Admission Emphasis

The admission requirements are consistent with the Program mission to prepare competent PAs to serve as primary care providers in rural and/or underserved areas.

Along with the mission, the goal is to improve access to health care, help alleviate shortages of primary care providers and deliver comprehensive, affordable health care services to the people of rural and/or underserved populations. Consequently, acceptance is on a competitive basis with emphasis on the proven adult learner with recent clinical health care experience and an insight and inclination to meet the Program mission. The UND PA Program seeks applicants with:

Academic preparation including:

• solid achievement in undergraduate coursework
• quality performance in prerequisite coursework (information found on the Prerequisites page)
• ability to learn in an adult learner model, accelerated environment

Dedication and experience with rural (<25,000 population) and underserved populations including:

• prior clinical health care experience with rural and underserved populations
• residence in rural and/or underserved geographic areas
• potential to work as a PA with rural and/or underserved populations

Clinical experience including:

• background and potential for a career as a clinical PA serving the mission of the UND Program
• understanding of the Physician Assistant role
• levels of previous clinical health care experience that involve critical thinking and decision making
• evidence of effective health care team 
• strong references from physicians, physician assistants, and other clinical supervisors

Admission Preference

Preference is given to applicants who apply as a team with a sponsored clinical site or as a team with a licensed physician (MD or DO) and/or physician assistant who is willing to serve as the primary care preceptor to the student during the clinical portion of the program.  More information about applying with a preceptor can be found on the Prerequisites page.

Preference is given to candidates whose core science coursework has been completed within 7 years of the application deadline. In addition, it is strongly encouraged that candidates update prerequisite science coursework older than 7 years.

North Dakota residents as well as residents from the bordering states of Montana, Minnesota, and South Dakota are given admission preference.

Applicants from rural (<25,000 population) or underserved communities are also awarded preference.

Please note that decisions of the Admission Committee are not appealable and acceptance into the UND PA Program and successful completion of the program does not imply or guarantee that the student will be able to pass the national certification exam or obtain state licensure upon graduation.