Beginning in June 2013, UC Davis will offer master’s degrees for aspiring nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Complete program information will be posted by April 17, 2013, when the 2013-2014 Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) opens. Interested applicants may review the information below to see how their qualifications match up with the admission requirements.

Selection of students is highly competitive and is based on the program’s mission. Historically, are usually more applicants than can be accepted, thus only the most highly qualified applicants are invited for personal interviews. During the interview, program faculty members will determine the strength of the applicant’s English-language verbal and written communication skills, a requirement for success in the program. No preference is given to previous applicants and there is no waiting list. Before applying, it is strongly recommended that the prospective applicant learn about the nurse practitioner/physician assistant role from a nurse practitioner or physician assistant practicing in his or her local area; observe a nurse practitioner or physician assistant in his or her clinical role; and research the role through journals and other written sources.

The program reviews applications received by the application deadline. Personal interviews of the most highly qualified applicants are scheduled during November and December. Applicants are notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance by Feb. 1. Although applicants should keep the Admissions Office informed in writing of address changes, they should not contact the program to discuss the status of their application at any time during the admission process.

Highest priority is given to applicants who meet the program mission of providing primary health care to California’s medically underserved populations through:

• Demonstrated commitment to serving the medically underserved and/or California’s rural residents.
• Demonstrated cultural competence by fluency in a language other than English spoken by one of California’s underserved groups.

The following attributes will also contribute to an applicant’s potential for acceptance:

• A strong academic performance
• Prior clinical experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

The nurse practitioner and physician assistant programs require all students undergo a background screening. Therefore, applicants who receive an offer of admission must pay for and complete a background screening. The background check information will be sent to applicants who are offered and accept admission to the program.