Admissions

Case Western Reserve University's Physician Assistant Program is committed to accepting a diverse group of qualified individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The program uses a holistic process to select students who reflect varied social, economic, ethnic, educational and health care experience backgrounds. We seek students who possess intellectual capacity, personal maturity, leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Case Western Reserve University's Physician Assistant Program accepts applications from U.S. citizens and permanent residents and those educated outside the U.S. and Canada as long as applicants can submit the following documentation:

  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or Canada prior to matriculation into the program. A baccalaureate degree is a minimum requirement. Therefore, a masters or doctorate level degree awarded in lieu of a baccalaureate degree will meet this requirement.
  • If educated outside of the U.S. or Canada, a transcript evaluation service documenting the applicant’s baccalaureate degree is required. The academic record must show credits and grades equivalent to those given by U.S. institutions of higher learning.
  • Completion of CWRU PA Program prerequisite course work which must be completed at a regionally accredited institution in the United States or Canada
  • Direct patient care experience in the United States or Canada.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), taken within the last 2 years, is required of all international applicants for whom English is not their native language. The TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants with a baccalaureate degree or higher from an accredited US institution. Official scores from ETS for the TOEFL must be received in order for an application to be reviewed. Only the IBT (Internet Based Test) form of the TOEFL will be accepted. A total score of 93 and a speaking score of 26 is required for entry into the PA program.
  • Applicants must also meet all other requirements for admission to the CWRU PA Program including the program’s Technical Standards.

 

Application Prerequisites

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Transcripts and Grades

Learn more about the transcript and grade requirements here.

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Course Prerequisites

In order to succeed in the program, there are several core courses you should take!

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Test Prerequisites

Determine which tests and assessments you should take in order to apply.

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Recommendations

Letters of recommendation help to give us a holistic look into who you are.

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Direct Patient Care Experience

Direct patient care experience is an essential component of the PA application!

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Prerequisites PDF

Everything you need to know all in one place!

PA Program Admission Process

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Case Western Reserve University's PA program website is the definitive source of information concerning admission criteria. Please see the Prerequisites page for this information. Admission to the program is highly competitive and meeting minimal program prerequisites guarantees neither an interview nor acceptance to the program.  

Applicants must apply through the centralized application process (CASPA).  The program conducts a holistic review process with specific attention to the following admissions factors:  

  • Academic achievement
    • Undergraduate and graduate cumulative GPA 
    • Undergraduate and graduate cumulative science GPA
  • Direct patient care experience
  • Personal narrative
  • Letters of reference
  • Personal interview evaluation
  • Other considerations may include: 
    • Community outreach and volunteer experience
    • Diversity of life experience 
    • Military service 

In-person, on campus interviews are required for admission and are offered to the most qualified and competitive applicants. Interviews are conducted from July through December. All applicants will be notified by April 15 about their admission status.  

Personal interview evaluation will include, but is not limited to, the alignment of the applicant's interests, experience, and goals with the mission and vision of the program. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Changes to Prerequisites for 2023-2024 cycle

Admissions Timeline

 
Time Event
April 27, 2023 CASPA Application cycle opens

April 27 - November 1, 2023

Applications Reviewed
November 1, 2023 Verified application must be received by CASPA
July - December 2023  Interviews
Mid May 2024 Orientation & Classes Begin