General FAQ
If you have additional questions or your question is not addressed, please email us at infookc-pa@ouhsc.edu.
Do I need healthcare experience to apply?
No. Applicants are encouraged to volunteer in various healthcare settings to observe and understand the PA Profession. Applicants with direct patient care experience and a strong academic record have an advantage over those who don't. Please see the advisement presentation.
How many shadowing hours are recommended?
There is no specific number of required shadowing hours, but applicants are encouraged to shadow at least three PAs in different specialties. It is recommended that you shadow PAs from the following specialties: Primary Care, Emergency Medicine, and a Specialty (Dermatology, Pediatrics, etc.).
Do you have a list of mentors I can shadow?
The OUHC PA Program encourages prospective students to visit the websites listed below to find medical professionals to shadow. Find places to volunteer and network.
Do you have rolling admissions?
No. All applications are assessed at the same time after the due date.
Do I have to attend an advisement session, and what are the advantages of doing so?
No. Participating provides helpful direction and information about applying to the program. Following a general advisement presentation, students can meet with a faculty member to discuss concerns/questions not covered in the general session. Students who have concerns about their transcripts or grades may bring them for review.
Do you accept advanced standing from attendance in a previous Physician Assistant Program or basic science graduate course credit?
No. The Physician Associate Program does not offer or accept advanced standing credit for any course offered within the program. Students are required to complete all courses in the program during their academic career.
When are applications available?
Applications are available through CASPA onJune 11.
When are applications due?
The application deadline isSeptember 11. Both the CASPA application and the supplemental application to OUHC must be submitted by this date.
May I send my PA Program application directly to OUHC?
No. Only the supplemental application will be completed with OUHC. You must apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants, or CASPA. The CASPA application requires official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an application fee. The application cycle opens June 1, and the submission deadline is September 1.
Is online prerequisite coursework accepted?
Online coursework is accepted as long as it is taken from a US regionally accredited institution.
May I have prerequisites in progress at the time of application to the program?
Yes. All prerequisite coursework and degree coursework must be completed by the time of matriculation.
WAITLIST FAQS
Your alternate status means the admissions committee considers you eligible for the program. However, due to the high volume of applicants, you were not chosen for initial admission. Reasons for this could include your completion of prerequisite courses, your GPA, your interview performance, or your healthcare experience or exposure.
What happens now?
Your application stays active until the program begins on the last Tuesday in May. This means you could receive an offer of admission if a space opens up in the program before classes start.
What are my chances for admission?
Admission will be offered to alternates as those admitted: 1) Decline the offer, 2) Withdraw from the program, or 3) Fail to maintain enrollment eligibility. This number varies widely and changes each year.
What is my alternate number?
The waitlist ranking information will not be disclosed to students under any circumstances by the PA Program or the Office of Admissions & Records.
FAQ'S FOR APPLICANTS NOT OFFERED AN INTERVIEW
What are some reasons I did not get selected for an interview this year?
Keep in mind, every application cycle brings a different pool of applicants:
- Did you check your online checklist to confirm that your application status is VERIFIED?
- Did you submit three references that were NOT friends or family?
- Did you submit a personal statement that makes your application stand out?
- Is your GPA competitive?
Please review the advisement presentation for the most recently accepted class and compare their profile with your application to identify areas for improvement.
What can I do to increase my chances of admission?
If you're currently enrolled in any prerequisite courses, make sure you complete them with high marks. This means you will need to get the best grades possible in every class. Also, make certain that final transcripts and grade reports are sent promptly, so the admission committee will have the most current information available in reviewing your admission status. To make my application more competitive for next year-
- Complete any outstanding prerequisite courses.
- Do your best in courses to raise your GPA.
- Take additional science courses you haven't taken.
- CASPA averages grades from the same course and does not replace them. Taking different courses will benefit your GPA more quickly than retaking courses.
- Additional work and life experience that enhances your application, with preference given to direct patient care.
Individuals with a lower GPA in the last 60 credit hours may consider, in addition to the above strategies, pursuing a master's degree in a science-based health-related field to enhance their application. Although reapplying does not carry any additional advantage or penalty, such qualifications could boost your application's ranking.
What if I think my interview skills keep me from being accepted?
Seek interview skills workshops or seminars. Speak with your advisors or Pre-PA clubs to see if they can assist you in this area. The more interviewing experience you have, the more comfortable you will become. Career services at your institution may offer these services to alums.
If I am not accepted, what should I do for the next year?
- Consider the suggestions above and address any deficiencies described.
- Plan to reapply to the program when the application reopens on June 1.
- If you wish to be reconsidered for admission, you will be required to create a new account and submit a new application, along with the appropriate fees. The deadline is midnight Eastern Time onSeptember 11. Please ensure that the updated transcripts are received and posted accurately. Missing or inaccurate coursework will adversely affect the outcome of your application.
- Be prepared to describe in compelling detail to the interview committee how you used the additional year to make yourself more competitive for admission.
If the information provided does not address all of your questions or if you have other concerns, please get in touch with Aly Moss in the Physician Associate Program office at Allison-Moss@ouhsc.edu.
FAQ Verification of Education or Attendance
Where do I mail my Verification of Education or Attendance forms?
Health Campus Recruitment and Admissions
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0901
Location: 920 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Williams Pavilion - Suite 2450, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117-1211
Phone: 405.271.2359 Fax: 405.271.2480
Email: admissions@ouhsc.edu
http://admissions.ouhsc.edu/CurrentStudents/Records.aspx
Where do I mail my peer reference forms?
Health Campus Recruitment and Admissions
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0901
Location: 920 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Williams Pavilion - Suite 2450, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117-1211
Phone: 405.271.2359 Fax: 405.271.2480
Email: admissions@ouhsc.edu
http://admissions.ouhsc.edu/CurrentStudents/Records.aspx
How do I receive a copy of my diploma or official transcript?
Health Campus Recruitment and Admissions
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73126-0901
Location: 920 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Williams Pavilion - Suite 2450, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117-1211
Phone: 405.271.2359 Fax: 405.271.2480
Email: admissions@ouhsc.edu
http://admissions.ouhsc.edu/CurrentStudents/Records.aspx
Where do I send my Verification of Malpractice Insurance while I was a student?
Physician Associate Program
Attention: Verification of Malpractice Insurance
Department of Family & Preventive Medicine
College of Medicine
940 Stanton L Young Boulevard, Suite 357
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104