- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign institution by December 31st in the year of application. No specific degree discipline or major is required.
- Academic course prerequisites
- All coursework must be completed with a B- (2.7) or better (per course) prior to the application deadline.
Courses must be taken at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent course from an accredited foreign institution fora letter grade or grade on a 4.0 scale. Before registering for courses, applicants should check the accreditation status of the institution(s)(both online and local) here: Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
It is strongly recommended that science prerequisites be completed within the last five (5) to seven (7) years.
Each prerequisite course must be taken as a “standalone” course, separate from other prior certificate training programs and professional degree programs.
Read about the academic prerequisite requirements required to apply to the program.
Prerequisite courses completed on a pass/no pass grading scale for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, between Jan 2020 – December 2022 will be accepted. Applicants are still required to have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA for the most recent 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits).
All applicants must meet a minimum of 2,000 hours of paid, direct, hands-on clinical patient care experience. Competitive MEDEX candidates have more than the minimum 2,000 hours – averaging a total of 6.5 years – of paid experience, usually in primary care or emergency medicine.
Click here for more detailed information about clinical requirements required to apply to the program.
Demonstration of English proficiency is required of all non-native English speakers by MEDEX and the UW Graduate School. Proficiency can be demonstrated in a number of ways. Please visit the UW Graduate School Policy 3.2: English Language Proficiency Requirements for more information. Applicants who choose to demonstrate proficiency using the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) should submit scores via their CASPA application prior to the application deadline using code #3709. Minimum TOEFL score is 92. If offered admission to MEDEX, each prospective student will then be required to apply to the UW Graduate School and non-native English speakers will be required to provide demonstration of English Proficiency.
MEDEX is not requiring GRE scores for the 2024-2025 application cycle. Please provide if available. Scores will not be considered in the application process and will be for internal programmatic data-tracking only.
A minimum of three (3) letters of reference are recommended with a maximum of five (5) letters allowed through the CASPA application. Letters of reference from a physician assistant, a physician, and a person who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential are strongly preferred. Letters from prior employers, professional colleagues, and mentors are also acceptable. Letters of reference should speak directly to the applicant’s alignment with the mission and goals of our program.
Veterans are required to complete the Military sections on the CASPA application, as well as submit a DD214. Active Duty and those in the National Guard and Reserves are also required to complete the Military sections of the application, as well as submit a Statement of Service. To request copies of a DD214 and other proof of service documents please visit the Veterans Service Records web site.
Veterans and active members of service are given opportunity to write a personal statement (maximum of 500 words) that addresses which aspect of their profession or clinical Military experience prepared them to enter the MEDEX program and become a PA.
Applicants are required to submit a personal statement on the CASPA application. This is limited to 5,000 characters and asks the applicant to describe why they want to be a Physician Assistant.
Applicants are required to submit a program-specific statement (limited to 1,000 words) addressing the following questions:
- Tell us how your values and experience make you a good fit for MEDEX. Why is now the right time to apply to MEDEX?
- What are the biggest challenges you face in returning to school and what is your approach to managing these challenges?
- What diverse strengths, skills, and lived experiences do you bring to the classroom and to our collective journey toward achieving health equity?
- Do you believe your academic history accurately reflects your academic ability to successfully complete PA school? Please explain.
Applicants who completed previous medical education outside of the U.S. are required to submit a personal statement (no more than 500 words) describing how they plan to transition from being a physician or independent provider to being a PA.
Applicants who have applied within the last five (5) years are asked to submit a personal narrative (no more than 500 words) that describes what they have done to strengthen their application since previously applying.
Shadowing experience is preferred but not required. Shadowing provides applicants with a first-hand look at what it is like to practice as a PA. Shadowing experience in a variety of health care delivery settings (clinics, hospitals, nursing homes) and medical specialties is encouraged however, shadowing in primary care is strongly recommended.
Experience with a variety of different health care providers is acceptable however spending time shadowing a mid-level provider such as a PA or NP is strongly preferred.
Virtual shadowing is accepted however in-person is preferred.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents to qualify for admission to the program. MEDEX will not sponsor any student visas.
Volunteer hours are preferred but not required as MEDEX Northwest continues its core mission to educate highly capable physician assistants who serve the community with uncompromising commitment and compassion. MEDEX students, graduates, faculty and staff are committed to providing access to care in local and regional communities.
Admissions Contact Information
Admission Office for all MEDEX campuses
MEDEX Northwest
4311 11th Avenue NE,
Suite 200 Seattle, WA 98105
Telephone 206.616.4001
E-mail: medex@uw.edu (preferred contact method)