Several physician assistant (PA) programs accept the PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test) as part of their admission requirements. This specialized exam assesses an applicant's knowledge in areas relevant to PA education, helping programs evaluate readiness for their rigorous curriculum.
Understanding the PA-CAT
The PA-CAT is designed to evaluate an applicant's foundational knowledge in sciences and critical thinking, which are essential for success in a PA program. While not all PA programs require it, many find it a valuable tool in their admissions process.
PA Programs Accepting PA-CAT
Based on available information, some of the schools that accept or consider PA-CAT scores include:
- AdventHealth University Sciences Physician Assistant (PA) Program
- Alderson-Broaddus University Physician Assistant Program
- Alvernia University Physician Associate Program
- Ashland University Physician Assistant Program
- Assumption University Physician Assistant Program
It is important to note that this is a partial list, and the number of programs accepting PA-CAT may continue to grow. For the most current and comprehensive list, along with specific program requirements, prospective students should always consult the official admissions pages of their target PA programs or resources like PA School Finder.
How to Verify PA-CAT Requirements
Prospective PA students should take the following steps to confirm PA-CAT requirements:
- Check Program Websites: Visit the official websites of each PA program you are interested in. Look for their admissions requirements section, often under "Application Requirements" or "Prerequisites."
- Contact Admissions Offices: If the information isn't clear on the website, reach out directly to the admissions office of the specific PA program.
- Review Centralized Application Services: Utilize resources like CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants), which often list required exams for participating programs.
By staying informed and directly verifying requirements with each institution, applicants can ensure they meet all necessary criteria for admission.
