Admissions Requirements
Program prerequisites
Admission requirements must be completed at the time of application. Applicants may apply with one prerequisite course in progress if it is completed prior to matriculation. All coursework must be satisfactorily completed by the end of December in the year preceding enrollment.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Overall cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher
- Overall science GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Required coursework must be taken within the last ten years, with a “C” or better, from an accredited school within the United States. International courses will not be accepted for individual prerequisite coursework requirements. English, statistics, and psychology must be within the last 15 years. Quarter credits will be converted to semester credits by CASPA, using their conversion ratio (1.0 quarter hour = 0.667 semester hours)
- Anatomy and Physiology with labs: 8 credits. Must include labs. Must be human or mammalian. Acceptable courses include 4 credits of physiology with lab plus 4 credits of anatomy with lab, OR 8 credits of “Anatomy and Physiology” with labs
- Biology with lab: 4 credits. Must include lab. (see additional microbiology requirement below)
- Chemistry with labs: 8 credits. Must include labs. General/inorganic chemistry. One semester may be replaced by an upper level chemistry with lab. (see additional organic or biochemistry requirement below)
- Microbiology: 3 credits. Lab not required. (this is in addition to the other biology requirement)
- Organic chemistry or biochemistry: 3 credits. Lab not required. (this is in addition to the other chemistry requirement)
- English: 3 credits. Must be offered by English or writing departments
- Psychology: 3 credits
- Statistics: 3 credits
- Only one prerequisite course can be in progress at the time of application
- Admission FAQ
- 1000 hours of direct patient care experience - must be completed at the time of application submission
Applicant screening
University of Bridgeport’s PA program does not favor any specific group or individuals, however the most desirable applicants will show evidence of: cumulative overall and cumulative science GPAs above the minimum requirements; a rigorous and successful undergraduate and prerequisite academic career; the ability to be resilient or overcome challenges; a personal mission that aligns with the program mission; a strong understanding of the PA profession; excellent self-awareness and insight; strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; strong personal references; direct patient care experience that exceeds the minimum requirement and is of high quality (hands-on contact with patients and/or high level decision making in a medical environment).
Required materials
Please submit all materials below to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). No applications or supplemental materials will be accepted by University of Bridgeport directly.
- CASPA application and personal statement
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Supplemental essays specific to University of Bridgeport
- Detailed and accurate documentation of duties performed during patient care experiences
Admissions process
Rolling admissions
We embrace a rolling admissions process, ensuring flexibility for applicants throughout the cycle. Interviews for the most qualified candidates will be conducted between June and August.
Application deadline
Our application window remains open until August 1 at 11:59 p.m. EST or until our class reaches full capacity. We encourage applicants to submit their applications early to enhance their chances of securing an interview.
Application verification
Please note that all applications must be verified by CASPA by the August 1 deadline to be considered for review by our admissions team. Applications can only be verified once all payments, transcripts, and letters of evaluation have been received by CASPA. To guarantee timely verification, we urge applicants to submit their application at least four weeks before the deadline.
Program commencement
Our program commences in January. All pending prerequisites must be successfully completed by December 20 to ensure a smooth start to the program.
Additional questions?
- Phone1‑800‑392‑3582
- Emailadmit@bridgeport.edu
Deceleration is defined by the ARC-PA as “the loss of a student from the cohort, who remains matriculated in the Physician Assistant program.”
The UBPA curriculum is designed to be delivered and completed on a full-time basis. The program is not offered on a part-time basis.
Deceleration is not an option in lieu of disciplinary action including, but not limited to probation, suspension or any other situation that would be considered grounds for dismissal from the program. The PA program does not decelerate students who cannot meet the program’s academic and/or professional conduct requirements.
Deceleration occurs for the following reasons:
- A PA student is granted a leave of absence by the PA program.
- A PA student is granted an appeal for dismissal through extraordinary personal circumstances — determined in the absolute discretion of the Academic, Background and Conduct Committee.
Completion of a degree at University of Bridgeport’ Physician Assistant Institute signifies the graduate is prepared to practice as a physician assistant. The Technical Standards, as distinguished from academic standards, refer to the physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities required for participation and completion of all aspects of the curriculum and for entry into the PA profession. These standards are required by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant and are common to all programs.
University of Bridgeport prohibits discrimination in admissions, educational programs and services, and employment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status and any other basis protected by law. The University is committed to preventing or eliminating all forms of gender-based discrimination in its education programs or activities in accordance with its commitment to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
For questions regarding Title IX, please contact:
The U.S. Department of Education
- AddressOffice for Civil Rights, 8th Floor, Five Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109-3921
- Phone(617) 289-0111
- Fax(617) 289-0150
- TDDTDD: (800) 877-8339
- Emailocr.boston@ed.gov
The UB PAI is proud to have consistent rates above national average, of first-generation college students in our cohorts. While the UB PA program does not favor any specific groups or individuals, the welcoming campus and resources provide a supportive environment for students.
University of Bridgeport is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. While the UB PA program does not favor any specific groups or individuals, military members and veterans who matriculate have the opportunity to apply for these educational benefits.
DACA recipients are welcome to apply to our program. DACA students are required to have an employment authorization card (I-766) to participate in clinical rotations. DACA students will also require a social security number in order to sit for the national certifying exam (PANCE). Many states in the US allow DACA recipients to receive medical licenses. We suggest that DACA recipients contact the financial aid department prior to admission, to discuss any tuition questions.
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Contact us today!
Request More Information- Phone1‑800‑392‑3582
- ApplicationApply Now