The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program in La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers a competitive two-year, accredited master’s pathway for aspiring PAs. For the 2025-2026 admission cycle, you must submit via CASPA with a CASPA ID and complete the English Casper test only, accepting Fee Assistance Program participants. Test sittings run from May to July 2025, with distribution due by August 2, 2025. This guide details eligibility, selection factors like competitive GPAs around 3.90 cumulative and Casper Z-scores near 1.02, curriculum structure, campus resources, and preparation steps to position your application effectively.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before matriculating into this two-year program. Starting with the summer 2026 cohort, the program requires a minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care experience, calculated at application submission. Competitive applicants demonstrate maturity and refined interpersonal skills alongside academic strength.
- Bachelor’s degree prerequisite
- 500 direct patient care hours (effective summer 2026)
- CASPA application as the primary service
Selection Factors University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Considers
This program employs a competitive admissions process emphasizing academic performance, patient care experience, and situational judgment via Casper. Matriculated students show mean cumulative GPAs of 3.90 (range 3.76-4.00) and science GPAs of 3.86 (range 3.57-4.00).
GPA
Your cumulative and science GPAs receive heavy weight. Aim for at least 3.76 cumulative and 3.57 science to align with recent matriculants’ ranges. The program previously considered GRE scores alongside GPAs for interview selection, though current cycles prioritize CASPA-submitted metrics.
Casper
Casper is required; submit English test results only. The updated format includes 11 scenarios (4 video-response, 7 typed-response) over 65-85 minutes, with 2 questions per scenario and 3.5 minutes for typed responses—each typed answer scored individually. Recent matriculants averaged a Z-score of 1.02 (range -0.35 to 2.48). To prepare, complete at least 50 practice scenarios; access The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank online for 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert responses.
Available Casper test dates for 2025-2026:
- May 1, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- May 15, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- May 29, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- May 29, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jun 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jun 10, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jun 26, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jun 26, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jul 8, 2025 - 6:00 PM EDT
- Jul 8, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT
- Jul 20, 2025 - 1:00 PM EDT
- Jul 20, 2025 - 4:00 PM EDT
Distribute scores via CASPA by August 2, 2025.
Prepare for Your Casper Test & Medical School Interview
Access The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank with 100+ scenarios and 300+ expert-crafted responses, AI Interview Simulator with realistic practice conditions, and personalized mentorship from current medical students — all on one web-based platform.
Start Practicing FreeCurriculum at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program
The two-year curriculum divides into a didactic phase and clinical phase. Didactic coursework covers U.S. health care and reimbursement systems, their operations, and impacts on practice. Students incur special course fees: PAS 640 during didactic and PAS 790 during clinical phases.
Clinical training occurs through collaborations with three local medical facilities in La Crosse. Post-graduation opportunities include the Gunderson Health Emergency Medicine PA Fellowship in La Crosse, WI. Matriculated students average entry age aligns with mid-career professionals building on patient care hours.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Campus and Facilities
Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the campus supports strong health professions programs including OT, PT, medical dosimetry, and PA. The Physician Assistant Program partners with regional facilities for hands-on training. Students report a focused learning environment emphasizing clinical readiness.
How to Prepare Your University of Wisconsin-La Crosse PA Application
Begin by verifying 500 direct patient care hours if applying for summer 2026 entry; accumulate these via roles like EMT, medical assistant, or scribe. Submit your CASPA application early to allow time for Casper testing—schedule a sitting by July 20, 2025, at latest.
Strengthen interpersonal skills through volunteering or leadership, as the program values maturity. Practice Casper’s 11 scenarios rigorously; The Bright Doctor's web platform provides timed typed-response practice matching the 3.5-minute limit. For interviews, which this program grants selectively based on GPAs, GRE history, and Casper, use The Bright Doctor's AI Interview Simulator to rehearse responses under realistic conditions.
Review prerequisites on the official site, as competitive candidates exceed minimums. Seek current PA student mentorship via The Bright Doctor's platform for application feedback. Track deadlines: Casper distribution August 2, 2025.
- Confirm bachelor’s degree and 500 DPC hours.
- Complete Casper by July 2025; distribute August 2.
- Submit CASPA with transcripts, experiences, and references.
- Prepare for potential interview with scenario practice.
Master Your Casper & Medical School Interview
Practice with The Bright Doctor's Casper Question Bank featuring 100+ scenarios with expert answers, plus AI Interview Simulator and personalized mentorship from current medical students.
Start Practicing FreeFrequently Asked Questions About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program 2025-2026
Does University of Wisconsin-La Crosse PA Program require Casper?
Yes, the English Casper test is required for 2025-2026. It features 11 scenarios over 65-85 minutes. Distribute scores via CASPA by August 2, 2025; Fee Assistance Program accepted.
What is the minimum GPA for UW-La Crosse PA Program?
No strict minimum stated, but matriculants average 3.90 cumulative (3.76-4.00 range) and 3.86 science (3.57-4.00). Exceed these for competitiveness.
How many direct patient care hours does UW-La Crosse PA require?
Starting summer 2026, a minimum of 500 hours is required, verified at application. Prioritize quality roles like CNA or paramedic.
What is the interview format at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse PA Program?
Interviews are selective, based on GPA, prior GRE, and Casper. Format details unavailable; prepare for panel-style assessing interpersonal skills. Practice via AI simulators.
Is GRE required for UW-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program 2025?
Past cycles weighed GRE with GPAs for interviews. Confirm current status on the program site, as CASPA handles submissions.
What are UW-La Crosse PA tuition costs?
Specific tuition unavailable; expect special fees for PAS 640 (didactic) and PAS 790 (clinical). Check official site for 2025-2026 rates and aid.
Can international students apply to UW-La Crosse PA Program?
Program details do not specify; review CASPA international policies and contact admissions. Casper English test required.
How competitive is UW-La Crosse Physician Assistant Program?
Highly competitive with strict interview standards. Matriculants show top-quartile GPAs and Casper Z-scores around 1.02. Build 500+ DPC hours early.