Inside the University of Iowa’s Top-Ranked PA Program [Episode 629]

Send us your admissions questions!What makes the University of Iowa Physician Assistant (PA) Program one of the country’s top PA programs? In this episode of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Thomas O’Shea, PhD, MEd, director of administrative and student services for the University of Iowa’s PA Program, about the program’s structure, curriculum, clinical training, student support, and admissions priorities.The University of Iowa PA Program admits a small cohort of 25 students each August and is housed in the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. Dr. O’Shea explains how Iowa’s 28-month program combines close student support with the resources of a major academic medical center, including access to faculty across the Carver College of Medicine and clinical opportunities through the University of Iowa Health Care system, local partners, regional sites, national placements, and international experiences.The conversation also explores Iowa’s distinctive integrated curriculum. During the didactic phase, PA students learn alongside MD and MD-PhD students, giving them shared preparation for the team-based clinical environments they will enter after graduation. Dr. O’Shea also describes the “triple helix” curriculum, the Medicine and Society strand of the curriculum, the student learning communities, alumni involvement, and the program’s long history dating back to 1972.The episode closes with practical advice for applicants: know the minimum requirements, understand your academic and science GPA trends, build meaningful healthcare experience, reflect on what you have learned, and develop relationships with people who can speak clearly to your readiness for PA school.0:00 Welcome, Dr. Tom O’Shea00:27 University of Iowa PA Program Basics03:18 Why Iowa’s PA Program Stands Out08:10 PA and MD Students Learning Together12:18 The Triple Helix Curriculum14:31 Learning Communities at Carver College of Medicine20:11 How Alumni Support Current PA Students23:53 What the University of Iowa’s PA Program Looks for in Applicants29:17 Why Gap Years Can Strengthen an Application31:01 Closing Thoughts and Next StepsRelated ResourcesUniversity of Iowa Physician Assistant ProgramUniversity of Iowa PA Program Admission RequirementsUniversity of Iowa PA Program StaffThe Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Physician Assistant, a free guideAccepted’s Physician Assistant Application PackagesFollow UsYouTubeFacebookLinkedInContact [email protected]+1 (310) 815-9553