Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency Policy
A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to Pacific University. prior to admission. Please note that this requirement applies to all applicants, including resident aliens and citizens.
Requiring valid proof of English language proficiency is a mandate of the Graduate & Professional Programs & Colleges. Thus, only the program or College can approve any exceptions.
Valid Proof of English Language Proficiency
The following criteria represent different ways to prove English proficiency for this program.
- Achieving the minimum required official score on the International Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. Test scores are valid for 2 years after the test date, but will still be considered valid if the score exceeded the minimum requirement and you have maintained continuous residency in the United States since the exam date.
- Completion of a bachelor's, master’s, doctorate, or professional degree at an accredited college or university where English is the only language of instruction. Individuals who are in the process of earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may be admitted to some programs.
Minimum Test Score Requirements
Paper-based |
Computer-based |
Internet-based |
|
600 overall Minimum per section: 54-55 reading 55 listening 55 structure/written expression |
250 overall Minimum per section: 21 reading 22 listening 22 structure/writing |
100 overall 22 speaking |
7.0 overall Minimum sub scores per section: 7.0 |
Invalid Proof of English Language Proficiency
The following criteria represent different ways that indicate insufficient English skills to join this program.
- Test score less than Pacific’s minimum requirement;
- Test score more than two years old (unless you have lived in the United States since the exam date); or
- Institutional TOEFL score from any school except Pacific
- Completion of an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at any school
- Successful completion of English, writing, or literature courses at any college or university
- An associate’s degree from a community college in the United States
CPR Training
You need to have current certification in Healthcare Provider CPR, at the time you start the program. Current CPR certification is required for clinical rotations and prior to ACLS certification during the didactic phase.
Grade Point Averages
We will primarily evaluate two GPA's: the Science GPA and the Last 45 Credit GPA. Both need to be above a 2.75 to be eligible.
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 / Urine Drug Screen
All students entering the program and prior to beginning clinical rotations are required to undergo a criminal background check and urine drug screen, at the student's 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 additional drug screening prior to a clinical rotation at 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 below.
Requirements for Clinical Rotations and 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 may suggest 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.
During the clinical phase of the curriculum students will return to campus to complete their graduate project. Students will develop a clinical question, undergo a literature search and complete an evidence based systematic review as their capstone project.
Essential Functions: Admission & Retention Requirements
Physician Assistant training is recognized as a broad-based process requiring the acquisition of general knowledge in all fields of medicine and of the basic skills required for the practice of medicine. The education of a Physician Assistant requires assimilation of knowledge, acquisition of skills, and development of judgment through patient care experience in preparation for semi-autonomous and appropriate decisions required in practice. The current practice of medicine emphasizes collaboration among physicians, other allied health care professionals, and the patient. Read the Essential Functions Policy (PDF).