UNE's Master of Science in Physician Assistant program is based on its Portland Campus for the Health Sciences. Applicants apply through CASPA. Casper is not required. The program is on Accreditation-Probation status.
- Program
- Master of Science in Physician Assistant (M.S.P.A.)
- Credential
- M.S.P.A.
- Location
- Portland, Maine, United States
- Casper
- Optional (recommended)
- Next deadline
- November 1, 2026 (Verified CASPA application)
- Length
- 24 months
Casper Requirement for University of New England Physician Assistant
University of New England Physician Assistant recommends Casper for the 2026-2027 cycle but does not require it: applications are considered with or without a score.
- Languages
- English
Check available Casper test dates in your Acuity Insights account at takecasper.com.
Casper is not required for admission. UNE's PA catalog recommends it.
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.
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University of New England Physician Assistant Application Deadlines 2026-2027
- Apply through
- CASPA
- Applications open
- April 30, 2026
- Application fee
- CASPA: $185 for the first program and $65 for each additional program; CASPA fee waivers may be available.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Verified CASPA application | November 1, 2026upcoming |
| Prerequisite completion and official transcripts to CASPA | December 31, 2026upcoming |
Submit official transcripts through CASPA. UNE does not accept application updates after submission. Admissions decisions are released after each interview session.
University of New England Physician Assistant Admissions Statistics
Period: Class of 2027 matriculants; PANCE graduating classes of 2025 and 2026
- Average GPA: Class of 2027: mean last-60-credit GPA 3.61; mean UNE prerequisite-science GPA 3.53.
- Class of 2027 patient-care experience: Mean 3,921 hours
- PANCE first-time pass rate, class of 2025: 100%
- PANCE first-time pass rate, class of 2026: 98%
Eligibility Requirements for University of New England Physician Assistant
- Degree / credits
Bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or international equivalent, before matriculation.
- Residency
No Maine or New England residency quota; applicants from all regions may apply.
- Citizenship
International applicants may apply, subject to foreign-credential and applicable English-proficiency requirements.
- Language proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must document English proficiency. UNE graduate admissions accepts TOEFL iBT 79+ or IELTS Academic overall 6.0+, subject to its published exemptions.
Admission pathways
- UNE College of Professional Studies articulation agreement: Eligible UNE Post-Bacc Pre-Health or Master of Biomedical Science students are guaranteed an admissions interview, not admission.
International applicants or those with foreign coursework must send a WES or ECE credential evaluation directly to CASPA.
Other requirements
- Final documentation: Submit outstanding final transcripts and admission conditions before matriculation.
- Health compliance: Complete a physical examination and provide current immunization records.
- Screening: Complete required criminal background checks and/or drug screens before and, where required, during the program.
- Technical standards: Meet PA academic and technical standards.
Selection Factors University of New England Considers
Prerequisites
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Biology I and II | required 8 semester credits; labs required. |
| General Chemistry I and II | required 8 semester credits; labs required. |
| Microbiology | required 4 semester credits; lab required; within 10 years of matriculation. |
| Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry | required 3 semester credits; no lab required; within 10 years. |
| Anatomy & Physiology I or Human Anatomy | required 4 semester credits; lab required; within 10 years. |
| Anatomy & Physiology II or Human Physiology | required 4 semester credits; lab required; within 10 years. |
| Genetics | required 3 semester credits; within 10 years. |
| Behavioral Science | required 3 semester credits. |
| Statistics | required 3 semester credits; college-level. |
GPA
- How it is calculated
CASPA-calculated biology, chemistry and physics (BCP) GPA and last-60-credit-hours GPA.
- Minimum
- 3.0 BCP GPA and 3.0 last-60-credit-hours GPA.
- Competitive
- Exceed the 3.0 minimums with consistent academic performance in science prerequisites
Both minimums must be met for admission consideration.
Admissions tests
- MCAT (not required): Not listed as an admission requirement.
- GRE (not required): UNE does not require the GRE.
- TOEFL (required for some applicants): If English proficiency evidence is required: iBT 79+.
- IELTS Academic (required for some applicants): If English proficiency evidence is required: overall 6.0+.
Experience and volunteer hours
Required.
Complete at least 500 hours of direct, hands-on patient care before applying and document them in CASPA. Also complete at least 20 unpaid, in-person hours shadowing a PA; UNE describes 80+ shadowing hours and roughly 4,000+ patient-care hours as competitive.
Supplementary application
Submit a CASPA personal statement, official transcripts, documented patient-care and PA-shadowing hours, and three recommendations: one from a practicing PA or PA-C and two from other healthcare providers, professors, supervisors or co-workers. Friends and family cannot serve as recommenders.
How applicants are ranked
Applicants must meet both minimum GPA requirements before program review. Screening awards additional points for stronger academic results, recommended coursework, patient-care, shadowing and service hours, UNE affiliation, military experience, New England residence, and mission fit. Selected applicants interview; decisions follow each interview session.
Interview Format at University of New England
An interview is required and held by invitation; UNE does not publish a format on its admissions page.
- Who is invited
- Applicants selected after minimum-requirement screening and program review; eligible articulation-pathway applicants are guaranteed an interview.
- When
- Interview dates have not been published.
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Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of New England Physician Assistant
- Program length
- 24 months
- Structure
Full-time, six-semester program: one year of didactic coursework followed by one year of clinical rotations.
- Campuses
- Portland
113 credits combining medical sciences, patient care and clinical skills, with interprofessional learning and experience caring for underserved and rural populations.
Campus and facilities
Portland, Maine campus with modern simulation labs and interprofessional facilities shared with UNE's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Clinical affiliations include Maine Medical Center and community health centers statewide. Coastal New England setting with access to Boston for rotations.
Tuition and Funding at University of New England
- 2026-2027 annual tuition: $56,070
- Annual general services fee: $1,695
- Annual program fee: $4,770
- Annual malpractice insurance: $55
- 2026-2027 annual direct-cost total: $62,590
Figures cover one year of the two-year program. Program fee and malpractice-insurance amounts are provisional; later-year rates may change. Living costs, travel, books and equipment are additional.
University of New England's Mission and Values
The UNE PA Program emphasizes a community of caring students and faculty dedicated to primary care excellence. As the sole PA program in Maine, it stands out for fostering close relationships between students and clinicians.
The University of New England's Physician Assistant department offers the only PA degree program in Maine. Join our community of caring students and faculty.
What Applicants Are Saying
Matriculated students describe the program culture as supportive, with opportunities like scribing that allow direct observation of physician decision-making and relationship-building. Students report that competitive profiles include hundreds of hours shadowing or assisting physicians. Participants in open houses and tours note a welcoming environment. Matriculants highlight rigorous yet supportive pacing, with wellness resources to manage demands.
Shared by applicants and students on forums and communities. It is anecdotal, not official program information.
How to Prepare Your University of New England Physician Assistant Application
- Check both CASPA-calculated GPA minimums and complete each prerequisite with C or better.
- Document at least 500 direct patient-care hours and 20 unpaid, in-person PA-shadowing hours before applying.
- Arrange three recommendations, including one from a practicing PA or PA-C.
- Submit CASPA early enough to be verified by UNE's deadline; UNE does not accept post-submission updates.
- Prepare for an invitation-only interview; UNE has not published its format.
More About University of New England Physician Assistant
- Only PA program in Maine
UNE offers Maine's only PA degree program.
- Accreditation
ARC-PA placed UNE's PA program on Accreditation-Probation in July 2026, with its next review scheduled for July 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of New England Physician Assistant
Does UNE PA require Casper?
No. Casper is not required; UNE's published PA catalog describes it as recommended.
What is the minimum GPA for UNE PA admissions?
CASPA must calculate at least a 3.0 BCP GPA and a 3.0 GPA across the last 60 credit hours.
Is the MCAT required for University of New England PA Program?
The MCAT is not listed among UNE PA admission requirements; the GRE is not required.
What is the interview format at UNE PA Program?
Interviews are required by invitation. UNE has not published a format or schedule.
How competitive is UNE Physician Assistant Program?
UNE requires 500 direct patient-care hours and 20 unpaid, in-person PA-shadowing hours. It describes roughly 4,000+ patient-care hours and 80+ shadowing hours as competitive.
What are UNE PA tuition costs?
Published annual direct costs are $62,590, including $56,070 tuition; some fees remain provisional.
Can international students apply to UNE PA?
Yes. International applicants may apply, subject to foreign-credential evaluation and applicable English-proficiency requirements.
Where are UNE PA clinical rotations?
The clinical year includes rotations with experience caring for underserved and rural populations.
Sources
- une.edu: about pa une
- une.edu: admissions
- une.edu: master physician assistant degree
- une.edu: physician assistant 2024 2025 application walkthrough 0
- une.edu: PA Student Handbook Class of 2027
- une.edu: UNE Report on Goals 2025
- une.edu: master science physician assistant
- thepalife.com: multiple mini interview guide
- une.edu: interview
- physicianassistantforum.com: 2
Last updated: September 26, 2026