hover around 41%. Physician assistant (PA) acceptance rates sit at 31% on average.

A.T Still University of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Preferred

Accepts international students: No

Link: A.T Still University of Health Sciences

Advent Health University

Acceptance rate: N/A; 30 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: PA-CAT and CASPer required

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Advent Health University

Albany Medical College

Acceptance rate: 1.26%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: No

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: No

Link: Albany Medical College

Alderson-Broaddus University

Acceptance rate: 53%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Alderson-Broaddus University

Alvernia University Physician Assistant Program

Acceptance rate: 70%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: N/A

Accepts international students: N/A

Link: AlverniUniversity a Physician Assistant Program

Arcadia University Hybrid Physician Assistant Program

Acceptance rate: 3.1%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Arcadia University Hybrid Physician Assistant Program

Arizona School of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: 4.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Arizona School of Health Sciences

Ashland University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: N/A

Link: Ashland University

Augsburg University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Augsburg University

Augusta University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Augusta University

Baldwin Wallace University Physician Assistant Program

Acceptance rate: 11.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: N/A

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Baldwin Wallace University Physician Assistant Program

Barry University

Acceptance rate: 85%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Barry University

Bay Path University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Bay Path University

Baylor College of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 3.27%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Recommended

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Baylor College of Medicine

Bethel University (MN)

Acceptance rate: 32 spots

GPA: 3.25

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Preferred

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Bethel University (MN)

Bethel University (TN)

Acceptance rate: 32 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Bethel University (TN)

Boston University School of Medicine PA Program

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Boston University School of Medicine PA Program

Brenau University

Acceptance rate: 64.7%

GPA: 2.75

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Brenau University

Bryant University

Acceptance rate: 7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Bryant University

Butler University

Acceptance rate: 40%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Butler University

California Baptist University

Acceptance rate: 4.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: California Baptist University

California State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: N/A

Accepts international students: N/A

Link: California State University

Campbell University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Campbell University

Canisius College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Canisius College

Carlow University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: No

Link: Carlow University

Carroll University

Acceptance rate: 16.2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Carroll University

Case Western Reserve University

Acceptance rate: 13.5%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Case Western Reserve University

Cedarville University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Cedarville University

Central Michigan University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Central Michigan University

Chapman University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Chapman University

Charles R. Drew University

Acceptance rate: 0.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Charles R. Drew University

Charleston Southern University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Charleston Southern University

Chatham University

Acceptance rate: 21%

GPA: 3.25

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Chatham University

Clarkson University Department of Physician Assistant Studies

Acceptance rate: 72%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Clarkson University Department of Physician Assistant Studies

College of Saint Mary

Acceptance rate: 50%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: College of Saint Mary

College of St. Scholastica

Acceptance rate: 5%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: College of St. Scholastica

Colorado Mesa University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Colorado Mesa University

Colorado State University

Acceptance rate: 2.13%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Colorado State University

Concordia University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Concordia University

Creighton University

Acceptance rate: 6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Creighton University

CUNY York College

Acceptance rate: 10%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: CUNY York College

D'Youville College

Acceptance rate: 28.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: D'Youville College

Daemen College

Acceptance rate: 1.82%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Daemen College

Des Moines University

Acceptance rate: 16.3%

GPA: 2.8

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Des Moines University

DeSales University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: DeSales University

Dominican University

GPA: 3.15

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Dominican University

Drexel University

Acceptance rate: 79%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Drexel University

Duke University Medical Center

Acceptance rate: 46%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Duke University Medical Center

Eastern Michigan University

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Acceptance rate: 6.86%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Elon University

Acceptance rate: 3.94%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Elon University

Emory and Henry College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Emory and Henry College

Emory University

Acceptance rate: 2.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Emory University

Faulkner University

Acceptance rate: 76%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Faulkner University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Acceptance rate: 91%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 7.2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

Florida State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Florida State University

Franklin College

Acceptance rate: 6.8%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Franklin College

Franklin Pierce University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Franklin Pierce University

Frostburg State University

Acceptance rate: 74%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Frostburg State University

Gannon University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.4

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Gannon University

Gannon University-Ruskin

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Gannon University-Ruskin

Gardner-Webb University

Acceptance rate: 36 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Gardner-Webb University

George Fox University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: George Fox University

George Washington University

Acceptance rate: 41%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: George Washington University

Grand Valley State University

Acceptance rate: 10.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Grand Valley State University

Hardin-Simmons University

Acceptance rate: 16%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Hardin-Simmons University

Harding University

Acceptance rate: 8.2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Harding university

High Point University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: High Point University

Hofstra University

Acceptance rate: 64%

GPA: 3.3

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Hofstra University

Idaho State University

Acceptance rate: >20%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No; CASPer required

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Idaho State University

Indiana State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Indiana state university

Indiana University School of Health & Human Sciences Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (IUPUI)

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Indiana University School of Health & Human Sciences Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program (IUPUI)

Ithaca College

Acceptance rate: 40.1%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Ithaca College

James Madison University

Acceptance rate: 32 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: James Madison University

Johnson and Wales University

Acceptance rate: 87%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Johnson and Wales University

Kean University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Kean University

Keiser University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.75

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Keiser University

Kettering College

Acceptance rate: 70%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Kettering College

Lake Erie College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Lake Erie College

Le Moyne College Department of PA Studies

Acceptance rate: 8.7%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Le Moyne College Department of PA Studies

Lincoln Memorial University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: No

Link: Lincoln Memorial University

Lipscomb University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Lipscomb University

Lock Haven University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Lock Haven University

Loma Linda University

Acceptance rate: 38 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Loma Linda University

Long Island University

Acceptance rate: 44.5%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Long Island University

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Acceptance rate: 9.97%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Marietta College

Acceptance rate: 36 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Marietta College

Marist College

Acceptance rate: 4.2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Marist College

Marquette University

Acceptance rate: 7.5%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No; ACT required

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Marquette University

Marshall B. Ketchum University

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Marshall B. Ketchum University

Mary Baldwin University (Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences)

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mary Baldwin University (Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences)

Marywood University

Acceptance rate: 9.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Marywood University

Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: 3.5%

GPA: 3.5

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences

MCPHS University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: MCPHS University

Medical University of South Carolina

Acceptance rate: 9.8%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Medical University of South Carolina

Mercy College

Acceptance rate: 25%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mercy College

Mercy College of Ohio

Acceptance rate: 40%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mercy College of Ohio

Mercyhurst University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mercyhurst University

Methodist University

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Methodist University

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Acceptance rate: 45 spots

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: MGH Institute of Health Professions

Miami-Dade College

Acceptance rate: 55 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Miami-Dade College


Midwestern University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Midwestern University

Milligan University

Acceptance rate: 12.4%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Milligan University

Misericordia University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Misericordia University

Mississippi College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mississippi College

Mississippi State University - Meridian

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mississippi State University - Meridian

Missouri State University

Acceptance rate: 48.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Missouri State University

Monmouth University

Acceptance rate: 30 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: No

Link: Monmouth University

Morehouse School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 1.58%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Morehouse School of Medicine

Mount St. Joseph University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Mount St. Joseph University

New York Institute of Technology

Acceptance rate: 75.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: New York Institute of Technology

North Greenville University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: North Greenville University

Northeastern State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Northeastern State University

Northeastern University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Northeastern University

Northern Arizona University

Acceptance rate: 81%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Northern Arizona University

Northwestern College

Acceptance rate: 32 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Northwestern College

Northwestern University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.8

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Northwestern University

Nova Southeastern University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.8

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Nova Southeastern University

Ohio Dominican University

Acceptance rate: 11%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Ohio Dominican University

Ohio University

Acceptance rate: 45 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Ohio University

Oklahoma City University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Oklahoma State University

Oregon Health and Science University

Acceptance rate: 3.5%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Oregon Health and Science University

Pace University

Acceptance rate: 1.7%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Pace University

Pacific University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Pacific University

Penn State University

Acceptance rate: 0.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Penn State University

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Acceptance rate: 73%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pfeiffer University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Pfeiffer University

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Acceptance rate: 4.4%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Quinnipiac University

Acceptance rate: 72%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Quinnipiac University

Radford University

Acceptance rate: 9.9%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Radford University

Randolph-Macon College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Randolph-Macon College

Rochester Institute of Technology

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rochester Institute of Technology

Rocky Mountain College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rocky Mountain College

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

Rocky Vista University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.8

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rocky Vista University

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine

Acceptance rate: 2.2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine

Rush University

Acceptance rate: 30 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rush University

Rutgers University

Acceptance rate: 45%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Rutgers University

Sacred Heart University

Acceptance rate: 8.75%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Sacred Heart University

Saint Catherine University

Acceptance rate: 11%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Saint Catherine University

Saint Elizabeth University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Saint Elizabeth University

Saint Francis University

Acceptance rate: 5.41%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Saint Francis University

Saint Joseph's University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Saint Joseph's University

Saint Louis University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Saint Louis University

Salus University

Acceptance rate: 6.56%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Salus University

Samford University

Acceptance rate: 28.47%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Samford University

Samuel Merritt University

Acceptance rate: 2.25%

GPA: 2.8

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Samuel Merritt University

Seton Hall University (Nutley, NJ)

Acceptance rate: 39%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Seton Hall University (Nutley, NJ)

Seton Hill University (Greensburg, PA)

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Seton Hill University (Greensburg, PA)

Shenandoah University

Acceptance rate: 9.3%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Shenandoah University

Slippery Rock University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.25

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Slippery Rock University

South College - Asheville Campus

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Recommended

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South College - Asheville Campus

South College - Atlanta Campus

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South College - Atlanta Campus

South College - Nashville Campus

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South College - Nashville Campus

South College - Knoxville Campus

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South College - Knoxville Campus

South University in Savannah

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South University in Savannah

South University in Richmond

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South University in Richmond

South University in Tampa

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South University in Tampa

South University in West Palm Beach

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South University in West Palm Beach

South University in Austin, TX

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: South University in Austin, TX

Southern California University of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: 7.45%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern Illinois University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Southern Illinois University

Springfield College

Acceptance rate: 35 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: N/A

Link: Springfield College

St. Ambrose University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: St. Ambrose University

St. Bonaventure University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: St. Bonaventure University

St. John's University

Acceptance rate: 3.27%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Recommended

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: St. John's University

Stanford University Physician Assistant Program

Acceptance rate: <2%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Stanford University Physician Assistant Program

Stephens College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Stephens College

Sullivan University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Sullivan University

SUNY Medical Center

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: SUNY Medical Center

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: No

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Acceptance rate: 3.28%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

The CUNY School of Medicine

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: The CUNY School of Medicine

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions

Acceptance rate: 5.18%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions

Thiel College

Acceptance rate: 40 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Thiel College

Thomas Jefferson University

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

GPA: 3.25%

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Thomas Jefferson University

Touro College

Acceptance rate: 2.4%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Touro College

Touro University

Acceptance rate: 6%

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Touro University

Towson University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Towson University

Trevecca Nazarene University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.25

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Trevecca Nazarene University

Trine University

Acceptance rate: 82%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Trine University

Tufts University

Acceptance rate: 93%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Tufts University

Union College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Union College

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Acceptance rate: 86.3%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Arkansas

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Arkansas

University of Bridgeport

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Bridgeport

University of California-Davis

Acceptance rate: <2%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of California-Davis

University of Charleston

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Charleston

University of Colorado

Acceptance rate: 2.1%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Colorado

University of Dayton

Acceptance rate: 69%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Dayton

University of Detroit Mercy

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Detroit Mercy

University of Dubuque

Acceptance rate: 26 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Dubuque

University of Evansville

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Evansville

University of Findlay

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Findlay

University of Florida

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Florida

University of Iowa

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Iowa

University of Kentucky

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.75

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Kentucky

University of La Verne

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of La Verne

University of Lynchburg

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Lynchburg

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Acceptance rate: 40 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Maryland Eastern Shore

University of Michigan - Flint

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Michigan - Flint

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Missouri - Kansas City

University of Mount Union

Acceptance rate: 17.9%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Mount Union

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nevada

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 2.75

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Nevada

University of New England

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of New England

University of New Mexico

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of New Mexico

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

University of North Dakota

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of North Dakota

University of North Texas

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of North Texas

University of Pittsburgh

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Pittsburgh

University of Saint Francis

Acceptance rate: 5.4%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Saint Francis

University of Saint Joseph

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Saint Joseph

University of South Alabama

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of South Alabama

University of South Carolina SOM

Acceptance rate: 9.8%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of South Carolina SOM

University of South Dakota

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of South Dakota

University of South Florida

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of South Florida

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Acceptance rate: 1.9%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Tennessee Health Science Center

University of Texas

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Texas

University of the Cumberlands

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of the Cumberlands

University of the Pacific

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of the Pacific

University of Utah

Acceptance rate: 2.3%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Utah

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Wisconsin - Madison

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Acceptance rate: 11.6%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Valparaiso University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.3

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Valparaiso University

Wagner College

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Wagner College

Wake Forest University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Wake Forest University

Wayne State University

Acceptance rate: 50 spots

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Wayne State University

Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

Acceptance rate: 6.6%

GPA: N/A

GRE required: N/A

Clinical hours or experience required: N/A

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences

West Chester University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: West Chester University

West Liberty University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: West Liberty University

West Virginia University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.2

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: West Virginia University

Western Michigan University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Yes

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Western Michigan University

Western University of Health Sciences

Acceptance rate: 7.55%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Western University of Health Sciences

Westfield State University

Acceptance rate: 14.1%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Westfield State University

Wichita State University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Wichita State University

Wingate University

Acceptance rate: 93%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Wingate University

Yale University Physician Associate Program

Acceptance rate: 3%

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: Recommended

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Yale University Physician Associate Program

Yeshiva University

Acceptance rate: N/A

GPA: 3.0

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: Yes

Link: Yeshiva University

West Coast University - Los Angeles

Acceptance rate: 83%

GPA: 2.7

GRE required: Yes

Clinical hours or experience required: No

Accepts international students: N/A

Link: West Coast University - Los Angeles

Physician Assistant Acceptance Rates in Canada

Physician assistant acceptance rates in Canada vary, but are generally quite competitive. The Physician Assistant Education Association estimates that the average chance of getting into PA school is just 20%, and the acceptance rates for Canadian PA schools are even lower, ranging from 2% to just under 10%.

McMaster University Physician Assistant Education Program

Acceptance Rate: 2%

GPA: 3.0 minimum

GRE Required: No

Clinical Hours: No

PA Consortium (University of Toronto, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, The Michener Institute for Education at UHN)

Acceptance Rate: 5%

GPA: 3.0 minimum

GRE Required: No

Clinical Hours: 100

University of Manitoba Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Acceptance Rate: 8.3%

GPA: 3.5 out of a 4.5 scale

GRE Required: CASPer required

Clinical Hours: No

Dalhousie University Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Acceptance Rate: 8.5%

GPA: 3.3

GRE Required: CASPer required

Clinical Hours: 500

University of Calgary Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Acceptance Rate: 10%

GPA: 3.0 minimum

GRE Required: CASPer required

Clinical Hours: 1,000

University of Saskatchewan Master of Physician Assistant Studies – Coming Soon

Acceptance Rate: N/A

GPA: N/A

GRE Required: CASPer required

Clinical Hours: N/A

How Hard is it to Get Into PA School?

Physician assistant programs in the US are even more competitive to get into than most medical school! This is due to a number of factors, including that PA programs are generally more competitive and PA admission requirements can be quite rigorous.

PA school is also considered harder than medical school in some ways because of how long PA school is. Classroom hours are longer and there are fewer electives and optional courses for PAs.

For premed students weighing the options between PA vs MD, the admission requirements and acceptance rates might also be deciding factors. You should also consider that applying to PA school will involve multiple applications. Since most PA schools are so selective and have very limited seats open each admission year, it will increase your chances of success to apply to more than one program.

Average acceptance rate for PA schools in the US

PA schools in the US almost all exclusively accept or require the Graduate Record Examination as part of admission. Applicants will also need to complete their undergraduate degree and submit their transcripts as part of their application. Prerequisite courses in the sciences are a must, similar to medical school program admissions.

Of the 240 PA schools in the US, only 140 of these accept international students. For students wanting to know how to study in the US as an international student, keep in mind there may be additional admission requirements for any PA school you choose. An international student advisor can coach you on applying to PA school in the US, but you can also check if your chosen school is on the list of medical schools that accept international students. Some medical schools have separate PA colleges attached but have different admission requirements and application components.

Check out this infographic for an overview of PA school admission requirements

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into PA School

The best tip for prospective PA school applicants is to apply early! The application package is very comprehensive and highly competitive, and just to meet the minimum requirements of most schools requires many hours of preparation and experience. To have the time you need to pass exams, prepare for interviews, write your personal statement and earn the necessary work hours, it’s best to start now.

To build a strong PA school application, you’ll need to submit as competitive a candidacy as possible. Most top PA schools have minimum requirements for admission, so you’ll want to not just meet these requirements but exceed them to set yourself apart. Aside from maintaining a high GPA and acing the GRE test, plan to submit a killer PA personal statement, at least 3 glowing letters of recommendation and prepare well in advance to ace the PA school interview. It’s also an excellent idea to fill out a robust activities or extracurriculars section for your application, and include a physician assistant resume that details your work experience in health care.

Below we’ll look at the key areas of your PA school application and tips for strengthening each one, to create a well-rounded and competitive candidacy.

Want some tips for writing a killer PA personal statement? Check out this infographic.


FAQs

1. What is the average PA acceptance rate?

The average acceptance rate or Physician Assistant programs in the US is around 31%. In Canada, acceptance rates hover between 2% and 10%.

2. How competitive is PA school?

Physician Assistant schools are generally considered very competitive and have a lower acceptance rate. The application is fairly rigorous and the admission requirements are relatively high, especially at select schools.

3. Do PA schools accept international students?

Of the 240 physician assistant schools in the US, 140 of them accept international students. Double check with the school’s admission requirements for detailed information on international student applications. PA programs in Canada do not accept international students.

4. Is PA school harder to get into than med school?

In general, yes. PA schools have lower rates of acceptance on average than medical schools and are considered more competitive in some ways.

5. What is a good GPA for PA school?

Most PA schools will not consider applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0, so they are quite selective. Aim to have a GPA over 3.3-3.5 to be considered a competitive applicant at most PA schools.

6. Why choose PA over MD?

Many pre-med students debate whether they should choose PA or MD. To decide, it’s best to evaluate both career paths carefully and shadow both doctors and physician assistants to get an idea of what the daily work is like before you commit to applying somewhere.

7. Is PA a good career choice?

Physician assistants report high levels of job satisfaction and in general lower rates of burnout than medical doctors. PAs are also a highly in demand job and pay relatively well. Overall, physician assistant is a good career choice for medical professionals.

8. How can I make my PA application stronger?

To strengthen your PA school application it’s best to apply early, exceed the minimum GPA and test score requirements, write a killer personal statement, ace the interview and apply with plenty of shadowing experience if possible.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting


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