Admissions Policy

Admissions

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program is committed to recruiting and admitting
applicants who demonstrate academic preparedness, professionalism, integrity, leadership,
service, and a commitment to patient-centered care. Through a holistic admissions process, the
program seeks to identify applicants whose experiences, attributes, and goals align with the
mission and values of The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine and the Physician
Assistant profession.

The program values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare access
and outcomes for East Texas, rural, medically underserved, and diverse communities. The
admissions process is designed to support the development of future physician assistants who
will serve with compassion, cultural humility, professionalism, and clinical excellence.

Purpose

The purpose of this Admissions Policy is to establish clear, fair, transparent, and consistently
applied admissions requirements, procedures, and practices for applicants seeking admission to
the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program. This policy is intended to ensure compliance
with institutional policies and applicable Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the
Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards related to admissions, public disclosures, and student
selection practices.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes a holistic admissions process
designed to identify applicants who demonstrate academic preparedness, professionalism,
integrity, leadership, service, and alignment with the mission and values of the program and The
University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine.

Scope

This Admissions Policy applies to all prospective applicants, applicants, admissions committee
members, faculty, staff, and administrative personnel involved in the admissions and selection
processes for the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program.

This policy governs admissions requirements, application review procedures, interview
processes, selection practices, and matriculation requirements for individuals seeking admission
into the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program. All admissions policies and procedures
will be applied consistently and in accordance with institutional policies, applicable laws and
regulations, and Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
(ARC-PA) Standards.

Related ARC-PA Standards

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program Admissions Policy is developed
and maintained in accordance with the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the
Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards and institutional policies of The University of Texas at
Tyler.

This policy is intended to support compliance with the following ARC-PA Standards:

• The sponsoring institution and program’s announcements and
  advertising must accurately reflect the program offered.
• The program must define, publish, and make readily available to
  enrolled and prospective students general program information, including
  accreditation status, admission requirements, program costs, and other required
  disclosures.
• The program must define, publish, consistently apply, and make readily
  available to prospective students policies and procedures related to admissions
  practices, admission requirements, academic standards, advanced placement
  practices, and technical standards.
• The program must make student admission decisions in accordance
  with clearly defined and published practices of the institution and program.
• The program must define, publish, consistently apply, and make readily
  available to students upon admission policies related to academic standards,
  progression, remediation, withdrawal, dismissal, student employment, grievances,
  and appeals.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program will define, publish, make readily available,
and consistently apply all admissions policies and procedures in accordance with ARC-PA
Standards.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Texas at Tyler and the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program are
committed to providing equal educational opportunity and maintaining an environment free from
unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Admissions decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, University
policies, and ARC-PA Standards. The program adheres to The University of Texas at Tyler's
Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure.

Applicants requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should
follow the procedures established by The University of Texas at Tyler.

UT Tyler - Nondiscrimination and Sexual Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure

Admissions Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program must meet
all admissions requirements established by the program and The University of Texas at Tyler.
All admissions requirements must be completed by the published application deadline unless
otherwise stated.

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior
  to matriculation into the program.
• Submit a completed and verified Centralized Application Service for Physician
  Assistants (CASPA) application by the published application deadline.
• Submit all official transcripts through CASPA by the application deadline.
• Submit CASPA supplemental application/questions.
• Meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Meet the minimum science GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as calculated
  by CASPA.
• Complete all required prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain direct patient care experience and
  Physician Assistant shadowing experience in a clinical setting prior to application.

Supplemental Application Components

The supplemental application may include:

• Letter of Intent/Personal Statement
• Direct Patient Care Experience
• Physician Assistant Shadowing
• Additional program-specific questions or supporting information requested by the
  program (Complete within CASPA)

Applicants may also provide information related to research experience, leadership, volunteer
service, military service, community engagement, or other experiences considered during the
admissions review process.

Standardized Testing Requirements

Applicants are required to complete the following examinations:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) completed within five (5) years prior to the
  application deadline.
• CASPer assessment completed within one (1) year prior to the application
  deadline.

The program does not accept substitute examinations, including but not limited to the MCAT,
PA-CAT, or GMAT.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation through CASPA, including:

• One letter from a Physician Assistant (PA), Medical Doctor (MD), or Doctor of
  Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
• One letter from a professor or supervisor.
• One letter from a professional colleague or mentor.

Letters from family members or personal friends are not accepted.

International Applicants

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must also have earned a
bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and satisfy all University and program
admission requirements.

Additional Requirements

• All prerequisite science coursework must be intended for science majors.
• Advanced Placement (AP) credit and CLEP credit will not be accepted for
  prerequisite coursework.
• Science prerequisite coursework must generally be completed within ten (10)
  years of matriculation. Anatomy and Physiology coursework is strongly
  recommended to have been completed within five (5) years of matriculation.
• Online prerequisite science coursework will not be accepted except for
  coursework completed during approved institutional accommodations related to the
  COVID-19 pandemic or courses specifically approved by the program.
• Credit for experiential learning is not awarded for any didactic or
  clinical component of the curriculum, including supervised clinical practice
  experiences.
• The Program does not award credit for prior professional education, prior
  physician assistant coursework, military training, work experience, certifications, or
  experiential learning for any didactic course, laboratory course, or supervised clinical
  practice experience. All students admitted to the Program are required to successfully
  complete the entire prescribed curriculum to be eligible for graduation.
• All admissions requirements, policies, and procedures are subject to change at the
  discretion of the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program and The University of
  Texas at Tyler.

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants to the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program must complete all required
prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation into the
program. All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher.

Required prerequisite coursework includes:

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

 

*Anatomy and Physiology coursework must include a laboratory component.

Additional Prerequisite Coursework Information

• All science prerequisite coursework must be intended for science majors.
• Advanced Placement (AP) credit and CLEP credit will not be accepted for
  prerequisite coursework.
• Genetics, Psychology, and Statistics courses may be completed online if accepted
  by the program.
• Coursework equivalency determinations are made solely by the UT Tyler
  Physician Assistant Studies Program.
• Credit for experiential learning is not awarded for any didactic or
  clinical component of the curriculum, including supervised clinical practice
  experiences.

Admissions Process

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes a structured, holistic, and consistently
applied admissions process designed to identify applicants who demonstrate academic
preparedness, professionalism, leadership, service, and alignment with the mission and values of
the program.

Initial Application Screening

All applications undergo an initial review to verify completion of required application materials
and confirm that applicants meet the published minimum admissions requirements, including
prerequisite coursework and GPA requirements.

Applications meeting minimum admissions requirements may proceed to further admissions
review.

Holistic Application Review

Applications are reviewed holistically by program faculty. The review process may consider
academic achievement, direct patient care experience, healthcare exposure, leadership, service,
professionalism, communication skills, resilience, and alignment with the mission and values of
the program.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes structured review
practices designed to promote fairness, consistency, and holistic applicant evaluation.

Interview Selection Process

Selected applicants may be invited to participate in the program’s interview process. Interview
invitations are extended to applicants who demonstrate strong overall alignment with the
program’s admissions criteria and mission.

Applicants selected for interview will receive official communication regarding interview dates,
scheduling instructions, and additional program information.

Interview Process

The interview process may include multiple mini-interviews (MMI), panel interviews, writing
exercises, group activities, or other assessment methods utilized by the program.

Interviews are designed to assess applicants’ interpersonal skills, professionalism, ethical
reasoning, communication abilities, and overall readiness for graduate-level medical education
and clinical practice.

Admissions Decisions

Final admissions decisions are made by the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program
Admissions Committee in accordance with published admissions policies and procedures. The
Admissions Committee consists of the Program Director and designated physician assistant
faculty members appointed by the program.

Applicants may be offered admission, placed on an alternate list, or denied
admission. Admissions decisions are communicated through official University communication
processes.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program utilizes a rolling admissions process and may
continue reviewing applications and extending offers throughout the admissions cycle until the
cohort is filled.

The Program Director maintains final approval authority for all recommended candidates and
any admissions process modifications.

Admissions Preferences

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program values applicants whose experiences,
attributes, and goals align with the mission and values of the program and The University of
Texas at Tyler School of Medicine.

During the admissions review process, consideration may be given to applicants
who demonstrate, but not limited to:

• Direct patient care experience
• Physician Assistant shadowing experience
• UT Tyler Affiliation, Including current students or alums
• Affiliation with UT Tyler Clinical Partners
• Leadership and community service activities
• Commitment to rural or medically underserved populations
• Healthcare service within East Texas communities
• Military or veteran service
• Experience living in a rural or medically underserved community
• Research, teaching, mentoring, or volunteer experiences
• Resilience, professionalism, and interpersonal skills
• Alignment with the mission of The University of Texas at Tyler School of
  Medicine and the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program

The program values applicants who demonstrate a commitment to improving healthcare access,
advancing patient-centered care, and serving the healthcare needs of East Texas and surrounding
communities.

All admissions decisions are made through a fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory review
process in accordance with institutional policies and ARC-PA Standards.

Interview Process

Applicants selected for an interview will be invited to participate in an in-person interview
experience conducted by the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program. The interview
process will incorporate Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) stations, faculty panel,
writing exercises and group activities.

During the interview process, applicants may interact with members of the Admissions
Committee, program faculty, staff, students, and/or University representatives. The interview
process is designed to assess professional attributes and personal characteristics considered
important for success in the PA profession.

Interview evaluations may consider factors including, but not limited to:

• Professionalism and maturity
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethical reasoning and integrity
• Empathy and compassion
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Motivation for the Physician Assistant profession
• Understanding of the Physician Assistant role within healthcare
• Alignment with the mission and values of the program
• Ability to work collaboratively within healthcare teams

Applicants selected for interview will receive official communication regarding interview
scheduling, participation requirements, and additional interview-related information.

Participation in the interview process does not guarantee admissions into the program.

Technical Standards

Applicants accepted into the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program must be able to meet
the program’s Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Technical Standards identify the essential physical, cognitive, sensory, motor, behavioral,
communication, and professional requirements necessary to participate in the didactic,
laboratory, simulation, and clinical components of the program and to provide safe and effective
patient care.

Applicants and enrolled students are responsible for reviewing and understanding the UT Tyler
Physician Assistant Studies Program Technical Standards Policy prior to matriculation.

Reasonable accommodations are determined through the UT Tyler Student Accessibility and
Resources (SAR) Office in accordance with applicable law and University policy.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program Technical Standards Policy

Requirements Following Acceptance

Applicants admitted to the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program must complete all
matriculation requirements established by the program, The University of Texas at Tyler and
affiliated clinical sites.

Requirements following acceptance may include, but are not limited to:

• Submission of a non-refundable seat deposit, if applicable
• Completion of all required prerequisite coursework and degree requirements prior
  to matriculation
• Completion of criminal background checks and drug screening
• Verification of immunization records and health requirements
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Completion of required University onboarding and compliance documentation
• Review and acknowledgment of program policies, including the Technical
  Standards Policy
• Completion of any additional requirements established by the program or clinical
  affiliates

Accepted applicants are responsible for meeting all published deadlines and submission
requirements. Failure to satisfy matriculation requirements by established deadlines may result
in withdrawal of the admission offer or delay in program progression.

All matriculation requirements are subject to change in accordance with University policy,
clinical affiliation requirements, accreditation standards, and applicable laws or regulations.

Transfer and Advanced Placement

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program does not currently accept transfer students or
advanced placement into the program.

Applicants seeking admission must apply through the standard admissions process and complete
the program's full curriculum.

Fees and Deposits

Applicants to the UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program are responsible for all
application, enrollment, tuition, and program-related fees associated with the admissions and
matriculation process.

Fees may include, but are not limited to:

• CASPA application fees
• Supplemental application fees, if applicable
• Seat deposit fees
• Tuition and mandatory University fees
• Criminal background check and drug screening fees
• Immunization, health record, and compliance tracking costs
• Clinical onboarding requirements
• Required equipment, instructional materials, software, uniforms, and
  certifications

Applicants admitted may be required to submit a non-refundable seat deposit by the published
deadline to secure a position within the entering cohort. Failure to submit required deposits or
fees by established deadlines may result in forfeiture of the applicant’s seat in the program.

Current tuition and fee information is available through The University of Texas at Tyler.
Applicants are encouraged to review the University's Tuition and Fees webpage and Graduate
Tuition and Fee Calculator for the most current cost information.

UT Tyler Tuition & Fees Information

UT Tyler Graduate Tuition & Fee Calculator

Program tuition, fees, deposits, and associated costs are subject to change in accordance
with university policy and institutional approval processes.

Policy Review and Revision

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program Admissions Policy is reviewed periodically
to ensure continued compliance with institutional policies, Accreditation Review Commission on
Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) Standards, applicable laws and regulations, and
program operational needs.

The Program Director, Admissions Committee, and/or designated program leadership are
responsible for reviewing and recommending revisions to this policy as appropriate.

The UT Tyler Physician Assistant Studies Program reserves the right to revise admissions
policies, procedures, requirements, and processes at any time in accordance
with University policy and accreditation requirements.

Current versions of all admissions policies and procedures will be maintained and made
available through official program and University communication channels.

Last Revision Date: 7/2026
Review Date: 7/2026

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