College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Coloardo Denver

Physician Assistant (PA)

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General Prerequisites for Applying to Most PA Programs

The following information pertains primarily to the PA program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. However, many other programs around the country have similar requirements (see links below this information). You should consult each individual program to be sure you have met their pre-requisites. The Pre-Child Health Associated program at the Univ. of Colo. Health Sciences Center prepares students to apply for admission to the CHAPS program. Each class is limited to 36 students.

Satisfactory completion of the following pre-requisites from an accredited college or university is required for admission.

  • You must have completed a bachelor's degree. Starting with the matriculating class of 2001, no student will be admitted who has not completed a bachelor's degree prior to starting.
  • You must have a total overall gpa of 2.8 or better
  • You must take the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) and this exam must have been taken within 5 years of the application date. Scores must be reported by October 31st.

The following course requirements must be completed before applying (this applies primarily to UCHSC)

  • General Chemistry with lab - 2 semesters of each
  • General Biology with lab - 2 semesters of each
  • Upper Division Science - 6 semester hours which MUST INCLUDE AN UPPER DIVISION PHYSIOLOGY ONLY COURSE. A combined anatomy/physiology course, whether at the upper division or not, will not count. You must take a physiology only course.
    • Human Physiology -REQUIRED
    • Human Anatomy
    • Microbiology
    • Biochemistry
    • General Biochemistry I
    • General Biochemistry II

The following course requirements must be completed by the time you matriculate into the program;

  • General Genetics - 3 semester hours
  • Statistics - 3 semester hours
  • Psychology - 6 semester hours
  • Humanities - minimum of 12 semester hours

Those applicants who have not had a science course within 5 years of the Fall quarter of application must take 6 semester hours of upper division in anatomy, biochemistry, or physiology to fulfill this requirement.

CLEP exams and Pass/Fail courses are not acceptable for pre-requisites.

Students are responsible for having current knowledge of all pre-requisites. Questions about transferability of pre-requisites from another institution besides UCD must be directed to the CHAP program at the Health Sciences Center.

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Application Process

The class accepted begins in June of each year. Applications are available from June 1st to September 15th of the preceding year and are due by October 15th of each year. The following are required as part of the application;

  • Completed application form as received from the CHAPprogram
  • Personal Essay
  • An official transcript sent directly to the school from each college you attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation/evaluation from professors, supervisors, or teachers.
  • Application fee

Selection Process

The following are considered in the application process;

  • Overall gpa
  • Science gpa
  • Applicants life experiences and goals
  • Understanding of the role of the Physician Assistant (CRITICAL!!!!)
  • Work experience
  • Interview
  • GRE scores

Colorado Physician Assistant Programs

Univ. of Colorado PA Program

Red Rocks CC PA Program

Pre-requisite Summary and Checklist Specific to the Univ. of Colorado PA program

Email the UCD PA Program

Pre-requisite Summary and Checklist Specific to the Red Rocks Community Colllege PA Program

Email the RRCC PA Program

Other Physician Assistant Programs in the US

Physician Assistant Programs in the Eastern United States

Physician Assistant Programs in the Western United States

Last revised on May 23, 2003

 

http://www.uchsc.edu/chapa/admissions/faq.htm