Application Opens – May 1 (Annually)
Applicants apply to MEDEX Northwest through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). All MEDEX campus locations are listed under the University of Washington in CASPA.
Before beginning the application, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the CASPA Instructions and Frequently Asked CASPA Topics.
Applicants are also encouraged to carefully review MEDEX Northwest admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, and campus selection instructions prior to submitting their application. Applications cannot be edited after submission except through the CASPA “Academic Update” process, if applicable.
Once an application is submitted and CASPA has received all official transcripts and reference letters, CASPA begins the verification process, which may take up to five (5) weeks. Verification ensures coursework is entered accurately and consistently.
When verification is complete:
- Application status changes to Verified
- CASPA releases the official application to MEDEX electronically
MEDEX uses the date the final application was submitted to determine whether deadlines have been met.
Applicants are responsible for:
- Monitoring their application status
- Updating any changes (e.g., address updates) directly in CASPA using the “Update My Application” button
All CASPA related questions should be directed to CASPA.
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
Telephone 617.612.2080
Email: apply@caspaonline.org
https://portal.caspaonline.org
Application Review – May to November
MEDEX reviews verified applications on a rolling basis, in the order received. Applicants should allow up to ten (10) weeks for review.
During review, applications are evaluated by multiple reviewers using a standardized scoring process. Academic metrics, healthcare experience, service, leadership, and alignment with the MEDEX mission are all considered. Due to the high volume of applications received annually, individualized feedback is not provided.
Admissions decisions, including interview invitations, are communicated via email once review is complete. Applicants who are not selected for interview will also be notified via email.
Interviews - October to January
MEDEX Northwest uses a rolling admissions process. Qualified applicants may be invited to interview on the next available interview date. Interviews are conducted by program faculty, adjunct faculty, local physicians, PA’s, and other health care professionals.
Interview days include:
- Admissions overview
- Q&A panel
- Interactive activities
- Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
Interview activities assess applicants’ character, communication skills, professionalism, readiness for the PA profession, and adaptability.
Interview invitations are sent by email and include detailed instructions for scheduling. Interviews are conducted in-person. Applicants are expected to maintain professional conduct throughout the entire interview experience, including all formal and informal components of the day.
Application Closes – October 1 (Annually)
All application materials, including verified CASPA applications and required documents, must be received by 11:59 PM (ET) on October 1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Accepted Applicants
Following each interview conference, selected applicants are contacted by phone with an initial offer of admission.
Applicants who accept the offer will receive an official acceptance packet via DocuSign and must complete the following within two (2) weeks:
- Technical Standards acknowledgement
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Release
- Applicant Decision form
- Application to the University of Washington (UW) Graduate School
Failure to complete required documents by the stated deadline may result in forfeiture of the offer.
Apply to the UW Graduate School
Admitted candidates must apply to the UW Graduate School for the MEDEX Northwest, Master of Clinical Health Services degree program. Instructions are provided in the acceptance packet.
Admission to MEDEX Northwest is contingent upon successful admission to the UW Graduate School. Applicants must meet all Graduate School requirements in addition to MEDEX program requirements.
Tuition Seat Deposit
After submitting the Graduate School application and receiving a formal offer form MEDEX, applicants must confirm enrollment and submit a $500.00 non-refundable seat deposit within three (3) weeks.
Criminal Background Check
All admitted students must complete a criminal background check using the UW School of Medicine system.
- Required prior to each year of the program
- An additional check may be required if a student takes a leave of absence
- Approximately $77 per check
- Any additional background checks required by the program or clinical sites will be at the student’s expense
Background check results may impact eligibility for admission, clinical placement, and state licensing.
Immunization Requirements
All MEDEX students must comply with UW Health Science Immunization Program (HSIP) and MEDEX Northwest immunization requirements throughout the program. Documentation of compliance is required prior to the start of the didactic phase and must be maintained during both didactic and clinical years.
These compliance requirements include all immunizations including the HepB series, TB screening, annual flu shots, and all other immunizations required by HSIP.
Failure to meet immunization requirements may result in removal from academic and clinical activities, loss of good standing, withholding of financial aid, and registration holds.
Students are responsible for all costs associated with immunizations, titers, and compliance documentation.
Orientation – June (Annually)
Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students and is typically held at the Seattle campus in June prior to the start of the summer quarter. Orientation activities typically include program expectations, academic preparation, professionalism standards, introduction to faculty and staff, technology onboarding, and community-building activities.
Detailed orientation information is provided to admitted students in the spring prior to matriculation.