Uw Madison Pa Program is a top-tier, ARC-PA accredited pathway for aspiring physician assistants. Each fall, the program welcomes 38 students into a rigorous 24-month journey that blends classroom learning, hands-on lab work, and real-world clinical rotations. With tuition set at $26,500 for Wisconsin residents and $42,300 for non-residents in 2025–2026, the program offers strong value through high PANCE pass rates, robust scholarship support, and a 96% job placement rate within six months of graduation. Students complete at least 1,200 patient-contact hours across diverse settings—from urban hospitals like University Hospital to rural clinics serving uninsured populations. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, cultural competence, and teamwork, preparing graduates to meet Wisconsin’s healthcare needs and beyond.
Program Structure and Degree Pathways
The Uw Madison Pa Program delivers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies through two parallel tracks. The main campus in Madison hosts most lectures and labs, while a satellite track operates at UW-Stevens Point-Wausau. Both follow the same 90-credit, 24-month schedule and award identical degrees. Live-streamed lectures connect satellite students to Madison faculty in real time, ensuring consistent instruction quality. Labs and simulations happen weekly at the Stevens Point Health Sciences Center under certified PA instructors. Clinical rotations span over 30 sites, including Fox River Medical Center, VA facilities, and rural practices in northern Wisconsin. This structure gives students exposure to urban and rural healthcare challenges, building adaptability and clinical confidence.
Curriculum Design and Clinical Training
The curriculum balances foundational science with practical skills. First-year students focus on anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical assessment. Second-year training centers on rotations in family medicine, surgery, emergency care, pediatrics, obstetrics, orthopedics, and mental health. Each student logs a minimum of 1,200 supervised patient-contact hours. Rotations occur at University Hospital, community clinics in Dane County, and rural sites like UW-Platteville, where trainees serve populations with high rates of diabetes and hypertension. The program integrates interprofessional education, requiring collaboration with nursing, pharmacy, and medical students. Assessments include three comprehensive exams and a capstone project focused on improving healthcare delivery. This approach ensures graduates meet NCCPA standards and are ready for certification.
Faculty Expertise and Student Support
Twelve full-time faculty lead the Uw Madison Pa Program, including Program Director Virginia Snyder, PhD, PA-C. Many hold dual appointments with the Department of Family Medicine, bringing current clinical insights into the classroom. Adjunct clinicians from St. Vincent’s Medical Center supervise over 1,500 clinical hours annually. Faculty research spans chronic disease management, telehealth, and rural health disparities, resulting in 45+ peer-reviewed publications in five years. Students benefit from small cohort sizes, personalized mentorship, and academic advising. The satellite track includes a peer mentorship program linking Stevens Point students with Madison peers for study support and networking. Administrative offices are located at 750 Highland Avenue, Room 1278, Madison, WI 53705.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology. At least 500 hours of direct patient care are required, such as EMT, medical assistant, or nursing roles. The CASPA application deadline is October 15. Prospective students should submit transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and proof of clinical hours. The admissions team, led by Erin McCarthy Orth, reviews applications holistically, considering academic performance, healthcare experience, and commitment to underserved communities. Campus tours and virtual info sessions are listed on the program’s web portal. Interviews are by invitation only and assess communication skills, professionalism, and motivation.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition for 2025–2026 is $26,500 for Wisconsin residents and $42,300 for non-residents. The Wisconsin PA Scholarship Fund awarded $500,000 to 70 students in 2024–2025, covering partial tuition based on need and merit. Additional aid includes federal loans, work-study programs, and external scholarships like the American Academy of PAs’ Rural Student Scholarship, which gave $5,000 to three UW candidates in 2023. The Center for Pre-Health Advising tracks funding opportunities and assists with applications. Students are encouraged to apply early for maximum aid consideration. Payment plans and emergency grants may be available through the UW School of Medicine and Public Health financial office.
Center for Pre-Health Advising Resources
The Center for Pre-Health Advising offers dedicated support for PA aspirants. Advisors maintain a network of 200+ alumni who provide mentorship, shadowing, and interview coaching. Quarterly workshops cover personal statement writing, CASPA tips, and test prep. Attendance averages 85% among interested students. The center partners with the UW Health Simulation Center for hands-on procedure practice using high-fidelity mannequins. Data shows a 27% rise in PA applications from UW-Madison undergraduates between 2022 and 2024. One-on-one advising appointments are available online. All services are free for enrolled students and help build competitive applications.
UW-Platteville Clinical Rotation Site
UW-Platteville hosts up to 12 PA students per semester for rural clinical rotations. Under Professor Rich Dhyanchand, MD, MS, students gain experience in primary care, emergency medicine, and community health. The site serves a population where 40% lack health insurance, offering exposure to complex social determinants of health. Rotations include chronic disease management, preventive care, and patient education. Evaluations use NCCPA-aligned competency checklists to ensure consistency. Students live in Platteville during rotations and participate in local health outreach events. This partnership strengthens rural healthcare pipelines and gives trainees firsthand insight into underserved practice settings.
Graduate Outcomes and Career Placement
Uw Madison Pa Program graduates achieve a 92% first-time PANCE pass rate and a 96% employment rate within six months. Alumni work in 15 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, with roles in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices. Many serve in rural or underserved areas, addressing workforce shortages. The program’s reputation attracts employers from across the Midwest. Graduates report high job satisfaction due to strong clinical preparation and interprofessional training. The alumni network offers career coaching, job leads, and continuing education opportunities. Employers value UW-Madison PAs for their diagnostic skills, professionalism, and commitment to equitable care.
Why Choose the Uw Madison Pa Program?
This program stands out for its dual-campus flexibility, strong clinical partnerships, and focus on health equity. Students train in diverse settings—urban academic centers and rural clinics—building versatility. The curriculum meets ARC-PA standards and emphasizes real-world problem-solving. Faculty are active clinicians and researchers, ensuring up-to-date instruction. Financial aid reduces barriers, and advising supports success from application to licensure. With high pass rates, job placement, and community impact, the Uw Madison Pa Program prepares graduates to lead in evolving healthcare environments. It’s a smart choice for those committed to patient-centered, evidence-based care.
Contact Information and Visit Details
For admissions questions, contact Erin McCarthy Orth, Director of Admissions, at 608-263-5621 or toll-free at 800-442-6698. Fax documents to 608-265-4973. Email inquiries use a protected address on the program website to prevent spam. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM CST. Campus tours are offered monthly; dates are posted online. The main office is at 750 Highland Avenue, Room 1278, Madison, WI 53705. For UW-Platteville rotation details, call 608-342-6155 or email Professor Rich Dhyanchand. All prospective students are encouraged to attend an info session before applying.
Official Website: https://www.med.wisc.edu/education/physician-assistant-pa-program/
Phone: 608-263-5621
Address: 750 Highland Avenue, Room 1278, Madison, WI 53705
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective students often ask about admission competitiveness, clinical diversity, and career support. Below are detailed answers to common questions based on current program data and graduate outcomes.
What makes the Uw Madison Pa Program different from other PA schools?
The Uw Madison Pa Program combines academic rigor with real-world training across urban and rural settings. Unlike programs that limit rotations to large hospitals, this curriculum includes community clinics, veteran centers, and rural sites like UW-Platteville. Students gain experience with uninsured populations and chronic disease management early on. The dual-campus model offers flexibility without sacrificing quality. Faculty are practicing clinicians who teach current best practices. The program also emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates to work effectively in team-based care. With a 96% job placement rate and strong PANCE scores, it delivers measurable results. Scholarships and advising reduce barriers, making it accessible to a diverse applicant pool.
How competitive is admission to the Uw Madison Pa Program?
Admission is highly competitive, with over 800 applicants for 38 spots each year. Successful candidates typically exceed the minimum 3.0 GPA and 500 patient-care hours. Strong applicants show consistent academic performance, meaningful healthcare experience, and a commitment to serving underserved communities. The CASPA application requires detailed documentation, including transcripts, essays, and references. Interviews assess professionalism, communication, and motivation. The admissions committee uses a holistic review process, considering both metrics and personal qualities. Applicants are encouraged to gain diverse clinical exposure and seek mentorship through the Center for Pre-Health Advising. Early preparation and strong application materials increase chances of acceptance.
Can I complete the program from a location outside Madison?
Yes, through the satellite track at UW-Stevens Point-Wausau. Students attend live-streamed lectures from Madison and complete labs at the Stevens Point Health Sciences Center. Clinical rotations occur regionally, including northern Wisconsin rural sites. The degree, curriculum, and assessments are identical to the Madison track. Satellite students benefit from smaller local cohorts and dedicated peer mentorship. This option suits those who prefer a quieter campus environment or have family commitments in central Wisconsin. Both tracks lead to the same Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and full NCCPA eligibility. Graduates receive equal access to job placement and alumni networks.
What types of jobs do graduates typically secure?
Most graduates work in primary care, emergency medicine, or surgical specialties. Many join rural clinics, community health centers, or hospital systems in Wisconsin and neighboring states. Some pursue roles in orthopedics, pediatrics, or mental health. The 96% employment rate within six months reflects strong demand for UW-Madison PAs. Employers value their diagnostic accuracy, cultural competence, and teamwork skills. Alumni report high job satisfaction due to supportive work environments and opportunities for advancement. The program’s reputation opens doors in competitive markets. Career services assist with resume writing, interview prep, and job searches. Graduates often return as preceptors, strengthening the training pipeline.
Are there opportunities for financial assistance beyond scholarships?
Yes, students can apply for federal loans, work-study programs, and emergency grants. The Wisconsin PA Scholarship Fund is the largest source, awarding $500,000 annually. External scholarships, like those from the American Academy of PAs, are promoted through the Center for Pre-Health Advising. Payment plans allow tuition to be spread over the academic year. Some students work part-time in healthcare roles during studies. The financial aid office provides personalized counseling to minimize debt. Budgeting workshops help manage living expenses in Madison or Stevens Point. Aid is available regardless of track location. Early application maximizes eligibility for need-based support.
How does the program support students during clinical rotations?
Each student is assigned a clinical preceptor at every rotation site. Preceptors are experienced PAs or physicians who provide daily supervision and feedback. Weekly evaluations track progress on NCCPA competencies. Faculty visit sites to ensure quality and address concerns. Students receive orientation materials, rotation handbooks, and access to online learning modules. Housing assistance is available for rural rotations, such as those in Platteville. The program maintains strong relationships with over 30 clinical partners, ensuring safe and educational experiences. Students can report issues anonymously through a secure portal. Support continues through graduation, including PANCE prep and job placement help.
What is the role of research in the curriculum?
Research is integrated through evidence-based practice modules and the capstone project. Students learn to evaluate medical literature, apply clinical guidelines, and improve care delivery. Faculty publish on topics like telehealth and rural health disparities, involving students in studies when possible. The capstone requires a project addressing a real healthcare challenge, such as reducing readmissions or improving diabetes screening. This builds critical thinking and innovation skills. While not a thesis-based program, it ensures graduates can use research to inform decisions. Many alumni contribute to quality improvement initiatives in their workplaces, extending the program’s impact.