PA school interview formats
Each program sets its own interview. Many use multiple mini interviews (MMIs), a series of short, timed stations, each with its own scenario; Emory calls it a format "used at many PA programs and Medical Schools in the US." Others use traditional or group interviews. Some combine formats, and some hold interviews online. Read every invitation for the format, and prepare for the one you'll actually face.
The main formats
- Multiple mini interview (MMI): a circuit of short stations, each with a different question or scenario. The AAMC, which covers medical school admissions, describes MMIs as a series of 6 to 10 stations; PA programs vary (UF uses 8 and UT Southwestern 10). OHSU says its stations "don't have right or wrong answers."
- Traditional or individual interview: a one-on-one conversation, often with faculty or program leaders (at OHSU, "program leadership or senior faculty") about your path and preparation.
- Group interview or activity: you complete an activity with other applicants (at OHSU, groups of five for 25 minutes).
How five programs interview
| Program | What its page says |
|---|---|
| OHSU page checked Oct 2026 | MMI stations (10 minutes each: 2 to review the scenario, 8 to respond), a 15-minute individual interview with program leadership or senior faculty, and a 25-minute group activity in groups of five. Offers online and in-person interviews; online, it uses Kira for the MMI and individual interview and Webex for the group activity. Asks for business attire either way |
| Emory page checked Oct 2026 | Online MMI via Zoom, scheduled on a rolling basis, first come, first served; once slots fill, candidates go to a waitlist. Interviews run in August and September, so this cycle's are over. The MMIs are "not used to assess a candidate’s medical knowledge" |
| University of Florida page checked Oct 2026 | A two-day visit: orientation on day one, then an 8-station MMI with PA faculty, community stakeholders and a clinical-year student. In-person or virtual; UF says either format "will not impact final decisions of acceptance" |
| UT Southwestern page checked Oct 2026 | In-person interview day with a 10-station MMI, per its FAQ; 2026–27 dates weren't posted as of October 2026 |
| Commonwealth University PAEA directory, 2026–27 | Traditional and group interviews; onsite interview not required (confirm with the program how interviews are held) |
Examples, not a ranking. Formats and interview seasons differ and change from one cycle to the next, so check each program's dates and follow each invitation.
What programs say they're looking for
OHSU lists communication, self-reflection and self-awareness, empathy, teamwork, ethical responsibility to self and others, cultural awareness and sensitivity, resilience and adaptability, and professional and personal preparation. Emory's MMIs assess communication, understanding of medical ethical issues or health policy, problem-solving, maturity, attitudes and interpersonal skills.
How to prepare
- Read your invitation closely for the format, platform, timing and dress code.
- Know your own application. OHSU's individual interview asks about your patient care experience and your path to the profession.
- Practice out loud, with a timer, explaining how you'd think through a situation, not reciting a script. Prepare for a traditional interview too, not just MMIs.
- For online interviews, test your camera, microphone and platform ahead of time. OHSU lets you try Kira practice questions first.
- Bring your questions. UF's PA faculty say applicants "cannot make an informed decision about their first-choice School unless all of their questions have been answered."
- Apply early where interviews fill. Emory schedules interviews first come, first served, and recommends applying as soon as your requirements are complete.
Related guides
Free: the Patient Care Hours Starter Kit. A 3-step check for whether a job counts at your schools, CASPA's categories on one page, and a simple hours log. Built from the same program pages as this guide.
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What is an MMI for PA school?
A multiple mini interview is a series of short, timed stations, each with its own scenario or question. At OHSU, each station lasts 10 minutes: 2 to review the prompt and 8 to respond. Programs like Emory, the University of Florida and UT Southwestern also use MMIs.
Are PA school interviews virtual?
Some are. Emory holds online MMIs via Zoom, the University of Florida and OHSU offer online or in-person interviews, and UT Southwestern's FAQ describes in-person interviews. Check each invitation.
Sources (all opened October 2026)
- OHSU PA Program: Interviews: https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/physician-assistant/interviews
- Emory PA Program: Interview day: https://med.emory.edu/departments/family-preventive/divisions-programs/physician-assistant-program/admissions/interview.html
- University of Florida PA Program: Orientation and interviews: https://pa.med.ufl.edu/admissions/interviews/orientationinterviews
- UT Southwestern PA Program: Prospective students FAQ: https://shp.utsouthwestern.edu/programs/physician-assistant-studies/prospective-students.html
- PAEA program directory: Commonwealth University PA Program: https://paeaonline.org/program/commonwealth-university-physician-assistant-program
- AAMC: What it's like to participate in multiple mini interviews: https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/what-it-s-participate-multiple-mini-interviews-mmis