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7 Critical Updates: What You Must Know About The University Of Nevada, Reno PA Program (2025-2026)

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The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program is one of the most highly sought-after graduate programs in the Mountain West, known for its rigorous curriculum and deep commitment to addressing primary care needs, particularly in rural and underserved Nevada communities. As of December 20, 2025, prospective students are preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 application cycle, which is set to open in April 2025, making this the perfect time to review the most current and competitive admission requirements.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential, up-to-date details you need to know about the UNR Med PA Studies Program, from the intense 25-month curriculum structure and tuition costs to the highly competitive applicant profile, ensuring you have the freshest information to craft a successful application to the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

The UNR PA Program at a Glance: Essential 2025-2026 Profile and Statistics

The Physician Assistant Studies Program, housed within the prestigious University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), is intentionally designed to train PAs who are flexible and committed to primary care. The program’s mission is heavily focused on serving the state of Nevada, which is reflected in its student selection process and curriculum emphasis.

To give prospective students a clear picture of the challenge and commitment required, here are the core facts and the latest statistics for the UNR PA Program.

  • Program Name: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS)
  • Accreditation Status: Accreditation-Continued (Granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. - ARC-PA).
  • Program Length: 25 months (7 semesters).
  • Location: 18600 Wedge Pkwy, Reno, NV 89511.
  • Maximum Cohort Size: 24 students. (Note: The program has requested an increase to 28 students from ARC-PA, which would take effect in June 2025).
  • CASPA Application Cycle: The 2025-2026 cycle opens on April 25, 2025.
  • Average Matriculant GPA: 3.67 (Highly competitive).
  • Nevada Resident Preference: Approximately 83% of the entering class are Nevada residents or have Nevada heritage, underscoring the program’s commitment to local healthcare.
  • Rural Focus: A significant 42% of the cohort is identified as having a rural background, aligning with the program's mission for underserved areas.

Decoding the UNR PA Program’s Competitive Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to the UNR Med PA Studies Program is exceptionally competitive, a fact reinforced by the small cohort size and the high average GPA of accepted students. Prospective applicants must meet a rigorous set of academic and experiential requirements before submitting their application through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

Prerequisite Coursework: The Non-Negotiables

The program has strict academic prerequisites that must be completed with a letter grade (Pass/Fail is not accepted) and are strongly recommended to have been completed within the last seven years. This ensures that the technical nature of the basic science knowledge is fresh and applicable to the didactic phase.

Required courses include:

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: A full year of coursework is typically required, often including both A&P I and A&P II.
  • Biology: General Biology coursework is required.
  • Chemistry: General Chemistry coursework is required.
  • Statistics: One course in Statistics is mandatory.

While not strictly required, the program strongly recommends additional upper-division science courses such as Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Metabolic Biochemistry to bolster an applicant's academic profile and success in the didactic phase.

Required Health Care Experience (HCE)

Unlike some programs that accept a mix of shadowing and volunteer work, the UNR PA program typically emphasizes direct patient care experience. While the exact minimum number of hours is not explicitly listed in all public-facing summaries, a competitive applicant with an average GPA of 3.67 will generally possess thousands of hours of HCE in roles like Medical Assistant, EMT, Paramedic, or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). This experience demonstrates a deep understanding of the healthcare environment and patient interaction.

Financial Breakdown: Tuition, Fees, and Value Proposition (2025 Academic Year)

Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for any graduate-level program. The UNR Med PA Studies Program is known for offering a relatively good value proposition compared to many private or out-of-state PA programs, especially for Nevada residents.

The estimated total cost for the entire 25-month program, based on the Academic Year 2025 tuition and fees, is a significant factor in your decision-making process.

Estimated Total Program Cost (25 Months)

  • Total Tuition: $93,121
  • Total Fees: $20,822
  • Estimated Total Tuition & Fees: $113,943

It is important to note that this figure represents tuition and program fees only and does not include the cost of living, books, medical equipment, or other personal expenses, which can add tens of thousands of dollars to the overall cost of attendance. Prospective students should consult the UNR Med financial aid office for a complete cost of attendance breakdown.

The 25-Month Journey: Didactic vs. Clinical Phases

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies curriculum is a demanding, continuous 25-month program divided into two distinct phases: the Didactic Phase and the Clinical Phase. The structure is designed to build a strong foundation in medical science before transitioning to hands-on patient care.

The Didactic Phase (62 Units)

The initial phase focuses on core medical knowledge and technical skills, delivered through traditional lectures, labs, and small-group learning. Students must successfully complete all 62 units of the didactic curriculum and meet all program requirements before being allowed to progress to the clinical phase. Key courses during this time cover areas such as:

  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics (e.g., PAS 625)
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine (e.g., PAS 615)
  • Technical Skills I, II, and III (e.g., PAS 611, 612, 613)

The Clinical Phase (61 Credits)

The second phase involves hands-on clinical rotations designed to provide comprehensive exposure to various medical specialties. This phase is crucial for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world patient scenarios under the supervision of licensed physicians and PAs. The focus on primary care is evident in the required rotations, which often include:

  • Family Medicine
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Women's Health (OB/GYN)
  • Emergency Medicine
  • General Surgery
  • Psychiatry/Behavioral Health

The UNR Med PA Program is notably supported by initiatives like the MolinaCares grant, which helps deepen its commitment to providing clinical training opportunities in rural and underserved areas, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of primary care in diverse settings across Nevada.

The University of Nevada, Reno PA Program maintains a strong graduation rate, with the 2021 cohort achieving a 96% completion rate, further cementing its reputation as a high-quality institution dedicated to producing competent Physician Assistants.

7 Critical Updates: What You Must Know About the University of Nevada, Reno PA Program (2025-2026)
university of nevada reno pa program
university of nevada reno pa program

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