evms pa program

Due to the volume of applications we are processing, consultations are not able to be offered on a scheduled basis. It is extremely rare that the majority of questions cannot be answered through the information provided online and in our Admissions Guidebook. It is recommended that applicants review our Admissions Statistics and critically evaluate the competitiveness of their application compared to the average matriculant.

NOTE: Meeting the minimum application requirements does not guarantee an invitation for an interview.

For specific questions about an application or clarification about information found in either location, please click this link to obtain a personalized URL (PURL) and be connected to an admissions representative. Applicants that email the PA Program or the Admissions Directors will be directed to connect to an admission representative via their PURL.

General Admission Requirements

Admission to the PA profession has become increasingly competitive over the years. EVMS evaluates applicants through four lenses: cognitive/academic, personal/non-cognitive, healthcare experience and community service. Detailed information about admissions criteria for a competitive application can be found our Admissions Guidebook. It is a comprehensive guide about our application requirements and the admissions process. 

• Completed the CASPA application by March 1.
  Following the online instructions, applicants must contact every college or university attended and request transcripts be sent directly to CASPA. Click here for help sending your official transcripts.
  
  
• Citizenship: Applicants to the program must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card)
  
  
• Qualifying GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.0 scale)
  
  
• Prerequisite Courses: All eight (8) prerequisite courses must be equal to a minimum of 3 semester credits (5 quarter credits) and completed at an accredited U.S. institution with a B- or better grade by March 1. Required courses include:
  
  • Prerequisite Courses with No Time Limit for Completion:
    • Intro to Psychology
    • General Chemistry
    • College Math, Physics OR Statistics
  • Prerequisite Courses that Must be Completed within 10 Years of Application: 
    • Anatomy AND Physiology OR A&P I AND A&P II (2 courses required)
    • Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry
    • Microbiology OR Cell Biology
    • Advanced Psychology Course 

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher graduate degree) is required by July 1.
  • Specifics regarding applicants with foreign education can be found in the Admissions Guidebook.

• Additional Testing:
  • CASPer test is required by March 1 for all applicants.
  • Specifics regarding TOEFL for applicants with foreign education can be found in the Admissions Guidebook.
    
    
• Patient Care and Healthcare Experience: Although not required to apply, patient care and healthcare experience is desirable and rewarded in the application review process.
  
  
• Licenses and Certifications: Although not required to apply, obtaining a certification in a healthcare field is often helpful in securing paid healthcare experience and is rewarded in the application review process. 
  
  
• Volunteer Experience: Part of EVMS’ vision is to be recognized as the most community-oriented school of medicine and health professions in the United States. Therefore, we reward applicants with a demonstrated commitment to community service.
  
  
• CASPA Letter of Reference: EVMS requires two (2) letters of reference.
  
  
• CASPA Personal Essay: The personal essay should be written at a graduate level and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the PA role and function.
  
  
• Technical Standards:  Applicants to the program must be prepared to independently meet the technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application Deadline

A complete application file includes a completed CASPA application and CASPer test by March 1.

If an application is not complete by the March 1 deadline, it will not be considered, regardless of the original CASPA submission date.

Ultimately, it is the applicant’s responsibility to be aware of all application requirements and comply with admissions deadlines for the current application cycle to ensure a successful application. 

General Review Process and Timeline

Our program does not have rolling admissions and there is no benefit to submitting an application earlier in the cycle. It is best to apply to our program shortly after you have completed all 8 prerequisite courses and have the final grades listed on your transcript.

2020-2021 Cycle

The following dates and timelines are in effect for the 2020-2021 admissions application cycle:

• CASPA application cycle opens: July 1, 2020
• CASPA application due: March 1, 2021 
• CASPer test due: March 1, 2021
• All prerequisites satisfactorily completed by: March 1, 2021
• TOEFL completed by: March 1, 2021 (if applicable)
• Applications reviewed for completeness by School of Health Professions Admissions: September 2020 – May 2021
• Applications reviewed by PA Program Application Review Committee: January – May 2021
• Interview offers made to selected applicants: June 2021
• Bachelor’s degree completed by: July 1, 2021
• Additional transcripts submitted to EVMS for any outstanding prerequisite courses since submitting the CASPA application by: July 1, 2021 (*prerequisite completion deadline is March 1)
• Interviews conducted: July 2021
• Offersof admission extended: August 2021
• Acceptance of admission offer: 10 calendar days after offer
• Matriculation: January 2022
• Expected graduation: May 2024

2019-2020 Cycle

The following dates and timelines are in effect for the 2019-2020 admissions application cycle:

• CASPA application cycle opens: April 2019
• CASPA application due: March 1, 2020 
• CASPer test due: March 1, 2020
• All prerequisites satisfactorily completed by: March 1, 2020
• TOEFL completed by: March 1, 2020 (if applicable)
• Applications reviewed for completeness by School of Health Professions Admissions: September 2019 – May 2020
• Applications reviewed by PA Program Application Review Committee: January – May 2020
• Interview offers made to selected applicants: June 2020
• Bachelor’s degree completed by: July 1, 2020
• Additional transcripts submitted to EVMS for any outstanding prerequisite courses since submitting the CASPA application by: July 1, 2020 (*prerequisite completion deadline is March 1)
• Interviews conducted: July 2020
• Offersof admission extended: August 2020
• Acceptance of admission offer: 10 calendar days after offer
• Matriculation: January 2021
• Expected graduation: May 2023

 Please refer to the 2019-2020 Admissions Guidebook for more information.