All applicants to the Physician Assistant program must apply through the online application system CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). In addition, applicants must submit an online GW Supplemental Application to the Health Sciences Office of Admissions.
Application Deadline
Summer Entry: October 1 (subject to change)
Application Fee
The fee for using CASPA is based on the number of programs the applicant designates. There is an additional non-refundable GW Supplemental Application fee of $60 (MSHS two-year program) or $100 (joint PA-MPH three-year program). This fee is waived only for the following applicants
- GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
- Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW
- Current McNair Program Scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be attached to your application)
- U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission
Entrance Requirements
1. Completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to matriculation into the program.
2. Minimum science and cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
3. The following prerequisite coursework from an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States.
- Two semesters of Biological Sciences (Human Anatomy and Physiology strongly recommended, Botany not acceptable)
- Two semesters of Chemistry for science majors (one semester should either be Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry)
- Two semesters of Psychology (General Psychology required, Abnormal Psychology strongly recommended)
All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of B- or better. Each course must be at least three credit hours. Applicants may apply to the program with no more than two outstanding prerequisites (including any in progress at the time of application), but prerequisites must be completed prior to the beginning of the program. College seniors are eligible to apply provided that they will have fulfilled all the baccalaureate requirements (including degree conferment) before matriculating.
4. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) within the last five years.
The GRE is waived for those applicants already awarded a post-baccalaureate degree. Official GRE score reports must be received by GW no later than October 1 for an application to be considered for admission. The institution code for GW is 5246. DO NOT use code 5268; this is the Medical Center code.
5. Six months or 960 hours of direct patient care experience is required. An additional six months of health-related experience is highly recommended.
6. Statement of Purpose
In addition to your CASPA essay addressing your interest in Physician Assistant studies, please include a statement of purpose on your GW Supplemental Application of 250-500 words describing your reasons for undertaking your studies at The George Washington University.
7. Recommendations
Two letters of recommendation are required and must be submitted through CASPA. Please do not submit additional recommendations on the GW supplemental application. Letters of recommendation should be from:
- Individuals who can attest to your potential as a physician assistant, preferably a health care professional and/or
- Academic instructors who can strongly attest to your academic ability
8. Official transcripts
Arrange for CASPA to receive an official transcript from every college and university (domestic and international) you attended, whether or not a degree was earned.
All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency.
9. English Language Test
Applicants whose native language is not English or who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language must submit official test scores for either academic IELTS or TOEFL. The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.5
- TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 100 Internet-based
The IELTS/TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants who hold a degree from an accredited college or university located in a country in which English is the official language and also the language of instruction at the institution.
10. International Applicants
Due to new U.S. federal government regulations, all international applicants should apply at least six months in advance of the application deadline. Additionally, all international applicants must review the information regarding Visa Requests and Financial Certification.
11. Review the Criminal Background Check and Drug Screening Policy.
12. Review the Physician Assistant program Technical Standards.
13. Submit the following:
Candidates who are accepted for the degree will be required to submit the following at matriculation:
- Immunization records, including PPD (within the past 12 months) and evidence of Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Diphtheria, Polio, and Tetanus vaccination.
- Copy of physical examination
- Copy of current CPR certification
- Copy of health insurance
- Copy of criminal background check
- Copy of drug screening test
Selection for Interview and the Interview Process
The interview process grants selected applicants the opportunity to meet prospective classmates, current students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Interviews are typically held on Saturdays during the fall semester prior to intended entry date. Each interview day includes: a tour of GW's Foggy Bottom campus, two interviews with a combination of faculty, alumni and current students, and a panel discussion with current students and alumni.
The interview process is designed to evaluate each candidate's communication skills, maturity level, match to the GW mission, and his or her understanding of the role of the PA in today's health care environment. A behavioral interview style is used. As there are a limited number (approximately 240) of interview slots available, the review of applications continues until all interview slots are filled. At that time, no further review of applications will be conducted. It is highly recommended that you apply as early as possible.
