2024 OHSU PA Program Interviews

Welcome to the OHSU PA Program

Congratulations on your interview with the OHSU PA Program!  We look forward to meeting you during your interview.  This website offers essential resources to get you acquainted with OHSU and ready for your interview day. Need more info? Just reach out.

Interview Format and Information
The OHSU PA Program utilizes a combination of multiple mini interviews (MMIs), an individual interview, and a group activity for our interview process. Our process includes:

  • Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs): Brief, scenario-based interviews assessing non-cognitive skills. Consists of short stations that are 10 mins in length and 2 minutes to read the scenario/interview question and 8 minutes to respond. May include role playing with an actor, completing a specific task, or responding to a scenario/prompt.
  • Individual Interview: This is a one-on-one interview with program leadership or senior faculty. You will be asked specific questions about your personal and professional preparation for PA school. This station is 10 mins long, but there will not be 2 minutes of preparation.
  • Group Activity: In groups of 5, candidates will work through a 25-minute activity.

Evaluation
In the interview process, we are assessing:

  • Communication
  • Self-reflection and self-awareness
  • Empathy
  • Teamwork
  • Ethical responsibility to self and others
  • Cultural awareness and humility
  • Resilience and adaptability
  • Professional and personal preparation

Interview Day Information

The following information is provided to give you an overview of what to expect during the interview day. We will go over more details about how the sessions will be conducted, and you will have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions on the day of your interview. Please expand the interview format below to find out more information about your interview day.

Your full schedule will arrive a week prior with details and links for both Kira and Webex platforms. Please ensure that you follow the schedule precisely to ensure a smooth and successful interview experience for you and your group of candidates.

Kira interview stations
We will be using Kira for our MMI stations and individual interview which is built into the circuit. The Kira platform is built to conduct higher education admissions interviews, which means that ease-of-use and a seamless experience for applicants are top priorities. Before your interview, you’ll have a chance to explore the platform, complete some practice questions, and ensure your laptop, microphone and camera are all working. For total peace of mind, you’ll also have access to 24/7 technical support from the Kira Talent team.

Webex for Group Interview and Online Events
We will be using Webex for the Group Interview and additional interview events such as the Lunchtime Mix & Mingle, program overview, faculty & alumni panels and student support services presentation. Your Webex support team with by the OHSU admissions team. 

Webex Tips
For the purposes of your interview, Webex works best on desktop/laptop. Webex may be used on mobile devices, but navigation can be more challenging than on a computer. A connected camera and microphone are required.

  • WebEx Help Center
  • Join a WebEx Meeting
  • Create or edit your People Insights Profile.  Use the link at the bottom of the page titled "Create or Edit Your People Insights Profile-Meeting and Event Guests" to learn how to edit your profile and include information such as a photo, phonetic name, and your pronouns.  Note: Completing the People Insights Profile is optional.  If you do choose to edit your profile, we will not refer to the current/past positions, bio, or social media information, so those sections may be left blank. 
  • Use a virtual background

Lunchtime Mix & Mingle
You will have the opportunity to meet with current students and learn about their path to PA school and their experience in the program so far. These sessions will be held during the lunchbreak. The link to your scheduled Lunchtime Mix & Mingle will be available on your individual schedule.

Meetings take place from 12:10 – 12:50 pm on online interview days.

Candidate Care Packages
The admissions team would like to treat you to snacks, goodies, and program swag for your interview. Please ensure that your mailing address is updated in CASPA and be on the lookout for your delivery.

Virtual Tour
Explore our campus using the OHSU Campus Virtual Tour tool. Make sure to check out our homebase, the Robertson Life Sciences Building, and the Simulation Center on your tour.

Interview Attire
The interview attire is ‘business dress.’ Candidates should dress appropriately as you would for a job interview in a professional role. 

All in-person interviews will be held in the Mark Richardson Interprofessional Simulation Center (MRISC) in the Robertson Life Sciences Building on the South Waterfront campus.

Logistics

  • 8:15 – 8:30 am – Arrival time and Check-in
    RLSB is badge-access only. A program representative will meet you at the main entrance of the building (Moody Ave). From there, signs in the building will direct you to check-in.
     
  • 8:30 – 9:00 am - Welcome meeting
    We will hold a welcome meeting on the 2nd floor to go over the interview day, format and answer any questions you may have. You will receive your room and group number prior to your interview.  
     
  • 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Interviews in progress
    Interviews will be held on the 2nd floor and in the Mark Richardson Interdisciplinary Simulation Center on the 3rd floor
     
  • 12:00 – 12:50 pm Lunch with current students
     
  • 1:00 – 1:15 pm – Interview day wrap-up
    We’ll go over next steps and answer any questions you may have.
     
  • 1:30 – 3:00 pm – Optional Campus Tour
    Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate gear.
     
  • Aerial Tram Ticket: Courtesy of OHSU.
     
  • Nearby Hotels

Interview Attire
The interview attire is ‘business dress.’ Candidates should dress appropriately as you would for a job interview in a professional role.

Get to know us!

Our Mission
To serve as a model of excellence in physician assistant education by preparing graduates to provide patient-centered, evidence-based, and culturally appropriate health care to diverse populations, and to promote lifelong learning, leadership, and service.  Read more about our mission and goals.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
OHSU has the goal of becoming a truly anti-racist and multicultural institution. The PA Program incorporates an ongoing and honest examination of how Physician Assistant curricula can go beyond teaching about physical or cultural diversity and seek to empower the next generation of Physician Assistants to disrupt and dismantle institutional racism. Learn more on our website. 

Additional Online Events
In addition to the interview, we highly recommend attending the virtual events we have planned for you on October 25. Links to the events will be sent to you with details about your interview.  All times listed are Pacific Time zone.  

  • OHSU PA Program Overview (10:30 - 11:30 am) - We'll give you an overview institution and program specific information that is important for you to know.
  • PA Program Faculty & Alumni Panels (12:00 - 1:00 pm) - meet our faculty and alumni and learn about their path to PA school, their career path, and their role in the program.
  • OHSU Student Support Service (1:30 - 2:30 pm) - find out about all the great student services OHSU has to offer. 

Meet the Team
Get to know the OHSU PA Program Faculty and Staff and learn more about each member of the PA program on our website.

OHSU's Center for Learner Diversity and Inclusion Meet and Greet Reception
You are invited to participate in virtual and/or in-person Meet and Greet reception hosted by OHSU's Center for Diversity and Inclusion. You'll have the opportunity to speak with current students, residents, and faculty from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. These events are a great way to network and have a chance to ask questions.  Please refer to the CLDI Meet and Greet Reception flyer 2024 for dates and registration.

Academic Reminders

For "In Progress" courses on your CASPA app, update grades once completed. Official transcripts will be verified post-acceptance. If needed earlier, we'll notify you.