Admissions Overview

All applicants must submit a formal application and supporting documents through CASPA. The application opens annually in April.

CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants) is a service of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the only national organization representing PA educational programs since 2001. CASPA is where prospective students apply; please see the link below for more details.

CASPA Login Link

The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program utilizes a holistic admissions process designed to evaluate each applicant's academic preparation, healthcare experiences, leadership, service, professionalism, communication skills, and alignment with the mission and values of the program. Because admission is competitive, meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. All prerequisite coursework must be successfully completed by the published application deadline unless otherwise approved by the Program.

Applicants must submit a formal application and all supporting documents to CASPA.

The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes a structured, holistic admissions process designed to evaluate applicants fairly, consistently, and in accordance with published institutional and program policies. The admissions lifecycle is outlined below to help applicants understand each stage of the review process.

Step 1 – Application Submission

Submit a completed CASPA application and all required supporting materials.

Step 2 – Initial Screening

Applications are reviewed to verify completion of all required application materials and compliance with the program's minimum admissions requirements, including prerequisite coursework, GPA requirements, and other published admissions criteria.

Step 3 – Holistic Review

Applications are evaluated using a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, healthcare experience, leadership, service, professionalism, communication skills, and alignment with the mission of the program.

Step 4 – Interview Selection

Applicants who demonstrate academic readiness, healthcare experience, leadership, professionalism, and alignment with the mission and values of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program may be invited to participate in the interview process.

Step 5 – Interview Process

Applicants selected for an interview will participate in the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program interview process. The interview experience is designed to help applicants learn more about the program while allowing the PA Faculty to evaluate the personal and professional attributes essential for success in the physician assistant profession.

The interview process may include Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs), written assessments, and other evaluation activities. Applicants may be assessed on qualities including:

• Professionalism and ethical decision-making
• Emotional maturity and resilience
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Motivation for the physician assistant profession
• Leadership and teamwork
• Alignment with the mission and values of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program

Each component of the interview process is evaluated by trained reviewers using standardized evaluation criteria to promote a fair, consistent, and holistic admissions process.

Step 6 – Admissions Committee Review

Following the interview process, the Admissions Committee conducts a comprehensive review of each applicant's file, including academic qualifications, application materials, interview performance, and overall alignment with the mission and values of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program. The committee then makes recommendations for admission to the Program Director.

Step 7 – Final Admissions Decisions

Based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee, applicants may be offered admission, placed on an alternate list, or denied admission. Official admissions decisions are communicated through official program communications. The Program Director has final authority over all admissions decisions and the admissions process.

To be considered for admission to the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program, applicants must meet the following minimum admissions requirements:

• Verified CASPA Application submitted by the published application deadline.
• Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities submitted through CASPA by the application deadline.
• Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited institution completed prior to matriculation.
• Completed Prerequisite Coursework by the published application deadline.
• Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Minimum Science GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated by CASPA.
• Three Letters of Recommendation submitted through CASPA by the application deadline.
• Letter of Intent/Personal Statement submitted through CASPA.
• Casper Assessment completed by the published application deadline.
• GRE Scores submitted by the published application deadline.
• Technical Standards reviewed and acknowledged by admitted students prior to matriculation.
• Post-Acceptance Requirements including a criminal background check, drug screening, health screening, and immunization requirements completed prior to enrollment.

UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Self-Appraisal Check List: (PDF LINK)

Please Note: Meeting the minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program utilizes a holistic admissions process to evaluate each applicant's academic preparation, healthcare experiences, leadership, service, professionalism, and alignment with the program's mission and values.

Applicants must complete all prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited institution before matriculation into the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program.

Prerequisite Coursework Requirements

• Completed by the published application deadline unless otherwise approved by the program.
• Minimum grade of "C" required in each prerequisite course.
• All science prerequisite coursework must be intended for science majors.
• Science prerequisite coursework should generally be completed within the last 10 years.
• Anatomy and Physiology coursework is strongly recommended to have been completed within the last 5 years.
• Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP credit are not accepted for prerequisite coursework.
• Transfer Credit is not accepted.
• Online science prerequisite coursework is not accepted, except for coursework completed during approved COVID-19 institutional accommodations or courses specifically approved by the program.
• Genetics, Psychology, and Statistics may be completed online if accepted by the program.
• Course equivalency determinations are made solely by the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program.

Required Prerequisite Courses (A3.13)

Course	Credit Hours
Human Anatomy with Lab*	4
Human Physiology with Lab*	4
OR Anatomy & Physiology I and II with Labs*	8
General Chemistry I with Lab	4
General Chemistry II with Lab	4
Organic Chemistry I with Lab	4
Microbiology with Lab	4
Genetics	3
Psychology (Introductory, General, Abnormal, or Developmental)	3
Statistics	3

In addition to academic achievements, the following factors are considered during the review of all applications:

• Direct patient care experience
• Physician Assistant shadowing experience
• Personal statement and demonstrated motivation for pursuing the PA profession
• Overall and science GPA
• Leadership experience
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Community service and volunteerism
• Research experience
• Healthcare employment or professional certifications
• Military service
• Quality of letters of recommendation
• First Generation College Students
• Commitment to serving rural, medically underserved, or East Texas communities
• Professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct
• Alignment with the mission and values of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program

The University of Texas at Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program requires all applicants and students to meet the program's Technical Standards for admission, progression, and graduation. These standards outline the essential cognitive, communication, behavioral, motor, sensory, and professional abilities required to complete the curriculum and to prepare successfully for clinical practice.

UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program Technical Standards → (Link)

Application Opens: July 17, 2026

Application Closes: February 1, 2027

Start Date: September 2027

Tuition and fees for the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies program are assessed in accordance with university policies and are subject to approval by The University of Texas System Board of Regents. Program tuition and fees may vary by academic year and are subject to change.

For the most current tuition and fee information, please visit the University's official Tuition & Fees site.

Tuition & Fees

In addition to tuition and mandatory University fees, students should anticipate expenses associated with the Physician Assistant program, which may include:

• Criminal background check
• Drug screening
• Health screening and immunization requirements
• Required textbooks and educational resources
• Clinical attire and equipment
• Laptop computer meeting program specifications
• Transportation and parking
• Housing and living expenses
• Professional liability insurance (if applicable)
• National certification examination and licensure expenses following graduation

View List

Information regarding tuition refunds, withdrawal, and applicable fee refund schedules is available through the University.

UT Tyler Tuition & Fee Refund Schedule 

Important Notice: Tuition and fees are established by The University of Texas System and are subject to change without notice. Additional program-related expenses are estimated and may vary based on individual student circumstances. Applicants are encouraged to consult the University's official Tuition & Fees webpage for the most current information.