Has there been a shift in applicants to PA programs?

This study analyzed 10 years of data (2002-2011) from the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and 5 years of PA matriculate data (2007-2011). The authors found a 93% increase in the number of CASPA-participating programs and a 255% increase in the number of unique applicants. Applicants per seat rose from1.8 to 2.8. Relatively constant trends were identifi ed in age, sex, ethnic composition, and disadvantaged status of applicants. Female matriculates ranged from 73% to 77% but other major demographic features of matriculates remained relatively constant. Trends in academic data of matriculates revealed a rising undergraduate total grade point average (GPA). The percentage of students with military experience declined. Establishing a baseline of applicant characteristics can helprefine program recruitment strategies at state and national levels and help target applicants not previously included.