PA Application Process
Thank you for your interest in applying to our program! You will apply to the University of Wisconsin–Madison Physician Assistant program through the Central Application Service for PAs (CASPA). You may apply for two curricular options (but not more than two); our admissions committee will select the option that best fits your qualifications and invite you to interview for that option. Due to federal regulations, we are unable to accept applications for our part-time distance option from California residents.
Pre-admissions advising is available to students preparing for application to the PA program. Be sure to review the PA program’s admission requirements and technical standards.
See our admissions policy for detailed information about our admissions process.
Key Dates
This application timeline applies to all curricular options except the UW-Platteville 3+2 option.
End of April
Central Application Service for PAs (CASPA) opens
August 1, 11:59 p.m. EST
Deadline to submit CASPA
Mid-November
Applicants notified of status and invited to interview, waitlisted for interview or asked to re-apply
Early to Mid-December
Interviews
Early January
Notification of acceptance
Week Before Memorial Day
New student orientation week
Note: All prerequisites/updates must be completed prior to matriculation into the PA program
Supplemental Application
Our supplemental application (unique to our program) is part of the CASPA application and becomes available when applicants select the UW–Madison PA program as a school to which they are applying. It is made up of many components:
- General demographic information
- How the applicant has completed or plans to complete prerequisites
- Listing of health care experience anticipated during the admissions process (from time of submission through May)
- Optional academic record statement
- Optional personal essay
- Required curricular option essay – required if you are applying for distance education, a seat at a distant campus, and/or the MPH-MPAS option(s)
Admissions Interview Information
All UW–Madison PA program admission interview activities are conducted virtually over Zoom throughout the month of December. There are two separate log-on days. The first day provides a PA program overview for candidates, focusing on curriculum delivery, unique academic and service opportunities, clearly outlined expectations for progression through training, and a chance to meet with current PA students. The second day consists of two 20-minute interviews by two separate teams of faculty and staff and additional opportunities to interact with current students.