Incoming PA student requirements

Two penguin figurines standing on a table

Did you know that the penguin is the OHSU PA Program mascot?

Welcome, OHSU PA Class of 2026!

This page is a comprehensive guide for incoming students. Read all the information carefully for a smooth program transition. You'll also receive emails for further details on some onboarding items, but this page serves as a central resource.

First year students from PA25 would like to welcome you with a Welcome Packet full of tips and information from a student perspective.

Student Folder and Pre-matriculation Checklist

You'll get a Student Folder on Microsoft OneDrive to upload required documents. Creating a free Microsoft account might be necessary. Note that full Microsoft Office 365 access is granted upon matriculation, so no need for early purchase.

A Pre-matriculation Checklist link is provided to monitor your onboarding progress. A printable PDF version is also available in your student file. Access to the Student Folder will be via Microsoft OneDrive.

Pre-matriculation Onboarding Requirements

Click on the drop down for detailed information about each requirement.

Background Check

Further information to follow. Complete the background check as soon as you receive the initiation email. 

Compass Modules

These modules will be available in Compass in late Spring and must be complete by June 1 in order to be eligible obtain an OHSU ID badge.  Immediately after receiving your OHSU login information, please login to Compass and complete the following modules:

  • Information Privacy and Security Essentials
  • Respect at the University (RAU)
  • Integrity Foundations

Pre-entrance Immunizations

Before starting your OHSU program, you will need to meet all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization guidelines for health care workers.

Badge Photo

Upload an ID badge photo to your Student Folder. Follow these specifications:

  • File size: Under 170KB
  • Picture size: 200x250 pixels
  • File Type: jpeg or png
  • Orientation: Portrait, in color
  • Background: Light-colored
  • Position: Full face view, from the top of the shoulders up, taken within the last 6 months
  • Lighting: Front facing, no shadows on the face
  • Attire: Workplace appropriate

Authorization Release Form

Complete the Authorization Release Form and upload it to your Student Folder. This form is used to share program-specific information and for media release purposes as listed on the form.

Pre-Matriculation Survey

Complete the survey here before February 16. It aids in buddy assignments, event planning, and ID badge ordering.

Drug Testing

Incoming PA students are required to complete a drug test at an authorized collection site in the spring; the testing window is from 5/8 - 6/9/2024. Please refer to the drug testing information letter and required collection form for additional information, including testing sites.

Verify OHSU email/network account & Student Self-Service

You will receive instructions to log into your OHSU email and network account. Complete the steps outlined and verify you are able to log into Student Self-Service.

BLS Certification

Upload a current BLS Certification valid through June 2025 or later to your Student File. Update any certification expiring before this date before June 30, 2025.

Refer to the BLS Requirement Overview for more information. 

Plagiarism Tutorial and Test

Complete the plagiarism tutorial pass the certification test.

Upload your certificate to your Student File before June 24.

Summer Term Registration

Registration for the Summer 2024 term begins in Spring. Log on to the Student Self-Service website and follow the registration instructions. Complete before June 1 to avoid financial aid delays.

CRN 2762 - PAST 510 Physical Diagnosis
CRN 2763 - PAST 511 Physical Diagnosis Lab
CRN 2764 - PAST 518A Principles of Professional Practice I
CRN 2798 - PAST 528 Introduction to Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine
CRN 2765 - PAST 571 Intro to Pathophysiology/Mechanisms of Disease
CRN 2766 - PAST 572 Intro to Pharmacotherapeutics
CRN 2801 - ANAT 511 UNI Foundations of Clinical Anatomy

Additional Compass Modules

Complete these Compass modules before June 24:

  • Emergency Preparedness at Work and Home
  • Annual Competency in Basic Principles of Infection Prevention

Pre-Matriculation Curriculum

The pre-matriculation course will be accessible via Sakai in late Spring, covering medical terminology, anatomy, and basic science. Aim to spend about four hours weekly over four weeks before the summer term to cover high-priority content. Completing medical terminology can exempt you from the related exam in the first week of the summer term.

Laptop/Smartphones

Both a laptop and smartphone are mandatory for coursework and exams. Both PCs and Macs are acceptable. Please see the specifications sheet (coming soon) for details.

You will also receive an iPad in the first week of school.

Medical Equipment

Pre-order medical equipment as per the upcoming requirements and order form. If ordering through the program vendor, submit before June 1. 

Please refer to the medical equipment requirements and the medical equipment order form.  

Textbooks/eBooks

Access to most required books is available for free through the OHSU Biomedical Information and Communication Center Library. Avoid purchasing additional books until you're familiar with these resources.

The only required textbook for the didactic year is “McCance. Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children (9th Ed).” It is recommended that they also get “Hoppenfeld. Physical Examination of the Spine and Extremities” for the Physical Diagnosis course, but it is not required. All other texts for the summer will be available free online through the library or other sources.

A complete booklist for the summer and fall will be provided in June, with an orientation to help you understand the best and most cost-effective resources.

Student Services & Resources

Housing

OHSU doesn't provide on-campus housing, but several resources can assist in your search:

Consider College Housing Northwest, a local nonprofit that offers ~15% below-market rates.

NOTE: When arranging housing, ensure continuity from the academic year's start through the "transition to clinical year" (June 2024-July 2025). Clinical year rotations commence late July/early August post the July transition. While housing is provided for rotations outside Portland, you must arrange your own accommodation in Portland for local rotations and call-backs. Plan accordingly.

Financial Aid

Visit the Financial Aid Office website for information on financial aid, scholarships, and FAFSA.

Health Insurance

OHSU mandates major medical and dental insurance:

  • Option A: Student Health Insurance Plan
  • Option B: Comparable coverage and approved waiver
    • Secure a waiver for comparable coverage if you already have comparable health insurance and want to continue it. You must apply and be approved for a waiver to avoid being automatically enrolled in and charged for student health insurance.

Also, explore eligibility for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The Office for Student Access provides academic adjustments for equal education access.

Veteran & Veteran’s Dependent Benefits

Explore Veterans Affairs Education Benefits website if you or your family member served in the U.S. military.

Scholarships and Loan Repayment Programs

Explore various options on the Scholarships and Loan Repayment Program site.

Student Self-Service

Log in to Student Self-Service to register for classes, update their contact information, and view their course schedules, grades, degree audit, financial aid, billing statements, and tax documents once you receive your OHSU network access in late Spring.

  • Update address and emergency contact information
  • Student Financial Responsibility
  • Set up Direct Deposit
  • Media Release