UTRGV's Master of Physician Assistant Studies is a full-time program combining didactic study, supervised clinical experience and research. Applicants apply through CASPA and must complete Casper. Admission review considers academic and nonacademic qualifications.
- Program
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Credential
- MPAS
- Location
- Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Casper
- Required · CSP-20100
- Interview
- Interview
- Seats
- Approved to accept up to 100 students
- Length
- 28 months
Casper Requirement for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant requires Casper for the 2027-2028 cycle.
- Test to book
- United States Casper 2 · CSP-20100
- Languages
- English
- Applicant ID to enter
- CASPA ID
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Accepts the Acuity Insights Fee Assistance Program (FAP).
Casper format
Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test run by Acuity Insights. The current format has 11 scenarios (4 video-response and 7 typed-response) with 2 questions each and takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. Typed-response scenarios allow 3.5 minutes to answer both questions.
Practice with Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank, featuring 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2027-2028
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Application fee
- Non-refundable UTRGV graduate application fee: $50 domestic; $100 international.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| CASPA application and prerequisite completion | September 1 annually; the next cycle's date has not been published |
Submit the completed CASPA application and required materials by the program deadline. UTRGV sends payment instructions for its graduate application fee.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Class of 2027
- Seats / class size: Approved to accept up to 100 students
- Admitted: 59 students
- Average GPA: 3.74 overall; 3.71 science; 3.80 last 60 hours
The listed GPAs describe the reported class, not a required or guaranteed competitive GPA.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a recognized international equivalent, by matriculation; at least 15 U.S. semester credits completed within the preceding 10 years.
Applicants with foreign university coursework need a WES or FCSA transcript evaluation.
Other requirements
- Graduate College application: Submit a completed UTRGV Graduate College application before its published deadline.
- Post-acceptance requirements: Complete the designated background check and drug screen, provide required immunization proof, and attend the summer Academy for Success.
Selection Factors University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Biology I and II | 3 semester credits each Science-major courses |
| Genetics | 3 semester credits Science-major course |
| Microbiology | 3 semester credits Science-major course |
| Anatomy & Physiology I and II | 3 semester credits each Human focus preferred; science-major courses |
| General Chemistry I and II | 3 semester credits each Science-major courses |
| Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry | 3 semester credits Science-major course |
| Statistics | 3 semester credits Credit by examination accepted |
| Introductory Psychology or Abnormal Psychology | 3 semester credits Credit by examination accepted |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA calculates GPA using all courses and grades from all institutions, including repeated courses; UTRGV also evaluates prerequisite, science and last-60-hour GPAs.
- Minimum
- At least 3.0 in each of overall undergraduate, prerequisite, overall science and last-60-hour GPA.
Maintain a strong upward GPA trend in prerequisite courses to demonstrate academic readiness.
Admissions tests
- GRE General Test (required): Submit official GRE scores as part of the CASPA application. Competitive candidates prepare thoroughly using official ETS resources and practice exams.
Experience and volunteer hours
Recommended.
PA shadowing is recommended, not required. UTRGV considers health-related or patient-care experience and community or volunteer service during application review; it does not state a minimum patient-care-hour requirement.
Supplementary application
Submit three letters of recommendation or reference and a personal statement through CASPA.
How applicants are ranked
UTRGV reviews all applications for possible interview and admission. It considers academic rigor and multiple GPAs, Casper performance, healthcare and patient-care experience, research, leadership, service, background, references and the personal statement; admissions are rolling.
Interview Format at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Format: Interview
Interviews assess interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and fit for the program's South Texas focus through behavioral and situational questions. Prepare by reviewing program competencies. Send thank-you notes within 24 hours to reinforce interest.
Practice under timed, realistic conditions with Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator.
Prepare for Casper and Your Interview
Access Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank with 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert-crafted responses, AI Interview Simulator with realistic practice conditions, and personalized mentorship from current medical students, all on one web-based platform.
Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 28 months
- Structure
Full-time cohort program beginning in fall: approximately 16 months didactic study followed by 12 months clinical experience and research.
- Campuses
- Edinburg
The professional curriculum integrates basic medical, behavioral, and social sciences with introduction to clinical medicine and supervised clinical practice experiences. Students master seven core competencies through didactic and clinical phases. The structure builds clinical research and interpersonal expertise and prepares graduates for PANCE certification.
Campus and facilities
Located in Edinburg, Texas, with access to clinical sites serving the Rio Grande Valley's diverse population. Facilities support hands-on training in simulation labs and community clinics.
Tuition and Funding at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- In-state tuition and fees, entire program: $30,575
- Out-of-state tuition and fees, entire program: $60,542
- Estimated total cost, resident: $127,572
- Estimated total cost, non-resident: $157,539
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's Mission and Values
UTRGV's PA program focuses on developing seven core competencies for clinical practice, equipping graduates to address healthcare needs in underserved South Texas communities. The program fosters leadership and critical thinking competencies to prepare PAs for diverse clinical roles.
What Applicants Are Saying
Students report a culture that emphasizes collaborative learning and community engagement, with forums like Student Doctor Network highlighting interest in program community and interview experiences. Matriculated students describe the environment as supportive for building clinical research skills alongside interpersonal expertise. Applicants on Student Doctor Network seek tips for the interview process and note a positive overall experience via the SDN Interview Experience Score.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant Application
- Check every prerequisite and calculate overall, science, prerequisite and last-60-hour GPAs.
- Plan Casper registration using your CASPA ID and select UTRGV for score distribution.
- Arrange three references and prepare your CASPA personal statement.
- Describe relevant patient-care, service, research and leadership experience.
- Consider PA shadowing; UTRGV recommends but does not require it.
More About University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant
- Core competencies
Seven core competencies for clinical practice
- PANCE
Curriculum prepares graduates for PANCE certification
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Physician Assistant
Does UTRGV PA require Casper?
Yes. Select UTRGV to receive your United States Casper 2 results.
What is the minimum GPA?
The current catalog requires at least 3.0 overall undergraduate, prerequisite, science and last-60-hour GPAs.
Is the GRE required?
UTRGV's PA admissions self-appraisal checklist lists the GRE as required.
What is the interview format?
UTRGV considers applications for interview; its PA admissions page does not specify a format.
Does UTRGV PA accept international students?
A recognized international degree equivalent is accepted; foreign coursework requires a WES or FCSA evaluation.
What prerequisites are needed?
Complete UTRGV's 33 specified prerequisite credits by its application deadline; science courses must be for science majors. Pass or credit grades do not satisfy science prerequisites.
When is the CASPA deadline?
UTRGV publishes an annual deadline; check for dates specific to your cycle.
Is shadowing required?
No. PA shadowing is recommended, not required.
Sources
- utrgv.edu: department of physician assistant
- utrgv.edu: admissions
- utrgv.edu: physician assistant
- utrgv.smartcatalogiq.com: physician assistant studies mpas
- paeaonline.org: university of texas rio grande valley
- mededits.com: texas
- paschoolfinder.com: university of texas rio grande valley
- utrgv.edu: curriculum
- utrgv.edu: master physician assistant studies
- utrgv.smartcatalogiq.com: program of study physician assistant studies mpas
- physicianassistantforum.com: 4
- thepalife.com: multiple mini interview guide
- utrgv.edu: interview process
Last updated: September 26, 2026