CDU PA FAQ

Physician Assistant Program FAQ

If you are considering applying to the Physician Assistant Program, the following frequently asked questions address admissions requirements, GPA expectations, prerequisite coursework, CASPA deadlines, and program structure.

• Is the PA Program a Hybrid Program?
  No. The PA Program is primarily in-person. While there may be occasional online courses or components, the program is not structured as a hybrid program.
• Do I Need to Complete All Prerequisites If I Already Have a Bachelor’s Degree?
  Yes. All applicants must:
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Complete all required prerequisite courses prior to starting the program
• Does the PA Program Prefer Certain Majors?
  No. There is no admissions preference for any specific undergraduate major.
• Can I Work While Enrolled in the PA Program?
  The program is full-time and academically rigorous. Students are strongly discouraged from outside employment. Students may not work for the PA Program unless permission is granted by the Program Director.
• Are Online or Distance-Learning Courses Accepted?
  Yes. Online or remote courses are acceptable if they are:
  • Equivalent in all dimensions to traditional in-person coursework
  • Inclusive of laboratory requirements
  • Completed at a regionally accredited institution
• When Is the CASPA Application Deadline?
  All application materials must be submitted through CASPA.
  • Deadline: September 1
  • All materials must be received and verified by CASPA by this date
  • CASPA verification may take up to six weeks
    Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
• Can I Begin the Program in the Spring?
  No. Students are admitted only in the Fall semester.
• What Is the GPA Requirement?
  The preferred minimum GPA for consideration is:
  • 3.0 overall
  • 3.0 science
    The average cumulative GPA for admitted students in the Class of 2025 was approximately 3.40.
• Is the GRE or MCAT Required?
  No. The GRE and MCAT are not required.
• Is Preference Given to California Residents?
  No. Out-of-state applicants and California residents are evaluated using the same admissions criteria.
• Does the Program Use Rolling Admissions?
  Yes. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis and are by invitation only.
• How Many Letters of Recommendation Are Required?
  Applicants must submit:
  • Minimum: Three letters
  • Maximum: Five letters
• Required sources include:
  • One physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner
  • One professor or academic advisor
  • One supervisor
    Applications with fewer than three letters are considered incomplete.
• Are Community College Prerequisites Accepted?
  Yes. Prerequisite courses must be completed at regionally accredited institutions. There is no preference for four-year institutions over community colleges.
• How Many Prerequisites Can Be Outstanding at the Time of Application?
  No more than two prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application.
  
  All outstanding prerequisites must:
  • Be completed by May 30
  • Earn a grade of B or higher
• Are Exceptions Made for Missing Prerequisites?
  No. The PA Program does not make exceptions. All required prerequisite courses and units must be completed by the stated deadlines.
• Do Science Prerequisites Expire?
  There is no strict expiration date. However, it is strongly preferred that science prerequisite courses be completed within seven years. Older science coursework is recommended for retaking.
• What Counts as Direct Patient Care Experience?
  Preferred experience includes:
  • Hands-on, paid clinical patient care
• Volunteer clinical experience is accepted if it:
  • Is hands-on
  • Demonstrates familiarity with clinical environments
  • Shows understanding of the PA role
• Is PA Shadowing Required?
  No. Shadowing is not required. However, it is highly recommended to gain exposure to the profession and confirm career readiness.
• I am an International MD. Do I Still Need to Complete the Full PA Program?
  Yes. The program does not offer advanced standing.
  
  International coursework must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency through an approved credential evaluation service.
• Can Spanish Be Substituted with Another Foreign Language?
  No. Spanish may not be substituted.
• If I Am a Native Spanish Speaker, Can I Opt Out of Spanish Coursework?
  No. A college-level Spanish course with a letter grade must appear on your transcript.
• What Should I Do If I Am Placed on the Alternate List?
  If invited to remain on the alternate list:
  • Confirm your continued interest
  • Continue gaining relevant clinical experience
  • Complete any outstanding prerequisites
  • Prepare to reapply in the next admissions cycle if necessary
• Are Online Lab Components Accepted?
  Yes. Courses with online laboratory components are accepted.
• Are Pass/No Pass Grades Accepted for Prerequisites?
  No. All prerequisite courses must receive a letter grade.