PA Application and Requirements

Submit a completed and verified application through the Centralized Application System for Physician Assistant (CASPA).

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, GRE scores will no longer be considered.

Earn a cumulative and science GPA of 3.0 or higher as calculated by CASPA.

• If you have a 3.0 or less, then we will accept a GPA from a Master’s level program or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from at least one semester/term of a graduate-level certificate or degree program. The graduate program curriculum must include coursework in Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology/Immunology, and Biochemistry.
• Completed the following Prerequisite Coursework with a grade of C or better:
  • 8 semester credits of Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab
  • 4 semester credits of Organic Chemistry with lab
  • 3 semester credits of Biochemistry
  • 3 semester credits of Microbiology

*3 semester units in general psychology and 3 semester credits in statistics are also recommended.

Human Anatomy & Physiology and Organic Chemistry courses taken in a classroom setting is preferred.

All prerequisite science courses must be completed within the past seven years with the exception of organic chemistry.

• An applicant may have up to four prerequisite courses pending.  All prerequisite courses must be completed before the candidate begins the program. 

Earn a baccalaureate degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

• If you are still in progress of conferring/completing your bachelor degree program, you must have your degree on an official transcript prior to the start of the program.

Submit two letters of recommendation are required:

• One of the two letters required must be from a medical provider such as a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or physician.  It is recommended that the letters include one from a PA.

Letters of recommendation must be submitted via CASPA on letterhead and include contact information.

• Hold a U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status at the time of application.
• Submit community service hours that show commitment to service to others.
• Have 500 hours of PA Direct Patient Care experience.
• Meet the required PA Technical Standards, which includes the physical abilities necessary to perform as a physician assistant.
• No credit will be given for prior education or work experience and there is no advanced placement.
• The program does not accept transfer students.

Yes, the Touro Nevada Physician Assistant program is granted Accreditation-Continued status by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Touro University Nevada is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Although each application pool is unique, the average undergraduate cumulative and science GPA of our last entering class were 3.46 and 3.41, respectively.

Yes, the application process is on a rolling basis.

• Rolling admissions signifies that applications are reviewed as they arrive through the Centralized Application System and/or Touro Nevada admissions application.
• The committee review selection begins after applications are verified and will continue until all the accepted positions are filled.
• Once the available positions are filled and the waitlist is maximized, the application review will end. This may take place well before the stated deadline(s) due to the volume of applicants.

No, the PA program does not accept transfer students or advanced placement.

You may have up to two prerequisite courses in progress and you will be required to successfully complete all prerequisite courses prior to beginning the PA program. An official transcript reflecting the completion of the courses will be required prior to matriculation.

Starting the 2021-2022 application cycle, you may have up to four prerequisite courses in progress and you will be required to successfully complete all prerequisite courses prior to beginning the PA program.  An official transcript reflecting the completion of the courses will be required prior to matriculation.

GRE scores are no longer required for admission into the PA program.

The Touro Nevada PA program uses a rolling admission process. The initial screening involves a review of applications to confirm eligibility and select candidates for an interview on campus based on the applicant’s competitive profile as outlined by the admission requirements. Applicants who meet admission requirements but not selected for an interview are held and re-evaluated periodically throughout the cycle.

The interview is an opportunity for candidates to learn more about Touro Nevada and the PA program and to participate in activities that aid in the selection process. Interviews are conducted from August through October. The interview day involves presentations by faculty and staff from the Division of Student Affairs and the PA department. The day also involves current students, a campus tour, and both group and individual interviews that allow candidates to demonstrate their provider suitability, teamwork, and communication skills.

Candidates are scored on their interview and application and subsequently ranked by the admissions committee. Candidates are notified whether they have been accepted, waitlisted, or released from consideration. Candidates on the waitlist are reviewed periodically throughout the cycle. All those who receive an offer from the PA program are expected to respond typically within two weeks and submit a $1,000 deposit to secure their seat. The deposit is non-refundable and is applied towards tuition.

Yes, we will accept Pass/Fail grades. If your institution does not provide a transcript key on what letter grade the pass grade is equivalent to, it will be evaluated as a “C” for undergraduate courses/”B” for graduate courses.

• In the event your institution does not include a transcript key, we will accept verification from your instructor (on letterhead and signed or direct email to the program manager) indicating the numerical grade and letter grade equivalency.
• Although not deemed competitive, pass/fail grades are acceptable.

No, students in the PA program are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors.