Physician Assistant Studies Frequently Asked Questions
甜瓜视频 PA Program
- Where is the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (甜瓜视频) Physician Assistant
(PA) program located?
Recognizing the need for increased access to healthcare in West Texas, the 甜瓜视频 PA Program is at a dedicated facility located on the Midland College campus in Midland, Texas. - Will I be able to work while attending this program?
Due to the rigor of the curriculum, students are strongly discouraged from employment during their time in the program. - What is the board pass rate for the 甜瓜视频 PA program?
Please see the link on the program home page for the five-year first time taker summary report - What is the relationship between faculty and students like?
The faculty and instructors are very accessible and concerned with the welfare and success of each student. All students are assigned academic advisors who are available to meet with students upon request. With a strong focus on mental health and student wellness, we have a number of activities and discussions with a focus on this area. - How is the camaraderie between classmates?
Every class varies. Many classes set up study groups and social functions. Our students are very active with professional service in local, regional, state and national PA associations and community service activities throughout West Texas. - What opportunities are there to serve the community and get patient care experience
during the didactic year?
All of our students complete service learning during the didactic phase of the program. We have several service learning community partners: Midland County Drug Court, Families Matter!, Barbara Culver Juvenile Detention Center, and the Field鈥檚 Edge. Our students also serve at Leslie鈥檚 Place free clinic. - Where will I do my clinical rotations?
Students are assigned to clinical regions and move to those regions for the clerkship year. Clinical sites are currently established in the areas surrounding Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, Amarillo, Abilene, and El Paso areas. Travel within or between regions may be required. Students also complete rural rotations, with longitudinal rotations also available. Students submit preferences for specific regions which are assigned in the spring of the didactic year. The program considers those preferences with the needs of the program and clinical site availability for region assignment. - May I contact a clinical site to see if they can host me for a clinical experience?
The 甜瓜视频 PA Program has a Clinical Team dedicated to the recruitment and maintenance of clinical sites for our PA students. PA students are not required, nor should they solicit clinical sites. Our Clinical Team is always looking to onboard new preceptors dedicated to providing clinical experiences and training to students. If there is a provider who may be a valuable preceptor, we ask prospective students not reach out to the site directly, but please reach out to our clinical team at ClinicalTeam.PAProgram@ttuhsc.edu. - What makes a successful physician assistant student candidate?
The 甜瓜视频 PA Program utilizes a holistic admissions process where the GPAs and GRE scores are only part of the evaluation process. Work and life experience, service, character, motivation, and knowledge of the profession are all highly valued in the process. In accordance with the mission and goals of the PA Program, special consideration may be given to the following applicants: Residents from the 108 counties in the service area of 甜瓜视频; Veterans and Military; Residents from underserved populations; or Residents from economically or environmentally disadvantaged backgrounds. - How does my GPA and prerequisite coursework impact the selection process?
We will utilize the cumulative and overall science GPA as calculated by CASPA to determine if you meet the minimum requirement as defined on the admissions page. Therefore, your GPA used for application screening will be calculated based on the courses you have completed at the time you complete your CASPA application. Prerequisite course completion and overall GPA will be confirmed prior to matriculation. Applicants should realize their entire academic transcript is reviewed to evaluate overall performance and preparation, improvement over time, and rigor of studies. - How much clinical experience is required?
There are no set parameters for this. Although no clinical experience is required, it does show that you have been exposed to the medical field. The students in recent classes varied drastically. Some that were selected had no experience, while others had over 10 years of clinical experience. - What courses may I use to fulfill the Anatomy and Physiology requirement?
To fulfill the anatomy and physiology requirement, you may complete a full course series of Anatomy and Physiology I and II or separate Anatomy and Physiology courses, 4 hours each. These courses must cover all areas and systems of the body. Courses in human anatomy and physiology are preferred, however, comparative, animal, or vertebrate courses may also be accepted. Upper division courses are highly recommended. - Are there other courses that are recommended in preparation for the PA Program Curriculum?
There are courses not required as prerequisites that may help better prepare students to undertake the rigorous curriculum of the program. These courses include Human Development, Cellular or Molecular Biology, and Immunology. Knowledge of Medical Terminology is also beneficial. - Is healthcare or shadowing experience required?
No, healthcare or shadowing experiences are not required. These experiences do strengthen the admissions application. PA mentorship or shadowing experiences are encouraged. - How many candidates will be selected for the class?
The PA Program typically interviews approximately 220-260 applicants. Up to 72 students in May 2025 will matriculate into the class. For more information on the number of applications and other admissions outcomes, please see the Mission and Goals report on the 鈥淎bout the Program鈥� page. - How soon after the interviews will I be notified of my acceptance status?
The 甜瓜视频 PA Program offers a "rolling" interview process beginning in the fall semester. Some applicants will be notified of their acceptance within a week of their interview, and others will be notified of their acceptance or non-selection after all interviews have taken place. Acceptances may occur throughout the Fall and Spring up to the date of matriculation. - Is there a fee for 鈥済uaranteeing鈥� my position in the program?
Yes, there is a $125, non-refundable placement guarantee fee. This fee amount is subject to change. - Can I complete this program part-time?
No, due to the fixed sequence of the curriculum, all students must enroll on a full-time basis. - Do I have to complete all of the courses in the program?
Yes, every student must successfully complete all courses in the program to be eligible for graduation. No advanced placement is granted. The listing of courses is available on the "Curriculum" page on the PA Program Website. The academic performance and progression standards are located in the Student Handbook. - What are the tuition, fees, and estimated financial aid budget for the program?
甜瓜视频 PA Program Estimated Financial Budget 2024-2025 PA Budget Items & Costs Year 1 Resident 12 Months Year 1 Non-Resident 12 Months Year 2 Resident 12 Months Year 2 Non-Resident 12 Months Year 3 Resident 3 Months Year 3 Non-Resident 3 Months Tuition 16,073 40,263 14,439 36,169 3,542 8,872 Fees 6,915 6,915 5,970 5,970 1,541 1,541 Books/Supplies 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 900 900 Total $25,688 $49,878 $23,109 $44,839 $5,983 $11,313
Total tuition and fees is estimated at $48,480 for residents and $99,730 for non-residents. Other costs related to the program for all students is estimated at $6,300.
For additional information on tuition and fees, see either the SHP Tuition and Fees or websites. Additional financial aid budget items are available through the Financial Aid Office website. Information on the policies and procedures for payment and refunds of tuition and fees is located at: