Physician Assistant Studies Program: Admission Requirements

Admission to the PA program is competitive and student selection is based on a number of factors, such as overall strength of academic performance, type and quality of prior health care experience, prior experience working with or shadowing PAs, and interpersonal communication skills. The program is rigorous and academic preparedness will be assessed based on indicators such as general and science course grade point average, prerequisite course work grade point average, coursework completed prior to application, and performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Requirements for admission into the PA program include:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university prior to matriculation into the program. Applicants with coursework or a bachelor's degree conferred outside of the United States must also have an equivalence evaluation by Education Credentials Evaluators (ECE).
  • TOEFL scores, if English is not your native language. Information regarding the College of Health Sciences (CHS) TOEFL requirements can be found at: CHS TOEFL Requirements . General information about the TOEFL is available at: TOEFL .
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required each for both Total GPA and Science GPA. A GPA greater than 3.3 for both total and science GPA is considered competitive.
  • Results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within five years prior to application submission. A minimal combined Verbal and Quantitative score of 1,000 is required. Combined scores above 1,200 are considered competitive. The Rush University College of Health Science GRE code is 3263 . We will accept the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in lieu of the GRE. A minimal MCAT score of 30, with a Writing Sample score of O, is required for admission.
  • Documented direct patient contact experience in a health care setting. Experiences that include working with or shadowing PAs are preferred. A minimum of 1000 hours direct patient contact experience is required and 1,500 hours and above are considered competitive.
  • A completed application submitted to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) with a supplemental application submitted directly to Rush University. The supplemental application fee is $40.
  • Proficiency in basic computer skills such as word processing, internet searching, and using e-mail is required.
  • All applicants must meet the minimum requirements to perform the essential functions of a PA. See the Technical Standards for more information.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology is required upon matriculation into the program. Proficiency of medical terminology will be assessed during interviews. Information regarding this will be provided with an interview invitation.
  • An on campus interview with members of the program faculty and the admissions committee
  • Admission is contingent upon successful completion of a health assessment, criminal background check, and drug screening processes prior to matriculation. Information regarding this requirement will be reviewed during interviews.
  • Attendance in the program is on a full-time basis only. Students entering the PA program must complete the curriculum in its entirety. No advanced standing or transfer credits will be awarded, regardless of previous professional or academic experience.

Applications must be submitted online via CASPA . The CASPA application requires:

  • Submission of official transcripts for all college course work completed
  • Three letters of recommendation. It is preferred that at least one of the letters be from a PA, physician, or other health care provider who is familiar with the PA profession.
  • A personal statement
  • Payment of an application fee as outlined by CASPA

There is an additional required supplemental application submitted directly to Rush University . The supplemental application will be available after you complete the CASPA application through the Rush University . The supplemental application fee is $40.

The PA program admits students into the class on a rolling admission basis. This means that at each interview session, offers are made to fill seats in the class. Under a rolling admissions process, it is possible to fill all the seats in the class before interviews are done. It is to the applicant's advantage to submit all application materials as early as possible.


Apply Online at CASPA

For More Information

For inquiries related to the admissions process, contact CASPA directly.

For questions about the Rush University physician assistant program, contact Marilyn Citronat (312) 563-3234 or via e-mail at: pa_admissions@rush.edu .