The OHSU Physician Assistant Admissions Committee adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, military service, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by law. The Committee fully recognizes the importance of diversity in its student body and in the PA workforce in providing for effective delivery of health care. Accordingly, the Program strongly encourages applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.

Application Assessment

The Program conducts a holistic, mission-based admissions process and applications are assessed on the areas below.

• Completion of admissions requirements: GPA, prerequisite, health care experience
• Fulfilment of mission-based criteria  
• Knowledge of the OHSU PA Program Mission and alignment with personal and professional goals
• Interest in the PA profession
• Resilience and/or perseverance relevant to later success in PA school and/or PA practice
• Background, experience and professional interests aligned with the Program’s mission:
  • Leadership experience or the potential for development of leadership skills,
  • Commitment to or understanding of value of DEI in health care,
  • Commitment to underserved populations
• Commitment/motivation to attend the OHSU PA Program
• Written Expression
• Review of letters of recommendation
• Academic preparedness to be successful in the program
  • Review of overall scholastic record, including GPAs with an emphasis on BCP (biology/chemistry/physics) GPA. Basic science preparation at the upper division level is highly valued.

Mission Driven

The OHSU PA Program values diversity in backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and is committed to recruiting and supporting a student body of varied demographics. We believe bringing together diverse students with varied backgrounds and skills enriches the learning environment for all. We strive to meet the healthcare needs of urban and rural underserved communities in Oregon and nationwide. In alignment with our Mission, 2023-24 applicants must fulfill one or more of the mission-based criteria listed below. The admissions committee reviews these criteria each year. Please revisit our website for updated information later this fall. 

• Applicants with great interest and experience in serving urban and/or rural underserved populations as demonstrated by long-standing community service;
• Applicants with outstanding leadership initiative demonstrated through long-term commitments;
• Applicants who contribute to the diversity of OHSU (meeting 2 or more of the following):
  • From an underrepresented racial or ethnic group
  • From a rural environment (i.e., a town of less than or equal to 40,000 population and at least 10 miles from a community of that size or larger)
  • Have experienced significant disadvantage or adversity (economic, cultural, educational or family adversity)
• Applicants who are Veterans or active military.

Interview Assessment

The Program utilizes a combination of multiple mini interviews (MMIs), an individual interview, and a group interview for our interview process.  In the interview process, we are assessing:

• Communication
• Self-reflection and self-awareness
• Empathy
• Teamwork
• Understanding of issues relevant in health care
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Professional and personal preparation