About the program
The Rocky Vista University PA program is described in PAEA's published program data; full curriculum details, faculty, and admissions cycle specifics are maintained on the program's own website.
From the program's mission statement: "The RVU PA Program prepares clinically competent, collaborative, compassionate PAs through a rigorous, hands-on curriculum, to serve the needs of diverse communities"
Competency by design curriculum; extended clinical phase; on campus simulation lab; rural rotations
Matriculant data
Actual stats for students who enrolled in the most recently reported cohort, sourced from PAEA's published program data.
Admission policies
Out-of-state applicants are accepted. International applicants: no. DACA status applicants are not considered. Distance learning is not offered. Part-time enrollment is not available.
Prerequisite coursework
This program publishes its prerequisite list on its own website rather than through PAEA. Verify required coursework with the admissions office before applying.
Program overview
Rocky Vista University's PA program in Colorado awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies over a 27-month full-time curriculum that begins in September 2027. The program holds Continued accreditation from ARC-PA and accepts out-of-state applicants, though international applicants are not eligible. With an incoming class of 42 students, it offers a relatively intimate cohort environment with no part-time or distance learning options available.
The curriculum blends traditional didactic instruction with case-based, systems-based, and problem-based learning approaches, reflecting a hybrid model designed to build clinical reasoning progressively. Standout structural features include a competency-by-design framework, an extended clinical phase, an on-campus simulation lab, and access to rural rotations - elements that align directly with the program's mission to prepare graduates to serve diverse communities, including underserved and rural populations. Applicants drawn to hands-on, community-focused training will find the mission and structure coherent with that priority.
Competitive matriculants have averaged a 3.7 overall GPA and a 3.5 science GPA, though the minimum threshold is a 3.0 overall. There is no stated time limit on prerequisite coursework. Healthcare experience is required for admission, but paid direct patient care is not a strict requirement - meaning volunteer or unpaid clinical exposure may satisfy this condition. Applicants should verify with the program what formats of healthcare experience are considered acceptable given this distinction.
Total tuition runs $111,896 with a single tuition rate regardless of residency status, and a $1,000 seat deposit is required upon acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis with a deadline of September 1, 2026, making early submission a practical advantage. The process requires at least three letters of reference and involves both traditional and group interview formats, neither of which requires an onsite visit, giving candidates flexibility in the interview stage.
An applicant should assess fit here by honestly weighing their healthcare experience profile against the program's requirements, their commitment to rural and community medicine, and whether the competency-based, systems-integrated curriculum matches how they learn best.