Admissions

The primary goal of the OU-TU School of Community Medicine’s physician assistant (PA) program is to educate quality primary care physician assistants to actively improve the healthcare of Oklahomans – particularly in underserved urban areas.

The PA program’s curriculum – with emphasis on meeting the needs of the underserved populations and those at risk in the state – is 30 months in length, starting in early June of each year. The didactic phase, lasting 13 months, consists of classroom and laboratory instruction in basic medical and behavioral sciences. The second and third years – or clinical phase – focus on applying the learned material in a clinical setting.

Every year, hundreds of individuals apply to the OU-TU School of Community Medicine PA program. Of these applicants, we interview approximately 100 each year. Our typical class has 24 students, with a wide range of backgrounds and clinical experience. We encourage student diversity, seeking intelligent, mature, and highly motivated applicants from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds who have the potential to become leaders in our profession and community. In the admission process, preference will first be given to Oklahoma residents.  Highly qualified non-resident applicants are strongly encouraged to apply and may successfully compete for admission. In an increasingly competitive applicant pool, meeting the minimum requirements may not be competitive for an interview.

Application cycle for the class of 2027 begins June 1st, 2024 and ends on October 1st, 2024.

Application to the OU-TU School of Community Medicine PA program at OU-Tulsa is entirely separate from application to the OU program in Oklahoma City. A Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) application and a supplemental application for the University of Oklahoma are required specific to Tulsa.  A separate application is required for consideration to the OKC program. 

CASPA Deadline: Applicants must have a complete date on or before the deadline date of October 1st. A complete date is given when an application is e-submitted and all transcripts, payments, and at least two letters of reference have been received by CASPA and attached to the application. Documents should be sent several weeks prior to this date to ensure items arrive on time.

Admission Requirements

• Specific requirements for prerequisites listed here. Applicants are responsible for determining which prerequisites remain outstanding. Life experience does not count toward fulfillment of any prerequisite courses.
  1. No more than one science and one non-science prerequisite can be in progress after December 31^st of the year prior to enrollment in the program.
  2. Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and 6 credit hours of Upper Division Sciences must be completed within 7 years of the application deadline.
  3. Students invited to interview must provide proof of enrollment in any outstanding prerequisite on the day of their visit. 
  4. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
     
  5. No one course can satisfy more than one prerequisite. 
     
  6. Advanced Placement (AP) credit may be used to satisfy prerequisite coursework provided that the AP credit is accepted by the applicant’s institution and is posted on the applicant’s official academic transcript.  Further documentation may be required to verify that AP credit granted in science courses meet the program’s admission standards. 
     

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university before matriculation will be required.  

• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, as computed by CASPA,  for both the overall GPA and the science GPA. Due to the competitive nature of the program, meeting minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee an invitation to interview for admission. 

• Good standing with the college or university last attended or currently enrolled.

• Completed online supplemental application for admission at the University of Oklahoma. Link to the supplemental application will be available June 1st of the application year. Please note whether you wish to be considered for the Tulsa program or the Oklahoma City program on your online supplemental application (a separate application will need to be filled out for both).

• Completed online application with the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).  Available at https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
  

• Three letters of reference submitted directly to CASPA.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted directly to CASPA. Once the CASPA application has been submitted, transcripts updating grades and coursework should be submitted to the OUHSC Office of Admissions.

• Foreign course work must be submitted to World Education Services   (http://www.wes.org/) for evaluation.
  

In reviewing applications, we consider many factors that contribute to the competitiveness of the applicant.

Preference is given to the following:

• Oklahoma resident
• Academic Excellence: cumulative GPA and science GPA

Additional factors include:

• Commitment to primary care and serving underserved populations
• Healthcare experience - Healthcare experience is strongly recommended but not required for the PA program applicant.
• PA Shadowing - The Tulsa PA program does not facilitate shadowing experiences.
• Community service, particularly with an underserved population
• Other life experiences and extracurricular activities
• Letters of reference 

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to: admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to: Bobby J. Mason, University Equal Opportunity Officer and Title IX Coordinator, 405-325-3546, BJM@ou.edu, or visit http://www.ou.edu/eoo.html