Applicant Selection Factors

The NU School of PA Medicine admissions committee has adopted the use of an inclusive admissions framework that allows the admissions committee, faculty, and staff to capture the experiences, attributes, and metrics (EAMs) of qualified applicants. Although an applicant’s academic record is considered, strong academic performance alone does not ensure acceptance. Experiential factors are evaluated that help us examine beneficial attributes that focus on viewing each applicant holistically to garner a sense of who each applicant is and how they can contribute to the classroom, program, profession, and community at large.

In reviewing applications for interview selection and acceptance, many factors are evaluated. These factors include:

1. Academic Preparation
2. Patient Care Experience (PCE) - type and amount
3. Interview – MMIs
   1. EF Aptitude
   2. Professionalism
   3. Knowledge of the PA profession
4. Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
   1. Service
   2. Leadership
   3. Faith Integration
5. Mission Alignment
   1. Service
   2. Leadership
   3. Faith Integration

Academics

Applicants will receive a weighted score on the following GPAs:

Science GPA, Prerequisite GPA, Last 60 hours GPA

• Applicants who demonstrate consistent academic success in science coursework, prerequisite coursework, and particularly in their most recent 60 credit hours of coursework, are more likely to be extended an invitation to interview.   
• For more information about scoring, visit our Admission Procedure page.

Patient Care Experience

The quality (type) of the PCE and number of hours are weighted during application evaluation.

• A minimum of 2000 hours of patient care experience (PCE) is required at the time of application.
• A more competitive applicant will have more than the minimum required PCE.
• Up to a maximum of 20,000 hours may be scored.
• For more information about scoring, visit our Admission Procedure page.

Qualifying PCE hours are direct hands-on paid positions with the exception of work as a paramedic or EMT when all emergency services are provided on an all-volunteer basis.

• Internships, clinical time as a student, shadowing, or volunteer experience do not meet this requirement.
• Additionally, PCE is not synonymous with Health Care Experience (HCE) as HCE is not limited to direct hands-on responsibility by CASPA definition.

PCE not listed below must be approved by the NU School of PA Medicine program prior to submitting the application in CASPA to ensure the experience will qualify. If the experience is not prior-approved, the application risks not meeting the minimum requirements for admission.

Applicants are encouraged to be detailed in their description of PCE listed in CASPA. Additionally, a CV/Resume needs to be included with the CASPA application listing the relevant PCE.

All PCE included in the application and the CV will be verified by the PA program and must include good contact information of a direct supervisor/HR representative.

Health care experience will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Type of PCE (position, decision making, supervision level, ability)
2. Total number of hours (paid or unpaid)
3. Specific duties performed and/or skills acquired

To assist you, we have compiled a Patient Care Experience Information Sheet with examples of types of positions to assist you with determining your potential scoring.

The following are approved lists of PCE:

Interview (MMI)

The NU School of PA Medicine will utilize the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format to offer a more holistic evaluation of applicants beyond their academic achievements by providing a comprehensive view of the applicant’s suitability and program alignment.

Fairness and Objectivity: The MMI aims to minimize bias and subjectivity in the admissions process. Applicants will face the same set of scenarios and questions, ensuring a standardized evaluation process. Interviewers will assess applicants based on predetermined criteria and rubrics, promoting consistency and fairness. This approach reduces the influence of personal biases, leading to a more equitable assessment.

Assessment of Executive Functions (EFs): The MMI stations will focus on an applicant’s EFs which includes the evaluation of metacognitive, analytical, and relational skills.

Adaptability and Real-World Relevance: Applicants will be assessed and scored on real-life scenarios to demonstrate EF aptitude. The infographic lists examples of the EFs (meta-cognitive, relational, and analytical skills) which will be evaluated and scored within various stations. Applicants must adapt quickly, think on their feet, and respond appropriately to challenging or unexpected situations.

Assessment of Ethical and Moral Reasoning: The MMIs include scenarios that test an applicant's ethical and moral judgment. By evaluating how candidates approach ethical dilemmas who demonstrate a strong moral compass and a thoughtful approach to complex issues.

Additional Attributes Evaluated

Professionalism: Applicants will be evaluated during the ENTIRE interview process and are expected to conduct a respectful manner that is courteous to other PA applicants, students, faculty, and staff. Applicants are encouraged to seek input from advisors and counselors regarding various practices and principles of professional behavior, demeanor, and professional attire.

Leadership: Physician Assistants assume leadership roles in the healthcare setting and within the clinical team and as such applicants will be evaluated on their experiences as a leader. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence to support leadership experiences in the CASPA application. It should include the following information on the application:

• Hours of service
• Job title and duties
• Name of the organization
• Contact information for verification

Knowledge of the PA Profession: Applicants considering a career as a PA must demonstrate knowledge of the profession. The applicant must be knowledgeable enough to discuss various topics and issues related to the PA profession to determine a high-level understanding of a Physician Assistant.

For more information about scoring, visit our Admission Procedure page.

Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

The following types of references are encouraged, but not required:

• Professor, Supervisor, Physician Assistant, Healthcare Provider (APRN, MD, DO).
  • Letters from friends and family will not be accepted
• Only three letters (submitted in CASPA) will be reviewed.
  • If more than three letters are submitted, you must indicate in the Questions section of our CASPA page, which three you want the admissions committee to review.
  • If no indication is provided, the committee will choose the first 3 from the CASPA list

Mission Alignment

Applicants will be evaluated on their experiences that align with the mission of the program. The CASPA application includes questions related to the mission that will serve as the foundation for the evaluation process. Applicants should review and consider the various activities that would align with the mission of the program and the university in their responses within the CASPA application.

• Mission alignment is scored by several means, including content within the application, letters of reference, the scope and nature of experiences, i.e., volunteerism/service/leadership.
• For more information about scoring, visit our Admission Procedure page.