If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us!

Q: How do I contact CASPA?

A: Phone: (617) 612-2080, E-mail: Caspainfo@caspaonline.org, Web site: http://www.caspaonline.org

Q: What component of the application is most heavily weighed upon evaluation?

A: All components of the application are weighed equally. We look at the cumulative and science GPAs, age of academic experience (the most competitive applicants have completed the science prerequisites within the past five years), amount and type of hands-on patient care experience, letters of recommendation, and the personal statement.

Q: What types of health care experience are acceptable to fulfill your prerequisite?

A: Any experience in which you participate in, or observe, the hands-on care of sick people will count toward our requirement. Some students have backgrounds in such areas as nursing, nursing assistant, medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, PA shadowing, and volunteer experiences.

Q: I don't have the prerequisite courses completed yet. Can I still apply?

A: Yes! As long as you have a plan to complete the prerequisite courses by the time classes start, you are eligible to apply right away. Remember that it is important to apply early in the cycle because of our rolling admissions policy.

Q: Do you accept transfer credits toward the PA curriculum? 

A: No.  We do not accept transfer credits or experiential learning credits for the Physician Assistant Program.  CLEP credit and Pass/Fail credit cannot be counted toward prerequisite coursework either. All incoming PA students must complete the entire 25 month master's program.

Q: Can I work and attend PA school at the same time?

A: It is not recommended that you be employed and attend the PA Program at the same time. The time commitment for attending the PA Program is too great.

Q: Where are the clinical sites during the second year?

A: We have hundreds of sites located all across the country. Students can expect to do clinical rotations in Des Moines, rural Iowa and in surrounding states.

Q: Is housing provided for students at all clinical sites?

A: Some housing is provided for students free of charge, but in some cases, students will be responsible for finding and securing housing at clinical sites outside the Des Moines area. Students are encouraged to budget for this expense when planning for their clinical rotations.

Q: Will I have input to where my clinical rotations will be?

A: Students are assigned to a clinical year advisor who works with the clinical coordinator to ensure each student has a chance to assist picking out electives in the clinical year. Core rotations are assigned by the clinical coordinator.

Q: How do I find out more about your PA Program?

A: Come to a Career Day! Career Days are held on campus every few weeks. On Career Day you will watch a slide show outlining the admissions process and detailing the didactic and clinical portion of the program. We will take you on a campus tour. Our Admissions Coordinator will be available to meet with you individually to review transcripts or assist with your academic planning. To Register for an upcoming Career Day, click here! or by phone contact us at (515)-271-7875 or (800) 240-2767 ext. 7875.