Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor to discuss my application?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/
2. How many applicants are accepted to the program?The program has been approved to accept up to 100 students.
3. Can you help me with questions on the CASPA application?All CASPA questions are handled directly by CASPA customer service.
4. Can you help me with questions on the UTRGV Graduate College Application?Questions are handled by the Graduate College.
5. Does the program follow a rolling admissions process?The PA Program does rolling admissions each admissions cycle. Applications do not carry over to the next cycle.
6. Does the program offer advanced placement for coursework taken at other PA programs?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.
7. Do I need a science degree to apply?The PA Program accepts any Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or a recognized international equivalent..
8. Does the program require Spanish language fluency?No.
9. Does the program require shadowing?No, shadowing is no longer a requirement for application. However, it is still recommended.
10. Does the program accept online courses?Yes, as long as they are from an accredited institution.
11. Does the program accept online lab courses?Yes, as long as they are from an accredited institution.
12. Do the prerequisites have to be completed within a certain time?All applicants must have taken AT LEAST 15 semester credit hours of any coursework in the United States within the last 10 years.
13. Does the program accept science courses taken for non-science majors?No.
14. Do all prerequisites need to be completed by the September 1 deadline?Yes.
15. Do I send transcripts to the PA program?All transcripts are submitted to CASPA and the Graduate College.
16. Do I need to submit transcripts from every school I attended even though I transferred coursework?Yes, transcripts from all schools attended are required regardless of transfer coursework.
17. I attended another professional graduate school (medical school, dental school, etc.) but did not complete the degree. My Bachelor's degree is complete. Do I still have to submit the incomplete graduate school coursework transcript?Yes, all transcripts from all schools attended are required.
18. My transcript shows academic probation, academic dismissal, and/or academic dishonesty. Will I still be considered for admission?Yes, but be prepared to discuss the incident on a personal statement on CASPA and/or during the interview process.
19. Can I send my application materials in to be evaluated by a faculty member?No, under the Admissions tab found 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.
20. What is the minimum GPA needed to apply?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.
21. Does the program use the "most recent" grade for a repeated course to "replace" older grades?The program follows CASPA policy. CASPA includes ALL grades for ALL courses taken regardless of repetition.
22. Can I enroll in the program part-time?The program is offered only on a full-time basis.
Updated 02/03/23