Frequently Asked Questions

We value direct patient care experience. The most competitive applicants will have achieved 2,000 hours. We do not have a minimum requirement of direct patient care experience hours, though.

Prior experience working with patients helps students feel more comfortable with the fast-paced nature of PA training. We value and give preference to applicants with all types of direct patient care experience, but we give greater weight to higher levels of responsibility with patient care. For example, hours achieved as a registered dietitian or registered nurse would be considered more favorably than hours achieved as a dietary aide or nursing assistant.

It is important that our students are dedicated to becoming a PA, and that starts with a thorough understanding of the profession. Given the ongoing pandemic, shadowing opportunities are currently limited, and we do not want that to be a barrier in applying to our program. As such, we have created the “Discovering PA” experience, which is outlined on our Admission to the Program page.

It is mandatory you complete the Discovering PA experience to be considered for admission. Shadowing can be a component of this experience, however PA shadowing is not mandatory, and it is not given preference over other exploratory experiences. We do encourage applicants to shadow a PA if possible, as we believe it to be a valuable exploratory experience.

We hold admissions interviews in the fall of each year, typically during October and November. You will be notified of interview selection status in September or October.

We use a multiple mini-interview format. If selected to interview, you will rotate through a series of timed stations, each containing a question or situation to complete. Your interview day will also consist of an opportunity to meet our students and faculty, tour our campus, and ask questions.

We accept up to 16 students each year at the UNMC Health Sciences Education Complex in Kearney. PA students in Kearney receive equivalent education to PA students in Omaha, and the education is delivered simultaneously between the campuses.

We have excellent technology available to live stream lectures, which originate from both the Omaha and Kearney campus, and to have real-time discussions. Additionally, we have three full-time PA faculty at our Kearney campus.

All of the resources available to UNMC students are available at both campuses, and all of our clinical rotation sites are available to all students regardless of campus attended. Students who choose to attend the Kearney campus often do so because they prefer a smaller class size or smaller town living.

Kearney is a vibrant town, offering wonderful amenities, two large hospitals, and many activities to enjoy. Our students report that they love attending the Kearney campus, and the local community is very embracing of our program.

As a PA student, you will meet with the clinical-year team individually to discuss your goals during clinical clerkships. Every reasonable effort is made for your elective rotation requests and geographic preferences to be met.

All clinical clerkships are assigned by the clinical directors, and you are never responsible for securing your own clerkships. We have an extensive preceptor network that spans the region, country, and globe. Since ours is a Nebraska program, expect to complete many rotations in Nebraska and surrounding states.

Our clinical team is happy to work with you to establish new rotations at your request; however, final decisions regarding site placement always lie with the clinical directors. UNMC is fortunate to have an extensive network of talented preceptors in numerous specialties, ensuring a wonderful clinical year experience for our students.