PA-CAT as a New Test for PA School Admissions
For years, PA schools have been using the graduate record examination (GRE) as the main standardized test to evaluate applicants. The GRE is required by many PA schools across the US. The decision to take the GRE or not can be a difficult one for PA school applicants because the GRE is not required by every PA school.
What is the PA-CAT?
In the last few years, a new specialized exam known as the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) has been introduced. The PA-CAT is administered by Exam Master and considered by some schools to be superior to the GRE. Rather than testing applicants on verbal and quantitative reasoning as the GRE does, the PA-CAT is a specialized test comprising general biology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, and behavioral science.
How Long is the PA-CAT?
There are a total of 240 multiple-choice questions on the test. Applicants will have 4 hours and 30 minutes to take the test but there are breaks between sections. The PA-CAT is administered through Prometric, a testing center with branches all across the United States, where the test is administered. The test is also available to take through Prometric remotely from your computer at home using their live remote proctor system.
Do I Need to take the PA-CAT to Apply to PA School?
Though the news of a new specialized test for PA school admissions has caused some angst among PA school applicants, there is good news for those who don’t like standardized tests. Most PA schools do not require the test – at least not for now. Some schools do say that they expect they will require it in coming years but exactly how many schools will require it and starting when remains to be seen.
How Many PA Schools Require the PA-CAT?
According to data published on PA schools’ websites, there are currently 7 PA schools that require the PA-CAT. Another 9 programs accept the GRE or PA-CAT but some explicitly state that they prefer the PA-CAT. Seven PA schools in the country recommend the PA-CAT but do not require it and another 2 will consider the PA-CAT according to their website.
Should I Take the PA-CAT to Become More Competitive for PA School?
Students without Geographic Preferences: If you are open to applying to PA schools across the country and you are good at standardized tests, the PA-CAT can be a good way to distinguish yourself from the large pool of applicants, most of whom do not take the test. By taking the test, you will be part of a small pool eligible to apply to programs that require it. You will also be looked upon more favorably at programs that recommend the PA-CAT, especially if you do well on the test.
Students with Geographic Preferences: If you are more selective about where you want to attend PA school, the decision to take the test or not will also hinge on which programs you are interested in. Below we have listed programs that require the PA-CAT. We also have listed programs that state on their website that they recommend the test or prefer applicants who have taken it. We also provide the names of schools that state that they will consider PA-CAT scores if an applicant has taken the test. Finally, we have named schools that state on their website that they don’t require the test.
Most PA schools are not included on this list because they did not provide any information on the PA-CAT on their websites. We assume that these programs do not require the PA-CAT. We remind students to check each school’s website for the most up-to-date information.*
Which PA Schools Require the PA-CAT?
AdventHealth University, FL
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.ahu.edu/programs/ms-physician-assistant-studies/admissions
Concordia University-Ann Arbor, MI
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.cuaa.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-masters/index.html#requirements
Miami-Dade College, FL
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.mdc.edu/physicianassistant/admissions.aspx
Saint Elizabeth University, NJ
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.steu.edu/academics/aas/physician-assistant/ms-in-physician-assistant/admission-requirements
University of Tampa, FL
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.ut.edu/graduate-degrees/physician-assistant-medicine-program/admissions
University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis), TN
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.uthsc.edu/physician-assistant/prerequisites.php
Weber State University, UT
PA-CAT Requirement: Required
Source: https://www.weber.edu/pa/admissions.html
Louisiana State University – New Orleans, LA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required but PA-CAT Preferred
Source: https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/pa/prerequisites.aspx
Lawrence Technological University, MI
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required but PA-CAT Preferred
Source: https://www.ltu.edu/health-sciences/grad-physician-assistant/admission-requirements
Morehouse School of Medicine, GA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required but PA-CAT Preferred
Source: https://paeaonline.org/program/morehouse-school-of-medicine
Stanford University, CA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required but PA-CAT Preferred
Source: https://med.stanford.edu/pa/admissions/entrance-requirements.html
Augusta University, GA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required
Source: https://www.augusta.edu/alliedhealth/pa/requirements.php
DeSales University, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required
Source: https://www.desales.edu/academics/academic-programs/detail/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies
Drury University, MO
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required
Source: https://www.drury.edu/graduate/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/prospective-physician-assistant-students/
Marywood University, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required
Source: https://www.marywood.edu/physician-assistant-masters-degree
Penn State University, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: PA-CAT or GRE Required
Source: https://med.psu.edu/physician-assistant/apply
Which PA Schools Recommend or Consider the PA-CAT?
Barry University – Miami, FL
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.barry.edu/en/academics/health-sciences/physician-assistant/admission-requirements/
Barry University – St. Petersburg, FL
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.barry.edu/en/academics/health-sciences/physician-assistant/admission-requirements/
Lenoir Rhyne University, NC
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.lr.edu/admission/graduate-admission/graduate-apply#a42221
Missouri State University (formerly SWMS), MO
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.missouristate.edu/PAS/Graduate/AdmissionReq.htm
North Central College, IL
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/master-physician-assistant/how-to-apply#Requirements
Oakland University, MI
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.oakland.edu/shs/clinical-and-diagnostic-sciences/master-of-physician-assistant-science/#tab-2
University of Toledo, OH
PA-CAT Requirement: Recommended
Source: https://www.utoledo.edu/med/grad/pa/admissions.html
Delaware Valley University, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: Considered
Source: https://delval.edu/programs/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-studies/pa-admission
Samford University, AL
PA-CAT Requirement: Considered
Source: https://www.samford.edu/healthprofessions/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies
Which PA Schools Do Not Require the PA-CAT?
The PA schools listed below state on their website that they do not require the PA-CAT. Other PA schools not included here did not provide any information on their PA-CAT requirements, which means they likely do not require the PA-CAT.*
Assumption University, MA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.assumption.edu/graduate/physician-assistant-studies
Augsburg University, MN
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.augsburg.edu/pa/apply/
Bethel University, MN
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/academics/physician-assistant/prerequisites
California State University – San Bernardino
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.csusb.edu/mspa/admissions/requirements
Case Western Reserve University, OH
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://case.edu/medicine/physician-assistant/admissions
Chatham University, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.chatham.edu/academics/graduate/physician-assistant-studies/admissions-process-and-requirements.html#requirements
East Carolina University, NC
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://pa.ecu.edu/admissions/
Eastern Virginia Medical School, VA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.evms.edu/media/evms_public/departments/health_professions/mpa_program/pdfs/EVMS_MPA_Admissions_Guidebook_Current.pdf
Frostburg State University, MD
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.frostburg.edu/programs/graduate-physician-assistant/pp/Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.php
Grand Valley State University, MI
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.gvsu.edu/pas/admission-related-faq-106.htm
Hardin-Simmons University, TX
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-program/
Idaho State University, ID
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.isu.edu/pa/admission/admission-faqs/
James Madison University, VA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/healthprof/pa/prerequisites.shtml
Keck Graduate Institute, CA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.kgi.edu/academics/degrees-certificates/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/mspa-admissions/mspa-admissions-requirements-procedures/
Lake Erie College, OH
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.lec.edu/pa/physician-assistant-admission/
Le Moyne College, NY
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.lemoyne.edu/Learn/Colleges-Schools-Centers/School-of-Graduate-Professional-Studies/Physician-Assistant-Studies/Physician-Assistant-Studies-Frequently-Asked-Questions
Lipscomb University, TN
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.lipscomb.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-studies
Loma Linda University, CA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/physician-assistant/faq-physician-assistant
Medical College of Wisconsin Physician Associate Studies, WI
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.mcw.edu/education/physician-associate-program/admissions
Medical University of South Carolina, SC
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://chp.musc.edu/academics/physician-assistant/faqs
Michigan State University, MI
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://pa.com.msu.edu/future-students/admission-requirements
Middle Tennessee State University, TN
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.mtsu.edu/program/physician-assistant-studies-studies-m-s/#requirementsSec
Mount St Mary’s University, MD
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://msmary.edu/academics/graduate-school/master-of-medical-science-physician-assistant/frequently-asked-questions.html
Mount St. Joseph University, OH
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.msj.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-program/admission-frequently-asked-questions/index.html
North Carolina A&T, NC
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.ncat.edu/chhs/departments/physician-assistant-studies/admission-requirements.php
Northwestern University, IL
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/pa/admissions/how-to-apply/index.html
Pacific University, OR
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.pacificu.edu/physician-assistant-studies/frequently-asked-questions
Pfeiffer University, NC
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.pfeiffer.edu/program/master-of-science-in-physician-assistant-studies/admissions/
Shenandoah University, VA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.su.edu/physician-assistant/prospective-students-new/
Southern Nazarene University, OK
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://pgs.snu.edu/pa#admissions
St. John’s University (formerly SVCMC), NY
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/programs/physician-assistant-master-science
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions, TX
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/physician-assistant-studies/frequently-asked-questions.html
Thiel College, PA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not required
Source: https://www.thiel.edu/images/2023/PA-Program-Pathway2-Admission-Requirements-Checklist-Feb-2023.pdf
University of California San Diego, CA
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://paeducation.ucsd.edu/_files/Admissions%20Policy_11.1.23.pdf
University of Colorado, CO
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/physician-assistant-program/prospective-students/how-to-apply
University of Kentucky, KY
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.uky.edu/chs/physician-assistant-studies/admissions/pre-reqs
University of Kentucky – Morehead
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.uky.edu/chs/physician-assistant-studies/admissions/pre-reqs
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, TX
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.umhb.edu/graduate/physician-assistant/application-process#1845
University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.unmc.edu/alliedhealth/education/pa/admissions/faq.html
University of Saint Joseph, CT
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.usj.edu/academics/sppas/physician-assistant-studies/pa-program-faqs/
University of Texas – Medical Branch at Galveston, TX
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.utmb.edu/som/physician-assistant/admissions-application
Ursuline College, OH
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/master-of-medical-science-mmsc-physician-assistant/admission
Utah Valley University, UT
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.uvu.edu/physicianassistant/admissions/requirements/prerequisites.html
Wichita State University, KS
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.wichita.edu/academics/health_professions/pa/documents/web-documents/mpa-admission-info.php
Wingate University, NC
PA-CAT Requirement: Not Required
Source: https://www.wingate.edu/academics/graduate/physician-assistant-studies/pa-admissions/faqs
For the most up-to-date and accurate information, visit each school’s website and communicate with the school directly as requirements may change. Admissions Helpers cannot guarantee that the information provided here is entirely up-to-date or accurate.
