Additional Requirements

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

For those applicants whose first language is other than English you may be required to take the TOEFL. You will need to submit your official TOEFL scores. (The required minimum score for the paper exam is 600, the minimum score on the internet based exam is 105.)

 

CPR Training

You need to have current certification in adult/child CPR, at the time you start the program. CPR certification is required for clinical rotations.

 

Grade Point Averages

Within the Pacific University supplemental application you will find a GPA Worksheet. It is the applicant's responsibility to complete the GPA calculations for completed Prerequisite Science and Statistics, and the last 45 semester hours. The prerequisite coursework Science/Statistics GPA must be a 2.5 or higher to apply.

 

Computer Skills

We expect you to have basic skills in word processing and your own personal laptop computer. We incorporate electronic study into the PA program and you will need to communicate electronically with program faculty and classmates throughout the program. Pacific University will assign you an individual email address. Please refer to the specifications for the Laptop in the Pacific University supplemental application.

 

Criminal Background Check

All students entering the program and prior to beginning clinical rotations are required to undergo a criminal background check at the students expense.  Felony convictions, among other violations, may jeopardize the students ability to participate in clinical rotations or to obtain a license after graduation.  Prospective students are encouraged to contact their State licensing board with questions.  Students may also be required to undergo drug screening prior to a clinical rotation at the the discretion of the clinical site.

 

Health Status

You are required to provide proof of current immunizations for MMR and Tetanus; titers for Hepatitis B antibody and varicella antibody; as well as a negative PPD or chest x-ray. Proof of immunizations are required for all Clinical Activities. You must be able to perform the essential job functions of a physician assistant according to ADA guidelines as listed in the supplemental application packet.

 

Requirements for Clinical Rotations and Clinical Graduate Project

You are required to participate in off-campus activities throughout the program and will be expected to arrange for your own transportation to classes and clinical sites.

You should expect to spend several of the clinical rotations outside the Portland area and will be expected to make your own travel and housing arrangements. The PA program may be able to assist you with locating housing in some areas.

As a PA student, you are encouraged to locate potential clinical rotation sites, however, the faculty of the School of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right to make final decisions regarding clinical rotation assignments.

You are expected to develop a clinical research project and to locate a site for the project with assistance of the PA faculty advisor. The faculty of the School of Physician Assistant Studies reserves the right to make final decisions regarding approval of the clinical project.