FAQs

Do I have to apply through CASPA?
YES, all applicants must apply through CASPA and the application must be completed and received by UMB by September 1 for consideration.
UMB will send notification via e-mail when the application is received and instructions regarding how to proceed with the admission process

Applicants are encouraged to submit their CASPA applications by July 1 to ensure the application is completed by the September 1 deadline. Only applications that reflect all of the completed program requirements will be reviewed. Applications that do not reflect all of the listed program requirements will be considered incomplete; applicants still working on the listed program requirements are encouraged to wait until the next admissions cycle to apply. Please review the applicant’s checklist prior to clicking “submit” on your CASPA application to be sure it is a complete application.
Do my prerequisites need to be completed by the application deadline?
All prerequisites must be posted with grades on official transcripts submitted to CASPA.
Do I need to have a bachelor's degree before applying?
Yes, a conferred degree and graduation date must be posted on official transcripts submitted to CASPA.
Does the type of bachelor’s degree matter?
No, any bachelor’s degree or higher from a nationally recognized institution is acceptable.
If I retake a course, which grade will count for my GPA?
For cumulative GPA and science GPA (as calculated by CASPA) ALL courses will be counted in the GPA. UMB uses the GPA calculated by CASPA.
Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
No, starting with the 2024 - 2025 application cycle, we will no longer require the GRE.
Can I work while I am in the UMB Physician Assistant program?
The program is very challenging and students need a time commitment for studying and clinical education. For your success in the program, we do not recommend that you work while matriculating in this program.
Can I get credit for previous academic work or work experience?
No, the UMB PA Program does not grant credit for prior academic or work experience. Prerequisite requirements and work experience are factored into the ranking system used to evaluate applicants. Work experience is verified as needed through the admission and CASPA application process.
How often do you admit students?
Once a year. Since the CASPA cycle opens mid-April, we recommend submitting a CASPA application by July 1 so that a completed CASPA application is received by UMB by the deadline date of September 1. Interviews are held in the fall for competitive applicants and selections are made for the new class that begins in the following May of each year.
Do you offer a part-time PA program?
No, our program is a 24-month, full-time program.
I am a foreign educated applicant; will you accept my foreign transcript?
After completing the CASPA application, UMB may request official evaluations for all foreign transcripts (for all higher-level institutions attended), evaluated (course by course evaluation) by one of the following organizations: World Education Services (WES) at wes.org or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) at www.ece.org. CASPA will only accept these evaluation services. CASPA is unable to accept Spantran. University of Maryland, Baltimore will not evaluate these documents prior to going through this process.
I am foreign educated; do I have to take the TOEFL?
All foreign educated students whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prior to submitting their CASPA application. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score (reflected on the CASPA application) for admission is 250 for the computer-based test and 100 for the internet-based test. Please note that TOEFL scores are only valid for two years from the date the CASPA application is submitted.
If I send letters of recommendation to CASPA, do I need to submit them to UMB as well?
No, UMB obtains letters of recommendation from CASPA. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that CASPA receives all three letters of recommendation.
I do not have a background in the health care field. How can I obtain patient contact experience?
Patient contact experience is recommended; however, it is not required. A student who does not have patient contact experience can take a one-semester course and possibly earn a professional certificate in just four months and begin to accrue patient contact experience hours as a paid health professional (or nationally certified professional such as an EMT). Volunteer hours are not considered on a case-by-case basis.
How many seats are available in the PA program?
There are 60 seats available per cohort.
How many applications does your program typically receive?
For the 2024 - 2025 application cycle, over 2400 applications have been received.
If I am offered a seat in the program, how do I apply for financial aid?
Financial aid for the program is completed through the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB) Office of Student Financial Assistance. The school code is 002104 and you can contact them directly at 410-706-7347 or email: aidtalk@umaryland.edu or visit the Financial Assistance page here.

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