Frequently Asked Questions
Centralized Application Service
Supplemental Application
Prerequisites
Applications
Interviews
Selection/Acceptance
Financial Aid
Student Life
Insurance
Supervised Clinical Practice Year
Laredo Cohort
Frequently Asked Questions
CENTRALIZED APPLICATION SERVICE
What is the Centralized Application Service for Physician
Assistants?
The Centralized Application Service for Physician
Assistants, also known as CASPA, is an organization
that collects and distributes application materials
to physician assistant programs. The University
of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio began
utilizing the CASPA service in 2004.
Do I have to apply through CASPA?
Yes, all candidates who wish to apply to the University of Texas Health
Science Center at San Antonio Physician Assistant Program must apply
through CASPA. CASPA will accept and verify school transcripts and
create an applicant profile with the information we need to process your
application. The advantage is that if you want to apply to multiple
programs, you only have to submit one application and CASPA will forward
your information to the schools you indicate.
Do I have to apply through CASPA if I only want to apply to
UTHSCSA?
Yes, the UTHSCSA PA Program has a contract with CASPA to
handle all
applications. UTHSCSA is not prepared to handle applications outside of
the CASPA process. All applicant reviews will be based on the applicant
profiles created by CASPA.
When should I apply through CASPA?
CASPA begins accepting applications in early May
for admission the fall semester 16 months later.
Apply as soon as you know what school(s) you want
to attend. CASPA only sends completed applicant
profiles to the program(s) selected. Some programs
conduct early or rolling admissions and may choose
to admit students before the end of the application
period. CASPA fees also increase September 1; it
is to your advantage to apply early.
How do I submit an application to CASPA?
Online applications are preferred. Hard-copy (paper)
applications can be requested from CASPA. All fees
must be paid before application processing begins.
Contact CASPA on their website at: https://secure.CASPAonline.org;
by mail at:CASPA – PO Box 9108, Watertown,
MA 01471; by phone at: 240-497-1895; or by email
at: apply@caspaonline.org.
Where do I send my transcripts and reference
letters?
All transcripts and three reference letters should
be sent directly to CASPA. Transcripts and reference
letters must be RECEIVED by CASPA by the application
deadline. Applicants who are completing coursework
(whether pre-requisite courses or not) during the
fall semester must submit a transcript before the
application deadline showing that coursework is
in progress. Candidates must then complete the CASPA
academic update in January. If selected for interview,
candidates should bring a copy of their fall transcript
with grades annotated.
How will I know when my CASPA application is complete?
Once you create a CASPA account/application, you may check on the status
of your materials at any time online. As transcripts and supporting
documentation are received, your account is updated. You may also check
on your application by email or phone, but expect a delay as CASPA
processes thousands of applications and it may take a while to check on
yours.
Is there a fee for the CASPA application?
CASPA has a fee schedule based on the number of schools you want your
applicant profile sent to. The fee scale is posted on the CASPA
website, or you may request information on fees directly from CASPA. CASPA fees increase
September 1 each year.
Does CASPA offer a fee waiver?
CASPA offers a limited number of fee scholarships. Apply for a fee
scholarship directly through CASPA. Scholarships are available on a
first-come basis and are usually depleted within 2-4 weeks of the
beginning of the application period. There are no fee waivers for the
Supplemental Application.
How or when does CASPA send UTHSCSA my application
information?
CASPA notifies UTHSCSA weekly of any applications in process. CASPA
only forwards completed applicant profiles to UTHSCSA for review for
admission. Completed applicant profiles are sent weekly as they are
completed. It is in your best interest to complete your application as
soon as possible to insure it is sent to UTHSCSA in a timely fashion for
consideration.
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SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION
What is the Supplemental Application?
The University of Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio (UTHSCSA) requires information not gathered
as a part of the CASPA process. You must submit
a Supplemental Application directly to the Allied
Health Registrar, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7702,
San Antonio, Texas, 78229.; For questions about
your supplemental application, please contact the
Allied Health Registrar by phone at: 210-567-2660;
or by email at: AHProspect@uthscsa.edu.
Your completed Supplemental Application must be
received by the application deadline.
How do I get a Supplemental Application?
You may download the Supplemental Application at
http://studentservices.uthscsa.edu/Publications/allied.html
or request a hard copy by mail from the Allied Health
Registrar, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, MSC 7702, San
Antonio, Texas, 78229; by phone at: 210-567-2660;
or by email at: AHProspect@uthscsa.edu.
You should submit your Supplemental Application
as early in the application cycle as is practicable.
Do NOT wait for the Registrar to notify you that
your CASPA Application is received.
Should I submit a waiver request for core
curriculum with my Supplemental Application?
All applicants who are missing core curriculum should
submit the waiver request for core curriculum. If
you have a degree in process (the transcript you
submit to CASPA does not have your completed degree
annotated on it) you must also submit a letter from
your school registrar or counselor on school letterhead
indicating that you are eligible for degree and
the date of anticipated graduation. NOTE: You must
complete your degree no later than the May of the
year of matriculation in order to have core curriculum
waived.
Should I submit a waiver request for program
prerequisites with my Supplemental Application?
All applicants are expected to have completed all
program prerequisite coursework (and the full number
of hours required) no later than the fall semester
of the application period. Rarely, there are extenuating
circumstances and/or an applicant has exceptional
experience that should be taken into consideration
in the selection process. This form must be completed
and submitted along with your application when requesting
a waiver for Program Prerequisites. Please include
as much documentation as possible to help the program
in making their decision. Applicants should be aware
that it is highly unusual for the program to waive
any program prerequisite coursework.
Is there a fee for the Supplemental Application?
There is a $45 non-refundable fee for the Supplemental Application.
The fee should accompany the supplemental application and must
be check or money order made out to UTHSCSA. No credit cards
can be accepted. Supplemental Applications and fee should be
sent directly to the UTHSCSA Allied Health Registrar.
PREREQUISITES
How will I know what prerequisite(s) I lack?
The School of Allied Health Sciences Registrar's
Office reviews all college coursework as reported
by the Central Application Service for Physician
Assistants (CASPA) and notifies you in writing about
your prerequisite deficiencies. No response can
be made until your application is complete at CASPA
and forwarded to us for evaluation.
Do I have to have all prerequisites completed
before I can apply?
Applicants must complete all program prerequisites
no later than the fall semester of the application
period. Core curriculum prerequisites may be waived
if the applicant has, or will have, a degree no
later than May of the year of matriculation.
What if I don’t have the same number
of semester hours that you require for prerequisite
coursework?
Applicants are expected to meet all prerequisite
requirements, including the specified number of
hours for each prerequisite course. Applicants who
attended a quarter hour institution, or who were
not required to take the laboratory component of
some courses are advised that they should take additional
coursework to meet the semester hour requirement.
The program has a large number of fully qualified
applicants and generally does not waive lacking
credit hours.
Where do I send transcripts?
Official transcripts from each school attended should be submitted
directly to CASPA. Student transcripts and/or unofficial transcripts
will not be considered. Transcripts must be received by CASPA by the
application deadline. Applicants who are accepted into the UTHSCSA PA
Studies program will be asked to send an additional set of official
transcripts to the UTHSCSA Allied Health Registrar prior to matriculation.
Will an introductory course count or should I enroll in advanced
courses?
Course credit will be given for introductory, as well as advanced
courses, as long as catalog description pertains to the subject matter
required and are not remedial courses. Introductory coursework is
generally NOT acceptable for science prerequisites.
May I apply lacking course prerequisites?
All program prerequisite coursework must
be completed by the end of the fall semester of
the application period. You may apply earlier with
the understanding that all program prerequisite
coursework will be completed by the end of the
fall semester. If you are taking fall coursework,
you must submit a transcript that indicates coursework
is in progress before the application deadline.
If selected for interview, candidates should bring
a copy of their fall transcript with grades annotated.
Students who already have an undergraduate degree
from a regionally accredited United States college
or university (or who will complete their degree
no later than the Spring Semester before matriculation)
may be exempt from core curriculum prerequisite
courses. To be considered for an exemption, applicants
must submit a waiver request by the application
deadline to the Allied Health Registrar. Students
who have a degree in progress must also submit a
letter from your registrar or a school counselor
indicating that you are degree eligible and your
anticipated date of graduation.
I already have a Baccalaureate degree. May
I enroll in the program for just the Master's degree
portion of the Program?
No. All students are considered Master's candidates
from the date of enrollment. All students must complete
the entire 33 months of training to qualify for
the degree. Receipt of the MPAS is contingent on
completion of the full three years of coursework.
Credit for PHAS courses may not be earned by past
experience.
What if I wish to have a course considered for waiver?
NOTE: Please see the catalog or viewbook insert
to understand the difference between program prerequisites
and core curriculum.
Only formal written waiver requests will be considered.
All waiver requests must be received by the application
deadline. Generally, waiver requests for missing
program prerequisites will be denied. All
program prerequisites must be completed
by the end of the fall semester and may not be
planned for the spring semester following the
application period. Students who already have
their diploma from an undergraduate degree program
will be exempt from any missing core curriculum requirements.
These students should still submit a waiver request
acknowledging they understand that they will not
receive the BSHCS degree. Students who will complete
their degree during the application period or by
the spring semester of the year of matriculation
must submit a waiver request along with a letter
from their school registrar or counselor stating
that they are degree eligible and the expected
date of graduation in order to be exempted from
core curriculum. Students who are exempted from
core curriculum prerequisites will not be
eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Health
Care Sciences degree.
What is the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Sciences
degree?
Students who meet all of the core curriculum
prerequisites and who satisfactorily complete the
first year of didactic course work in the PA Studies
Program are eligible to receive the Bachelor of
Science in Health Care Sciences (BSHCS) degree.
Progression in the program is not contingent on
receipt of the BSHCS degree. For financial aid reasons,
the degree will not actually be conferred until
the end of the 33 month program.
How is my Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated at UTHSCSA?
Contact the UTHSCSA Allied Health Registrar for
specifics on how to calculate a GPA.
Four GPAs are considered on each applicant:
- Overall GPA - calculated using all coursework ever attempted,
including courses that may have been repeated.
- Prerequisite GPA - calculated using all courses listed in the
prerequisite list including core curriculum and program prerequisites.
Exempted courses are not included in the calculation.
- Science GPA - calculated using all science courses attempted,
excluding technical courses but including courses that may have been
repeated.
- Last 30 hours GPA - calculated using all coursework attempted
during the last 30 hours of coursework, excluding technical courses but
including any coursework that may have been repeated during the 30-hour
period.
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APPLICATIONS
When should I turn in my application?
It is to your benefit to submit your application
as early as possible. It is your responsibility
to insure that all application materials including
transcripts are submitted and RECEIVED by the annual
deadline date. CASPA only forwards those records
that are complete by the deadline date.
How many applications are received and how
competitive is acceptance?
The program receives a large number of applications
annually. Applications are welcome regardless of
age, race, gender, handicap, or residency status.
The average number of accepted students annually
is 24. An alternate list is also chosen.
I’m from out of state, can I still
apply to the program?
All applicants should be aware that priority in
selection is given to those applicants who best
meet the program mission. Applicants have an opportunity
to describe how they meet the program mission in
the statement that is required as a part of the
Supplemental Application.
Why haven't I heard anything about my application?
Most of the time, CASPA is still waiting for college
transcripts. Check your online application status
for problem areas. Double check with universities
to make sure that transcripts have been sent. CASPA
does not send UTHSCSA your applicant profile until
your application is complete. Another common reason
is that the applicant has moved and not informed
CASPA or UTHSCSA of the new address. Please notify
both CASPA and the UTHSCSA Registrar of any change
in address, telephone number, or contact information.
What about my references?
When submitting your reference information, try
to identify persons who have had recent contact
with you and know your strengths and abilities.
References should be able to comment on your professional
attitude and capabilities, and should have observed
you in a school or work environment. Do not use
relatives or personal friends. References can choose
to submit an electronic reference directly to CASPA,
or may mail hard copy to CASPA. All references must
be RECEIVED by the application deadline.
May I visit the campus? May I discuss the PA profession with
faculty?
Yes, the program welcomes you and your family to
visit our university. Arrangements, however, should
be made in advance. Most program information is
handled through the Allied Health Welcome Center
located at 8403 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas
78229-3900, Room 3.102. Phone 210-567-8744 or toll-free
866-802-6288; email AHWelcome@uthscsa.edu.
The Welcome Center answers questions or inquiries
by telephone and e-mail. The PA Studies Department
holds applicant orientations one Saturday per month,
May through September. To schedule an orientation,
please call 210-567-8810, or e-mail pastudies@uthscsa.edu.
INTERVIEWS
Who receives an invitation to interview? How will I be
notified?
A limited number of fully qualified applicants
will be invited for interview following the review
of applications. To be selected for an interview,
both your CASPA application and Supplemental Application
must be complete. Applicants must also meet minimum
GPA requirements.Review of applications will begin as soon as the completed application (CASPA+Supplemental) is received with final reviews usually completed by early December. The program will send out written invitations for interview at least two weeks prior to the interview. Interviews will be in September, October and December.
Who will interview me?
Each candidate may be interviewed by individual faculty and/or a panel
of interviewers. Panel members may be physician assistants, physicians,
other allied health faculty members, or graduates of our program.
Applicants who indicate fluency in a foreign language may be tested in
that language during the interview process. If they are found to be NOT
fluent, their application will not be considered further. The best
advice for interviews: Be yourself!
How long is the interview?
The interview process lasts all day. Lunch will be provided. In addition
to the individual and panel interviews, applicants are asked to write an
impromptu essay. This essay may be compared to your personal statement
in your original application. Additional time will be spent with current
students and financial assistance. Applicants may also be expected to
participate in group activities moderated by PA Studies faculty.
What type of questions can I expect during the interview?
Most interview questions are behavioral in nature. There is no right or wrong answer. Most
interview books
or internet searches will provide you with sample behavioral interview questions. While the
interview process may seem somewhat regimented, our goal is to carefully assess each
candidate. We want to insure that you will be the best fit for our program.
Your goal should be similar, to assess the program to see how comfortable you feel with the
faculty, facilities, fellow students, and staff.
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SELECTION/ACCEPTANCE
Who serves on the Admissions Committee?
The Admissions Committee is composed of full and
part-time faculty from the Physician Assistant Program
at UTHSCSA, local PAs and physicians, adjunct faculty,
faculty from other departments at UTHSCSA, and occasionally
an individual from the PA Advisory Committee.
I heard that I have to undergo a criminal
background check before I am accepted into the program.
How does this happen?
Applicants who are selected to matriculate must
undergo a successful criminal background check before
the offer to matriculate is finalized. Applicants
will be provided information on how to arrange for
this at the time they receive notification of selection
for the class. The program will rescind the invitation
for program admission in the event an applicant
is unable to successfully complete the background
check.
How and when will I be notified of my acceptance?
Notification will be mailed to all applicants by
early February of each year. Notification will be
handled through correspondence. No telephone calls
or visits, please.
Will I be notified if I am not selected?
All applicants will be notified of their selection
status at the close of the application period. Since class selection usually occurs in late December or early January, applicants who are not selected will normally receive notification in early February.
May I call about my status?
All notification will be made in writing. Please do not call. At the
recommendation of UTHSCSA's legal staff, we can not give information
over the telephone.
What if I don't get in?
Contact the Allied Health Welcome Center after notification
of non-acceptance for assistance in identifying
deficient areas. Apply again. Many outstanding students
have been selected as alternates or have applied
more than once. Due to our limited class size and
the large number of applicants, it is very competitive.
FINANCIAL AID
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid is available to program students in the form of grants,
scholarships, and loans. Due to the number of students enrolled in the
medical, dental, allied health, nursing, and graduate schools, the
financial aid office prefers to counsel students after program
acceptance. A session on financial aid assistance is offered during the
interview process and again during orientation.
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STUDENT LIFE
What time will be involved in classes? May
I work while attending the program?
The curriculum is designed for full-time matriculation;
therefore, part-time status is not allowed. Didactic
courses are scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday (some classes may be held
evenings or weekends). During the final year, clinical
patient care, medical rounds, nursing home rounds,
call, and case preparation or other assignments
will consume time other than a typical 8:00-5:00
schedule. Also, clinic assignments are throughout
South Texas, with a requirement to live in (or commute
to) a rural community. Students are often on call
during this period, 24-hours per day. Due to the
intensive nature of the curriculum, it is not practical
to work while going to school.
What is the expected GPA while in the program?
To progress unconditionally in the program, students
are expected to maintain a cumulative program GPA
of 2.75 or higher.
What hours am I expected to work while on a clinical
rotation?
Students may work any/all hours the preceptor designates. Some rotations
are 24 hours on, 24 hours off. Others are 8-5 with pre-clinic hospital
rounds and post-clinic call. Students may be on call 24 hours per day, 7
days per week if the preceptor so designates. Generally it is expected
that students will average 60-80 hours per week while on clinical
rotations (averaged across the rotations).
Is housing available?
On-campus housing is not available at UTHSCSA. San Antonio offers
numerous housing opportunities. Travel and housing for the supervised
clinical practice rotations are at the student's expense. Whenever
possible, assistance is sought from outside sources. If outside
resources are not available, students may account for these expenses on
their financial aid applications.
INSURANCE
Does the University offer medical and malpractice insurance?
The University offers both medical and malpractice insurance coverage at
the time of registration. It is a policy of the School of Allied Health
sciences that students must carry malpractice insurance. It is a
requirement of the University that all students must carry health
insurance. Students who are unable to provide proof of adequate health
insurance will be automatically enrolled in an insurance program
selected by the University and charged the annual premium as a part of
school fees.
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SUPERVISED CLINICAL PRACTICE YEAR
Where will I do my supervised clinical practice?
Students may be assigned to a variety of facilities throughout South
Texas. Generally, rotations are 4 weeks in duration and the student
moves to a new location each 4 weeks. Each student will have a minimum
of 2 rural/remote rotations. Students may incur additional living
expenses for out of town rotations and should be prepared for the
additional expense. All students are required to have adequate
transportation and a cell phone or pager for emergency access. Students on-call must
respond (be at the site) within 30 minutes of the call.
Who pays for my mileage and housing if a rotation is outside of San
Antonio?
All attempts will be made to assist students with low-cost/no-cost
housing alternatives. Ultimately, however, the cost is the
responsibility of the student.
What hours am I expected to work while on a clinical rotation?
Students may work any/all hours the preceptor designates.
Some rotations are 24 hours on, 24 hours off. Others
are 8 - 5 with pre-clinic hospital rounds and post-clinic
call. Students may be on call 24 hours per day,
7 days per week if the preceptor so designates.
Generally it is expected that students will average
60 - 80 hours per week while on clinical rotations
(averaged across the rotations).
What if my preceptor or the hospital where
I will be working requires drug testing?
Some rotation sites require drug testing prior to
acceptance of a student on a clinical rotation.
Students will be provided information on these sites
prior to the Supervised Clinical Practice year.
Students should be aware that if they fail drug
testing in preparation for any Supervised Clinical
Practice rotation, it may be grounds for dismissal
from the program.
May I request a specific preceptor?
Students are given the opportunity to request preceptors and/or
locations for their clinical rotations. Ultimately, however, the
faculty may place the student where they feel they will get the best
educational experience.
I know a physician who is willing to precept me who is not on the
designated list of preceptors. May I still do a clinical rotation with
this physician?
Physicians who are willing to precept more than one student per year may
be added to the preceptor list. The paperwork involved in setting up a
new supervised clinical practice site takes an average of 6-12 months.
Faculty will attempt to work with students who have identified potential
rotation sites. All sites must meet stringent selection criteria.
Students are not allowed to do clinical rotations with family members,
their own personal physician, or under other circumstances in which
there may be a conflict of interest.
I know that the UTHSCSA is a Primary Care oriented program.
Will all of my clinical rotations be in Primary
Care?
No, all PA Programs are required to provide a strong
foundation in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery,
Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Emergency Medicine.
These subjects are considered Core Rotations and
will be completed by all students. At UTHSCSA, three
additional Core Rotations will be in Primary Care.
Students may elect up to two additional rotations
in any discipline. Electives may be a repeat of
a previous rotation or may be in a medical or surgical
sub-specialty. Students will be assigned (with consideration
for student requests) an additional selective rotation.
Selective rotations may include any previously completed
rotation, psychiatry, geriatrics, research, teaching,
skills enhancement, or STEER. All students will
also complete a group Community Medicine Project.
What is the Community Medicine Project?
During the didactic portion of the curriculum, students form
teams of four students and develop a Community Medicine Project.
These projects involve identifying a population and conducting
a needs assessment. Students then create a project that is designed
to impact the overall health of the population or community chosen,
according to the identified population needs. During the Supervised
Clinical Practice period, each student will have four weeks to
implement the group project. Click
here for more information on the Community Medicine Project.
LAREDO
COHORT
What is the Laredo cohort?
UTHSCSA has an extension campus in Laredo, Texas. A
cohort of six students will be selected each year to receive
the majority of their education in Laredo. PA Students
in the Laredo cohort will have the advantage of classrooms dedicated
to the PA Studies Department and containing state of the art
equipment and electronics. Students selected for the Laredo
cohort will spend the first three semesters of the program in
Laredo. While most classes will be via video-teleconferencing,
there will be faculty onsite and some classes will be conducted
in Laredo. Students will come to San Antonio for the preclinical
year (fall and spring semesters of year two) and then return
to Laredo and complete their Supervised Clinical Practice period
in Laredo and the surrounding communities.
How are applicants chosen for the Laredo
cohort?
Applicants are requested to indicate their preference
in sites on the Supplemental Application. Priority
for the Laredo cohort will be given to those applicants
who are from the Laredo area, those who speak Spanish,
and those with a strong service background. Applicants
should be aware that there may be challenges and
experiences associated with the Laredo cohort that
might not otherwise be available. Therefore,
applicants should be flexible and have a strong
propensity to meet the unique cultural and medical
needs of the people of South Texas.
How do I know whether to apply for the
San Antonio or the Laredo cohort?
Applicants should decide if they are willing to
accept a position in the Laredo cohort, the San
Antonio class, or have no preference. There
is an opportunity to declare your preference on
the Supplemental Application.
Can I change my mind?
Each applicant will be offered a seat specifically
at one site or the other. It is not possible
to change your preference after selection. Students
must indicate that they are accepting a position
at the San Antonio site or the Laredo site. Once
accepted, changing sites is not an option.
Next: Supplemental application
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