Program Admissions Policies
A3.12 - The program publishes, consistently applies, and makes readily available to enrolled and prospective students any admission and enrollment practices that address:
As part of our holistic admissions review, the program gives additional consideration to applicants whose backgrounds and experiences align with our institutional mission to serve the healthcare needs of Tennessee and the surrounding region. These considerations are applied consistently to all applicants and are one component of a comprehensive evaluation that includes academic performance, healthcare experience, personal attributes, and alignment with the profession.
Special Consideration: Applicant Groups
- University of Tennessee Alumni:
Applicants who have completed a degree from a University of Tennessee system institution may receive additional consideration in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to the University’s academic community and values. - Tennessee Residents and Residents of Contiguous States:
Preference is given to applicants who are residents of Tennessee or neighboring states. This reflects the program’s mission to educate physician assistants who are likely to practice within the region and contribute to addressing local and regional healthcare workforce needs. - Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel:
Applicants with prior or current military service are recognized for their leadership, discipline, and commitment to service. The program values the unique experiences and perspectives veterans bring to healthcare and provides additional consideration during the admissions process.
Academic metrics are considered within the context of the entire application with prior education being a critical component of assessing an applicant’s readiness for the rigor of graduate medical education.. All criteria are applied consistently through a structured admissions rubric to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with program expectations.
Special Consideration: Academic Performance (GPA):
The program evaluates multiple GPA domains to assess both overall academic ability and recent academic readiness:
- Cumulative Undergraduate GPA
Reflects overall academic consistency and performance across all coursework.
- Cumulative Undergraduate Science GPA
Assesses foundational knowledge in biologic and physical sciences critical for success in the PA curriculum.
- Last 60 Credit Hours GPA
Provides insight into recent academic performance and trends, particularly for applicants demonstrating academic improvement over time.
Special Consideration: Coursework Rigor and Patterns:
In addition to GPA, the program evaluates the quality, rigor, and consistency of prior coursework, including:
- Semesters with Multiple Science Courses
Demonstrates the applicant’s ability to manage a rigorous, science-heavy academic load similar to the PA curriculum.
- Number of Upper-Level Science Courses
Reflects advanced preparation in biomedical sciences and readiness for graduate study.
- Completion of Organic Chemistry and/or Biochemistry
Indicates preparation for advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology content.
- Average Credit Hours per Semester
Reflects academic workload capacity and time management skills.
- Course Withdrawals or Repeats
Reviewed in context to assess academic resilience, patterns of difficulty, and overall trajectory.
Special Consideration: PA-CAT Performance
When submitted, Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) performance is considered as a standardized measure of academic preparedness. Scores are evaluated alongside GPA and coursework to provide additional insight into an applicant’s readiness for graduate-level medical education.
The program does NOT grant advanced placement as defined by the ARC-PA as:
“The waiver of required coursework within the PA curriculum for applicants or currently enrolled students, allowing advancement in the program without completing all required curriculum components.”
d) required work experience
Though NOT required, experiential factors are evaluated consistently using a structured admissions rubric and are considered alongside academic achievement, personal attributes, and alignment with the program’s mission.
Special Consideration: Experiential Preparation
Applicants may receive additional consideration for the following types of experiences:
- Direct Patient Care Experience
Hands-on clinical experience involving direct interaction with patients is highly valued. This may include roles such as medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, nurse, patient care technician, or similar positions. These experiences demonstrate clinical exposure, patient communication skills, and familiarity with healthcare environments.
- Shadowing Experience
Observational experiences with physician assistants or other healthcare providers provide insight into the PA profession, team-based care, and clinical decision-making. Shadowing helps demonstrate informed commitment to the profession.
- Volunteering and Service Experience
Service-oriented activities, particularly those involving underserved or vulnerable populations, reflect a commitment to community engagement, altruism, and the core values of the PA profession.
- Leadership Experience
Leadership roles in academic, professional, military, or community settings are valued as indicators of initiative, responsibility, teamwork, and the ability to contribute positively within healthcare teams.
e) required technical standards for enrollment
These standards are designed to ensure that all students, with or without reasonable accommodation, possess the essential abilities required to successfully complete the program and practice as a physician assistant.
The program’s technical standards are publicly accessible on the program website and can be reviewed in full here.
Technical standards define the non-academic requirements necessary for participation in the PA program. These include the essential abilities and skills in the following domains:
- Observation
Ability to acquire information through visual, auditory, and tactile means necessary for patient assessment and clinical care.
- Communication
Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
- Motor Skills
Sufficient physical ability to perform clinical tasks such as examination maneuvers, procedures, and patient care activities.
- Intellectual-Conceptual Abilities
Capacity for critical thinking, clinical reasoning, problem-solving, and integration of complex information.
- Behavioral and Social Attributes
Professionalism, emotional stability, adaptability, and the ability to function effectively in high-stress and time-sensitive environments.
The program is committed to supporting qualified students with disabilities in accordance with institutional policies and applicable laws. Candidates who meet the academic and technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, are eligible for admission. Requests for accommodations are reviewed through the appropriate institutional processes to ensure equitable access while maintaining program standards and patient safety.