• No more than one science and one non-science prerequisite can be in progress after December 31 of the year before enrollment in the program. Prerequisite courses cannot substitute for more advanced applied content within the program's professional component.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits can be counted for prerequisites if the credit has been accepted by the applicant's institution and is listed on an official transcript or received directly from the College Board. Further documentation may be required to verify that AP credit granted in science courses meets the program's admission standards.
  • An overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and all prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scoring will be on a weighted scale, with science GPA carrying the most weight. Applicants are selected for interviews based on their academic performance. Preference will be given to applicants with higher GPAs. Please see the average GPAs of students accepted by class below for competitive measure.    
• Completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university before matriculation. 
  • Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome to apply, provided they complete the required prerequisites.
• Patient care experience is preferred to ensure that applicants recognize the physical and psychological demands of the PA profession and appreciate the challenges and rewards of being a health care professional.
  • While there is no minimum requirement, consideration is given to applicants with health-related experience, patient care experience, shadowing hours, and volunteer hours. 
  • Online shadowing will not be accepted. 
  • CASPA experience-type definitions are located on this website.  
• Three letters of recommendation - One letter is preferred to be from one of these specific Health Care Providers: Physician Associate (PA), Medical Doctor (MD), or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).  
• A personal statement expressing interest in becoming a Physician Associate must be submitted in the CASPA application. 
• A life experiences essay explaining how your life's events and/or perspectives could contribute to the PA profession must be submitted in the CASPA application. 
• If invited, complete the Kira Assessment and pay the fee. All eligible applicants will receive an email invitation to complete the assessment. Ineligible applicants will also be notified via email.
  • Kira is an asynchronous, on-demand video and written assessment platform used to evaluate applicants' soft skills, personality, and communication. Applicants record their answers to timed questions, often addressing scenarios, ethical dilemmas, or personal experiences. More information will be provided at a later date.

For your application to be processed, we must receive the following items by September 1:  

• • Completion of the PA Supplemental Application 
  • Completion of the CASPA Application and fee
    • Three Letters of Recommendation  
    • Personal Statement  
    • Life Experiences Essay
    • Resume (template provided) 
    • Transcripts submitted through CASPA from all previous institutions
  • The Kira Assessment is due 10 days after the invitation.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all requirements are submitted to CASPA before the September 1 deadline. The CASPA application must be verified by October 1.

Due to the competitive nature of the Physician Associate Program, completing admission requirements and prerequisites does not guarantee an interview.

Interview Information

Applicants are selected for interviews based on their academic performance. Interviews are held in person on the OUHC campus. Interview dates will be announced at the end of each application cycle.

Approximately 150 of the most qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview. Maintaining a high standard of academic excellence, good interpersonal skills, knowledge of the health care system, shadowing a PA, volunteering in the community, personal maturity, and work experience will weigh strongly in the admission decision.

Essential Applicant Qualities

• Strong Academics
• Knowledge of the OUHC PA Program Mission and Goals
• Maturity
• Professionalism
• Knowledge of the profession
• Community Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Experiences that prepare for the rigor of PA school

Offers of admission to the PA program are contingent upon completion of the following items with satisfactory results as deemed by the PA program. All of the requirements must be completed by the enrollment date. 

• Satisfactory completion of a bachelor's degree
• Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions to Health Campus Recruitment and Admissions*
• Background Check
• Drug Screen
• Immunizations
• Meet the Technical Standards

To secure your seat in the program, you are required to make a $300 non-refundable deposit by the due date.

*Health Campus Recruitment and Admissions
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0901
Phone: 405.271.2359 Fax: 405.271.2480
Email: admissions@ouhsc.edu