What if I can not complete prerequisites by the application deadline?
To be eligible for an interview, applicants must not have more than 9 semester hours of prerequisite courses remaining by January 1st. If more than 9 semester hours of uncompleted prerequisite courses exist, the candidate will be referred to the next annual application cycle.
How do I get health-related experience?
There are many avenues open to obtain experience in the health care field. Students in the past have obtained experience as nursing assistants, EMTs, surgical technicians, athletic trainers, and x-ray technicians. Applicants may also volunteer their time in a wide range of health care facilities if the aforementioned opportunities are not available. It should be noted that hands-on patient experience is preferred, and operating room experience is regarded highly by the program
What is the first time PANCE pass rate for UAB SPA graduates?
UAB S-PA first time pass rates on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) are comparable to the national average. Below are first time PANCE pass rates for UAB S-PA compared to the national average.
What is the GRE code?
1856
Is there a supplemental application?
Yes, the program has a supplemental application. Applicants can assess the UAB SPA Supplemental Application online. Applicants should complete the supplemental application and send, along with a check or money order for $25.00 made out to UAB, to the following address:
Surgical Physician Assistant Program
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Attn: Kelley Swatzell, MPH
1530 3rd Avenue South; SHPB 461
Birmingham, Alabama 35294-1212
The deadline for the supplemental application is September 10, 2009.
Do I need to apply to the graduate school when I apply to CASPA?
No, application is made to the UAB Graduate School after applicants have been notified of their acceptance into the UAB Surgical PA Program.
How many applicants usually apply each year?
The number of applicants to the program varies to some extent. There were over 350 applicants for the incoming class of 2007 and about 450 for the incoming class of 2008. From this applicant pool, about 100 are selected for interviews, and about 36 are selected for the incoming class.
Does graduating from a surgical PA program mean that I can only work in a surgical setting?
The UAB SPA program provides extensive surgical education and training in addition to a comprehensive medical curriculum. All students spend time in both medical and surgical clinical rotations. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Successful completion of the PANCE certifies the student as a Physician Assistant and qualifies the student to pursue work in any area where PAs practice. Graduates from the UAB SPA program work in a variety of settings including medical and surgical.
Do you offer advance placement?
The UAB Surgical Physician Assistant Program does not offer advance placement.
Can I make an appointment to talk to an advisor or someone in person?
The Surgical PA Program provides information sessions for individuals interested in learning more about the program. The sessions are open to all and are designed to provide information about the program’s mission, curriculum, tuition and fees, and graduate demographics. A seat may be reserved by calling 205-934-4605. Sessions for 2009 are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on the following dates: Tuesday, April 7; Wednesday, May 6; Tuesday, June 2; and Tuesday, July 28.
Individual counseling sessions may also be arranged by contacting the SPA Program Office.
How much does it cost to attend UAB?
For more information, see: Tuition and Scholarships