Table of Contents

1. Is the UT Southwestern PA Program accredited?
2. What is the length of the program and what degree is awarded?
3. What does the curriculum consist of during each phase?
4. How many candidates are accepted to the Department of Physician Assistant Studies?
5. How many applications are received and how competitive is acceptance?
6. Do you interview candidates for your program and what is the format?
7. What are the characteristics of an ideal candidate for your program?
8. How important is an individuals' GPA in getting an interview and how do I make myself more competitive?
9. Must I take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
10. In order for my GRE scores to be sent to the Physician Assistant Department at UTSW, what is the GRE code?
11. Is it beneficial to have health care experience prior to application to the PA program?
12. What are my chances of getting accepted into the program?
13. If I were accepted into the program, when does it begin
14. Can you attend this program part time?
15. What is the advanced placement policy for the program?
16. I already have a medical degree from another country. Do I have to complete all required coursework?
17. Is there a time limit on the required coursework?
18. May I apply and interview even though I lack required credits?
19. How many of your graduates passed the NCCPA examination?
20. Is housing available on the UT Southwestern campus?
21. Is UT Southwestern's Physician Assistant program ranked by the US News & World Report?
22. What is the most recent five-year Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) first time pass rate?

Answers

1. Yes, the PA Program has been accredited since its inception and was re-accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission for the Education of Physician Assistants, Inc. (ARC-PA) for a six year period in 2006.  The next re-accreditation site visit is scheduled in January 2012.
   
   
   
2. The program is 31 consecutive months. It begins in May and ends 31 months later in December. A Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree is awarded.
   
   
   
3. The didactic curriculum is designed to provide students with basic science knowledge, concepts of health care and disease as well as medical history and physical examination skills. The clinical curriculum consists of rotations in family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, emergency medicine, infectious disease, public/long term care, a clinical selective and a clinical elective.
   
   
4. 36 candidates are accepted once a year.
   
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5. The department receives a large volume of completed applications annually. Total numbers of applications for the past three years has ranged from 500 to 800. Applications are welcome regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.
   
   
   
6. Yes. A multiple mini- interview is conducted for the most competitive applicants to the PA program. Approximately 100 applicants are invited to interview each year.
   
   
   
7. An ideal candidate has a strong work ethic and desire to enter the PA profession. They will have a combination of life, work and academic experience that shows a commitment to perform under the demands of a challenging academic and professional program.
   
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8. A recommended minimum cumulative and science GPA is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. All required courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. As with other universities or colleges, higher GPAs make a more competitive candidate. Science grades above a "C" are more competitive. The goal is to be competitive and academically prepared to successfully handle the demands of the program's curriculum. However, the admissions committee does not base its decision solely on grade point averages. It evaluates the application packet as a whole. Therefore, the quality and quantity of academic preparation, strong letters of recommendation, prior "hands-on" healthcare experience, community service activities, leadership evidence and awards are all part of the evaluation process.
   
   
   
9. Yes. All applicants are required to submit GRE scores to the UTSW registrar as part of the application process. There is no minimum GRE score required for admission. Scores from the GRE general examination must be received by the application deadline of October 1.  Applicants may choose to submit scores from a previously taken examination if within the past five years. For more information on the GRE, visit their website.
   
   
   
10. The GRE code for The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is 6686.
    
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11. Yes, health care experience is important. Keep in mind that your health care experience should provide you with as much exposure or experience as possible to the roles and responsibilities of physicians, PA's and/or other medical professionals whose primary responsibility is patient care. Familiarity with the tools of the trade, medical terminology, and various medical procedures is valuable.
    
    
    
12. A variety of people with various backgrounds apply to the program each year, and a variety of applicants are accepted. There is no way to say who will or will not be admitted, nor can any guarantee be made about anyone's admittance. A good strategy is to present yourself as well as possible on paper.
    
    
    
13. The Class of 2011 will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
    
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14. No. Due to the fixed sequence of the didactic curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis.
    
    
    
15. With the exception of courses that meet The University of Texas credit transfer criteria, advanced student placement or waiving of required or department courses is not available for applicants to the physician assistant program.
    
    
    
16. Yes. Each applicant is viewed equally. Therefore, each must complete all required course work as outlined in the brochure or catalog. No advanced placement or course credit is given for previous work or life experience.
    
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17. Currently, there is no time limit on required coursework.
    
    
    
18. You may apply to the program, however no interview is granted until all required coursework is completed. All required course work must be completed in the Fall semester of the application deadline (ie, the semester of the October 1 deadline). THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. In addition, the transcript must be received by February 1st for any Fall courses to be considered for interview.
    
    
    
19. Over the past five years, 99% of our graduates passed the NCCPA examination on the first attempt.  The Class of 2008 achieved an average exam score that ranked in the 98th percentile nationally.
    
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20. Yes. The University has constructed a complex which provides 282 apartments. For information, call (214) 956-9300 or go to their website.
    
    
    
21. We are currently ranked 4th in the United States by the US News & World Report's "America's Best Graduate Schools 2008" listing.

  22.   2008 - 100%

          2007 - 98.2%

          2006 - 97%

          2005 - 100%

          2004 - 97%

          2003 - 100%