The Yale Physician Assistant (PA) Program is a highly competitive and prestigious program that offers a Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent and compassionate physician assistants. With a strong emphasis on primary care and community health, the Yale PA Program prepares graduates to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Program Overview
The Yale PA Program is a 28-month program that includes 12 months of didactic instruction and 16 months of clinical training. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is ranked as one of the top PA programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent physician assistant.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Yale PA Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics
- GRE scores (optional)
- PA-CAT scores (required)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Applicants who meet the admission requirements are invited to participate in an interview with the program's admissions committee. The interview is designed to assess the applicant's knowledge, skills, and experience, as well as their motivation for pursuing a career as a physician assistant.
Admission Secrets
To increase their chances of being accepted into the Yale PA Program, applicants should focus on the following strategies:
- Gain meaningful clinical experience: The Yale PA Program places a strong emphasis on clinical experience, so applicants should try to gain as much experience as possible in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.
- Develop a strong understanding of the PA profession: Applicants should research the PA profession and understand the role of physician assistants in healthcare teams.
- Build a strong application package: Applicants should ensure that their application package, including their personal statement, letters of recommendation, and transcripts, is strong and well-written.
- Prepare for the interview: Applicants who are invited to participate in an interview should prepare by researching the program and practicing their responses to common interview questions.
| Admission Statistics | 2022 Data |
|---|---|
| Number of applicants | 1,200 |
| Number of matriculants | 60 |
| Average GPA | 3.5 |
| Average PA-CAT score | 520 |
The Yale PA Program is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to become a competent physician assistant. With a strong emphasis on primary care and community health, the program prepares graduates to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Curriculum and Clinical Experience
The Yale PA Program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of medicine. The curriculum includes coursework in the following areas:
- Human anatomy
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Clinical medicine
In addition to coursework, students participate in 16 months of clinical training, which includes rotations in the following areas:
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
Clinical Sites
The Yale PA Program has partnerships with a variety of clinical sites, including:
- Yale New Haven Hospital
- Yale Health
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Community Health Center, Inc.
What is the average GPA of accepted students?
+The average GPA of accepted students is 3.5.
How many students are accepted into the program each year?
+The program accepts 60 students each year.
What is the length of the program?
+The program is 28 months long.
