Physician Assistant Program at Duke University: Application Process

A complete application includes the CASPA application, Duke PA Program’s web-based supplemental application, and official GRE score report. Three evaluations will be collected with the CASPA application, including at least one from a health care professional with whom the applicant has worked. Relatives and personal or family friends of the applicant should not complete evaluation forms.

Application Deadlines and Materials

Program applications may be accessed from the CASPA web site (use link above or https://secure.caspaonline.org) between May 1 and October 1 for the class beginning August 2009.

Completed CASPA applications for the Duke PA Program may be submitted no earlier than May 1 and no later than October 1. We encourage applicants to apply well in advance of the submission deadline. After the CASPA application has been received by the Duke PA Admission Office, the candidate will be e-mailed instructions on how to access the Duke supplemental application. This web-based supplemental application is submitted by the candidate directly to Duke from the web site no later than November 15, 2008.

Priority in application review and interview selection will be given to those applicants who have completed their CASPA application and all supporting documentation by August 15, 2008.

PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for submitting the CASPA application for the Duke Physician Assistant Program is October 1. The deadline for completing the web-based Duke supplemental application is November 15. You will receive instructions on how to complete the Duke supplemental application after your CASPA application has been received at Duke. Please allow 4 weeks following submission of your CASPA application before receiving the Duke e-mail linking you to the Duke supplemental application.

Three evaluation forms from recommenders are required, including at least one from a health care professional with whom the applicant has worked. Recommendations may be provided from employers, supervisors, professors, or others who are able to comment on the applicant's professional and educational goals and potential (no friends or family members). This information will be collected with the CASPA application.

E-mail notification will be sent to you upon receipt of your CASPA application and, later, upon the receipt of your Supplemental Application in the PA Program office.

One hundred thirty of the most qualified applicants will be invited for a personal interview conducted at Duke University Medical Center. From this group, a class of 56 will be selected. Evidence of academic potential, knowledge of the health care system, motivation, personal maturity, self-assurance, and good interpersonal skills will weigh strongly in the admission decision.

Admissions Notification

All candidates are notified in writing of the admission committee’s decision. Candidates who have been interviewed are notified of the admission committee’s decision as early as 10 days following interview and no later than March 1. Candidates confirm their place in the class by submitting the $550 registration and deposit fee by the specified date on the acceptance letter. These fees are nonrefundable; however, $475 from this fee is deducted from the first semester’s tuition for candidates who matriculate. International candidates should review the following document. PAYMENT POLICY FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HOLD U.S. CITIZENSHIP OR U.S. PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS

Each year, a ranked alternate list of 15 to 25 candidates is selected from those candidates who have been interviewed for a position in the class. Should an accepted candidate withdraw from the program prior to the start of classes, the position is offered to the highest ranked candidate on the alternate list.

Questions regarding the admissions prerequisites and the application process may be directed to paadmission@mc.duke.edu or phone (919) 681-3155.

Important Addresses and Telephone numbers

Inquiries regarding admission prerequisites or application process:

Questions regarding financial aid should be directed to:

For more information on the physician assistant profession, contact:

For more information about Duke University Medical Center and Health System and its educational programs, you may link to the Bulletin of Duke University Medical Center on the World Wide Web: Bulletin of Duke University Medical Center