Incoming PA Student Requirements
Welcome to the OHSU PA program. This page walks you through everything you need to complete before your first day.
Access your online folder (Digital Portfolio)
OHSU will give you access to a Digital Portfolio through Microsoft OneDrive before you start the program. You'll use this folder to upload required documents and receive program communications throughout your time here. You may need a free Microsoft account to access the folder before you enroll. Once you're enrolled, OHSU provides full Microsoft 365 access at no cost, so there's no need to purchase it in advance.
Complete your enrollment requirements
Expand each section below for details on what you need to complete before starting the program.
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OHSU ID badge requirements
Background check
The program will email you in late spring with instructions to complete a background check. The questionnaire takes about five minutes to fill out, so review your information carefully before submitting to avoid any delays. You'll need a credit card to process it.
Complete the questionnaire within 14 days of receiving the email to stay on track for student placement.
Compass modules
You can access compass modules in late spring and must complete them by June 7 to receive your OHSU ID badge.
Log in to Compass once you receive your OHSU credentials and complete these modules:
- Information Privacy and Security Essentials
- Respect at the University (RAU)
- Integrity Foundations
Pre-entrance immunizations
Before you start the program, you must meet CDC immunization guidelines for health care workers and submit your documentation by June 7.
You can find full instructions and the forms you need on the Student Health and Wellness page, which lists the most current requirements.
Badge photo
Submit your badge photo by June 7.
Badge photo process:
- You will get an email in late spring with your individual CloudCard link and instructions to upload your photo.
- CloudCard will size your photo, set the background and flag issues before you submit it.
- Use your individual link and do not share it.
- Make sure your photo meets passport standards (full face, shoulders up, no sunglasses, no filters) or the system will deny it.
- Once you upload your photo, the system queues it for printing and does not allow changes, so be sure your first upload is the photo you want on your badge.
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PA program requirements
Authorization release form
Complete the Authorization Release Form and upload it to your student folder. The program uses this form to share program information and manage media release permissions.
Pre-matriculation survey
Complete the survey before February 20. Your responses help with buddy assignments, event planning and ID badge ordering.
Drug testing
You must complete a drug test at an authorized collection site in spring. The program will send additional details approximately 45 days before Summer A Term starts.
Verify OHSU email/network account and Student Self-Service
You will receive instructions to log into your OHSU email and network account in the spring. Complete the steps and verify that you can access Student Self-Service.
Student Self-Service helps you:- Register for classes
- Update contact information
- Find course schedules
- Review financial aid
BLS certification
Upload a current BLS certification valid through June 2027 or later to your student folder. Update any certification expiring before this date by June 26, 2026.
Review the BLS Requirement Overview for more information.
Plagiarism tutorial and test
Complete the plagiarism tutorial and pass the certification test. Upload your certificate to your student folder before June 22.
Additional Compass modules
Complete these Compass modules before June 22. The program assigns these in spring.
- Emergency Preparedness at Work and Home
- Annual Competency in Basic Principles of Infection Prevention
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Equipment and academic preparation
Pre-matriculation curriculum
Sakai will open the pre‑enrollment course in late spring. It covers medical terminology, anatomy and basic science. Plan to spend about four hours weekly over four weeks before summer term. Completing the medical terminology section exempts you from the exam in the first week of summer term.
Summer term registration
Registration for summer 2026 term begins in spring. A complete list of courses and registration instructions will be made available in spring.
Technology requirements
Laptop and smartphone
You must have a laptop and smartphone for coursework and exams. Both PCs and Macs work. The program provides an iPad during your first week.
Medical equipment
Pre-order medical equipment according to the requirements and the order form. If you order through the program vendor, submit your order by June 1.
Review the medical equipment requirements and medical equipment order form.
Textbooks and eBooks
The OHSU Biomedical Information and Communication Center Library provides free access to most required books. Do not buy additional books until you explore these resources.
The only required textbook for didactic year is McCance. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children (9th Ed). The program recommends Hoppenfeld. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities for the Physical Diagnosis course, but it's optional. The library or other sources provide all other summer texts free online.
The program will send a complete booklist for summer and fall in June, with information on the best and most cost-effective resources.
PA program pre-enrollment checklist
Track your progress as you complete these requirements. Explore requirement details in the accordions above.
| Requirement | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Complete background check | February 20, 2026 |
| Verify OHSU email and Student Self-Service access | Spring 2026 |
| Register for summer term | Spring 2026 |
| Pre-order medical equipment | June 1, 2026 |
| Complete OHSU required Compass modules | June 7, 2026 |
| Submit immunization status form | June 7, 2026 |
| Upload badge photo to CloudCard | June 7, 2026 |
| Complete plagiarism tutorial | June 22, 2026 |
| Complete PA program required Compass modules | June 22, 2026 |
| Upload BLS certification | June 22, 2026 |
| Complete and upload Authorization Release Form | Before enrollment |
| Complete drug test at authorized collection site | 45 days before summer term |
| Review Pre-matriculation curriculum in Sakai | 4 weeks before summer term |
| Ensure laptop meets program specifications | Before first day |
| Review free textbook access through OHSU library | Before summer term |
PA program orientation
Check back here in early June for the orientation schedule.
White coats
You will get fitted for your white coat during the first week of school, then complete your photo session later in the summer term with the OHSU Photography Department. The official white coat ceremony happens at graduation.
Student resources
OHSU offers a wide range of support services for students. Visit the Student Support page for complete information about available resources.
Housing
OHSU doesn't provide on-campus housing, but Student Affairs can help you with your housing search. Explore housing resources.
Note: Arrange housing that covers the academic year and the transition to the clinical year (June 2026 to July 2027). Clinical year rotations start in late July or early August after the July transition. The program provides housing for rotations outside Portland. You must arrange your own accommodation in Portland for local rotations and call-backs.
Financial aid
Visit the Financial Aid Office for information on financial aid, scholarships and FAFSA:
- FAQs about changes to Graduate PLUS loans (H.R.1)
- FAFSA application process
- Financial aid disbursement calendar
- Estimated cost of attendance
- H.R. 1 FAQs
- Scholarship and grants
- Student loans and work study programs
- Scholars for a Healthy Oregon Initiative (SHOI)
Health insurance
All students must have major group health insurance while enrolled at OHSU.
Students are automatically enrolled in OHSU’s Student Health Insurance Plan through PacificSource.
If you have other major group medical insurance, you can opt out of the Student Health Insurance Plan by submitting a waiver.
Explore OHSU’s student health insurance options.
Accommodations for students with disabilities
The Office for Student Access provides academic adjustments for equal education access.
Resources for veterans
If you are a veteran of the United States military, or a spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for education funding to attend OHSU.
Explore Veterans Affairs education benefits.
Scholarships and loan repayment programs
OHSU offers scholarships, grants and loan repayment programs to help support students financially. Review available options and application details.
Contact us
- Email: paprgm@ohsu.edu
- Call: 503-494-3633
Or email the admissions team directly:
- Erica Hankins Regalo at hankiner@ohsu.edu
- Lauren Ludwig at ludwigl@ohsu.edu
Connect on social media
- Visit the student run Instagram page.
- Connect with classmates on Facebook. Search "OHSU PA Program - Class of 2028" for the private group run by students from the class of ‘27.
