Applying to the MS in Physician Assistant Studies Program

Applying for Admission

If you are interested in applying to the NU School of PA Medicine, Physician Assistant program, you must register and apply through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) portal. If you have questions about the CASPA portal, please contact CASPA directly. In addition, applicants must complete a supplemental application for the NU School of PA Medicine. The supplemental application will be accessible through the Northwest University webpage. The CASPA application and the NU PA supplemental application must both be completed to be considered for admission. If you have questions about the application process including the supplemental application, you may email the program at PA-admissions@northwestu.edu.

Application Fees

Fees required to submit the CASPA application are submitted directly to CASPA. Northwest University does not collect any fees related to the CASPA application. For information on fees and any refunds, you will need to contact CASPA directly. CASPA does offer a fee assistance program with a limited number of fee waivers to qualified applicants on a first-come first-served basis.

The NU supplemental application submitted through the Northwest University website has a fee of $50 in order to process the application for consideration.  This fee must be submitted to Northwest University directly.  The fee is non-refundable and is not a guarantee of admission or a guarantee of interview to the program.  For information related to the supplemental application or the required fee, you may contact the PA program at PA-admissions@northwestu.edu.

Application Deadline

The School of PA Medicine at Northwest University must receive the completed/verified CASPA application and the supplemental application on or before January 15th at 11:59PM (PST) to be considered for admission to the program. Any application received after the deadline may not be reviewed and may be removed from further consideration. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application 3-4 weeks prior to the deadline to allow CASPA time to verify your application. The NU School of PA Medicine does not participate in rolling admissions and will review all applications after the stated deadline.

Transcripts

All official transcripts must be submitted through CASPA and will be received to the program in that manner.  Do NOT send official transcripts to Northwest University unless requested to do so by the university.

Application Assessment

Stage 1 – Screening (2-3 weeks)

Once the deadline has been reached, the program will conduct an initial screening of each application.  This initial screening will include verification of all requirements for admission to the program and to ensure the CASPA application is complete and verified and the supplemental application is completed.  Is it important to note – meeting the minimum requirements to apply does NOT guarantee that your application will be selected for an interview.

Stage 2 – Application Review (2-3 weeks)

The PA program will perform a calculated assessment of all applications that pass the initial screening process.  This review will be based on key attributes included within the admission selection criteria. Applicants will be ranked based on the results of the calculated assessment and notifications will be sent out electronically to all applicants.  Applicants selected for an interview will be provided additional information regarding the next stage of the process. 

The PA Program admissions committee utilizes a holistic approach in the final selection of PA student candidates.  The committee is looking for overall well-rounded applicants who bring strengths in all areas of their application and align with the mission and vision of the program.  This approach allows the admissions committee to select a well-rounded applicant pool with a diverse make-up of previous academic, health care, and life experiences.

Interview

Stage 3 – On-Campus Interview (2 weeks)

Applicants selected for an on-campus interview will be notified via electronic communication.  Candidates will be provided an opportunity to select an available date and time to appear in person for their interview.  The travel costs associated with the on-campus interview will be at the expense of the applicant.  The on-campus interview is required for any applicant to be considered for admission to the PA program. The interview will follow a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) model and each applicant will be directed to the correct location upon entering campus.  Once the interview process has begun, the applicant can expect to spend approximately 4 hrs. to complete the process.  At the completion of the interview, applicants will be provided a tour of the building and provided an opportunity to ask questions and meet with PA faculty and the dean of the program. Candidates will have a scored and calculated assessment based on the results of the entire interview process and will be ranked accordingly. 

Important To Note - at ALL times during the interview, you are expected to conduct yourself in a professional and respectful manner that is courteous to other PA applicants, students, faculty, and staff.  The entire time you are on campus, you ARE being evaluated consistent with the key attributes outlined in the selection process.  If you are not able to appear during the selected interview date and time, please contact the PA program immediately to make the necessary arrangements. The PA program cannot guarantee another date and time would be available but will make every effort to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. 

**COVID-19 - Northwest University will follow and abide by current CDC guidelines during the dates and times of the on-campus interview.  Please review the current guidelines prior to your scheduled interview.  Notify the program immediately if you have any questions or concerns regarding the CDC recommendations. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to coming to campus.  Participants that are non-vaccinated will be asked to provide a copy of the exemption submitted to their employer. Face mask coverings are not required on-campus.**

Cohort Selection

Stage 4 – Selection of Candidates (2 weeks)

Upon completion of the interview process, PA candidates will be ranked accordingly based on the combined results of Stage 1-3. After final review by the admission committee and the dean of the PA program, formal offers will be extended to the top candidates for admission to the program. Candidates that are not offered an initial seat in the program, will be notified, and given one of the following results.

Top Alternate – Candidates that were not offered an initial seat in the PA program can be placed on this list and ranked accordingly.  This list will be utilized first to fill any vacancies as they arise to ensure the complete cohort is filled.  This list will remain active until the selected cohort has started the program.

Alternate – Candidates that were not offered an initial seat in the PA program can be placed on this list and ranked accordingly.  This list will be utilized second to fill any vacancies as they arise to ensure the complete cohort is filled. This list will remain active until the selected cohort has started the program.

Denial – Candidates that are denied admission to the program will be notified by electronic communication from the PA program.  **Candidates that are denied admission to the program that were selected for interview, are invited to contact the program, and schedule a time to meet with the dean to review their application individually. **

Pre-matriculation Requirements

Applicants offered a seat in the PA program will be required to complete the following items in a timely manner:

1. $500 seat deposit must be submitted and will be required.  This deposit will be applied to the fall semester tuition upon matriculation to the program. If the deposit is not received by the provided deadline, the offer could be rescinded, the applicant is encouraged to contact the program to make necessary arrangements to fulfill this deposit. If the applicant does not enroll in the program or withdraws prior to matriculation, the deposit will NOT be refunded.
2. Fulfill all requirements necessary to enroll at Northwest University, to include submitting formal transcripts (if requested).
3. Complete the FASFA application and contact the Financial Aid Office. 
4. Enroll and complete the post-requisite course prior to matriculation of the program.
   • Medically Oriented Terminology Course – this course will be required to be completed by ALL students selected into the program.  All students must receive a passing score upon completion of the course. This is a self-paced course and can be completed at any time prior to starting the PA program.  
5. Submit the following documents:
   1. Criminal Background form – A criminal background will be conducted on all students in the program.
   2. Medical Insurance – proof of an active medical insurance coverage
   3. Submit proof of required vaccinations.
   4. Medical Clearance form – to be filled out by your PCP.