The PA School Application Timeline from PreHealth Advising provides a step-by-step guide for navigating the intensive 12-18 month physician assistant program application process. This structured timeline, which can be found here, breaks down critical milestones from initial preparation through acceptance, covering prerequisite completion, patient care hours, standardized testing, CASPA submission, and interview preparation.

This timeline takes into account the rigid, sequential requirements that PA programs follow during the application process. Many applicants underestimate how long certain steps take---particularly when it comes to obtaining 1,000+ patient care hours or completing specific science prerequisites with labs (which most programs---not all---require).

One thing to note is that this timeline is for the 2025-2026 application year specifically, but fortunately the timeline does not typically vary from year-to-year; thus, this timeline is applicable for all years following.

Developing Your Own Timeline:

Though recommended by most schools and advisors, this timeline may not look the same for all applicants. It's best for individuals who want to apply for more competitive programs, which have the harshest deadlines and requirements. That is not to say that all programs one applies to will follow this same timeline, so it's best to develop your own.

• • • Start obtaining healthcare experience early!

    • Look at the application requirements of each of program

    • Mark down important deadlines (i.e. GRE)

    • Request letters of recommendation 3 months before CASPA opens

    • Submit CASPA materials 6-8 weeks before program deadlines