Your MSPAS Admissions Process
Your future as a physician assistant starts here.
We’re excited to help you begin. Follow these steps to get started on your application.
Applications for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences are submitted through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants. CASPA opens each year in April for the class enrolling the following year in June. However, due to rolling admissions, it is to your advantage to apply earlier in the cycle.
Application Process
1. Review the Requirements for Admission
Review the MSPAS program’s admission requirements before proceeding.
2. Submit Your CASPA Application
Submit your online application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants as soon as possible. CASPA applications are available beginning in April for the class enrolling the following year in June. The application deadline is March 1.
It’s to your advantage to apply as early in the cycle as possible due to rolling admissions.
3. Send Official Transcripts
Submit all official transcripts through CASPA. Please include all colleges and universities attended. Transcripts must be from a regionally accredited college or regionally accredited university within the United States.
4. Provide Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation to CASPA.
Admissions Decisions
An interview is required for admission. Selection of interview candidates is based on several criteria, including academic potential, health care experience, letters of recommendation and the personal statement. The interview process consists of a competency-based interview that includes an asynchronous assessment and a synchronous virtual group experience or in-person experience. Because of the rolling admissions schedule, those who apply early in the admissions cycle are more likely to be interviewed than those who apply later.
Following completion of the asynchronous assessment and interactive group session, applicants are reviewed by the PA Admission Committee. When final decisions are approved, admission decisions, including “admit,” “alternate” or “release from consideration,” are sent via email throughout the application cycle. The timeframe for receiving the final decision notification can vary throughout the cycle. The decision from DMU will include additional information about the status and next steps.
University Partnerships
The PA program participates in university partnerships with multiple institutions to guarantee interviews for candidates, provided there are still interview slots available in the cycle. Criteria for guaranteed interviews include:
- Overall cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or above
- Science GPA of 3.4 or above
- No more than two outstanding science prerequisite courses
Accommodations in Education Policy
DMU is committed to providing equal education opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. Our Accommodations in Education Policy ensures compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act and other relevant laws.
To learn more about our policy and how we support students with disabilities, view the Accommodations in Education Policy.
