Application Resources

The application process for a healthcare program can be intimidating and expensive. Utilize the resources below to familiarize yourself with the following:

1. Knowing what you need, to be considered a competitive applicant for a healthcare program
2. How to prepare to apply to a healthcare program
3. What application, exam, and supplemental materials you need when applying to the programs of your choice

Click on the links below to explore more information on the healthcare application process and materials to best prepare you to apply for your chosen program.

Medical School

AMCAS Application

• The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is the centralized application service used by most U.S. MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs. Applicants seeking admission to an MD program typically apply through AMCAS rather than submitting applications directly to individual medical schools for their first year of enrollment.
• MCAT scores are automatically transmitted to an active AMCAS application, which helps streamline the application process. AMCAS also provides additional tools, guidance, and frequently asked questions to support applicants throughout the cycle. Fee assistance is available for applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
• The AMCAS application cycle generally opens in early May, with submission to medical schools beginning later in the spring. While AMCAS itself does not impose a universal submission deadline, medical schools review applications on a rolling basis and establish their own deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible and should consult individual medical schools for specific timeline and deadline requirements. Applications submitted later in the cycle may be at a competitive disadvantage.
   

AACOMAS Application

• “The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) is the centralized application service used by most U.S. DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs. Applicants seeking admission to a DO program typically apply through AACOMAS rather than submitting applications directly to individual schools.
• Unlike the AMCAS system, MCAT scores are not automatically transmitted to AACOMAS and must be sent by the applicant. AACOMAS also offers fee assistance for applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
• The AACOMAS application cycle generally opens in early May, with applications released to medical schools in mid-June. Application deadlines vary by institution and may extend from fall through spring. Applicants are encouraged to review individual program deadlines and submit applications as early as possible, as earlier submission is generally more competitive.
   

CASPer test

CASPer is a situational judgement test some medical schools require during the application process. It is not a requirement for all programs, and students will want to pay attention to the requirements of the programs to which they are applying to see if the test is needed. The test is 60-90 min and can be completed on any computer with a working webcam.

MCAT 

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a computer based standardized exam for students planning on attending medical school. Students wishing to gain entrance to MD or DO programs must take this exam as part of the application process. Registration begins in October and the exams are offered between January and September on specific dates. Applicants are encouraged to register for the exam as soon as registration opens to obtain their desired time and location. Need based fee waivers, offering the exam at a reduced rate are available for applicants who meet the required criteria.

AAMC Preview

The AAMC Preview is a standardized exam that presents a series of hypothetical scenarios students may encounter in medical school and asks examinees to evaluate the effectiveness of a series of behavioral responses to each scenario. Applicants are invited to take this exam by participating in medical schools. Only the medical schools that have invited a student to take the exam can see the results. Students will register and complete the exam through the AAMC and are able to indicate test information on the AMCAS.

Physician Assistant Programs 

CASPA Application

• The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the centralized application system used by most U.S. Physician Assistant (PA) programs. Applicants typically apply through CASPA rather than submitting applications directly to individual institutions.
• Application materials such as transcripts, test scores (e.g., GRE, when required), and personal statements are submitted directly through the CASPA system. CASPA also provides applicant resources, including guidance materials and frequently asked questions, to help support the application process. Fee assistance is available for applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
• The CASPA application cycle usually opens in late April and closes on April 1 of the following year. However, each PA program establishes its own application deadlines. In addition, institutions may differ in how deadlines are applied—some require all application materials to be fully submitted by the deadline, while others require materials to be verified by CASPA for consideration. Applicants are encouraged to review individual program requirements carefully.
• Students with questions about CASPA timelines or deadlines are encouraged to consult with a UTC Pre-Health Professions advisor for additional guidance.
   

GRE

The Graduate Record Exam is the most common admissions requirements for graduate programs. Registration for the exam as well as test dates are almost year round. Students must register for the exam before taking it, it is recommended to register months in advance. Need based fee waivers, offering the exam at a reduced rate are available for applicants who meet the required criteria.

Direct Patient Care Experience (DPCE) 

PA program applicants are often required to complete direct patient care experience hours prior to applying to PA school. These experiences require that students are placed in direct contact with patients and their care. The linked list shows examples of what could and could not be considered direct patient care. Please refer to the specific program(s) admission websites for information on the number of hours required for admission to that program, and any program specific requirements regarding direct patient care.

Shadowing

PA program applicants may be also required to log shadowing hours with a PA. Shadowing consists of observing the day-to-day tasks/care a PA offers their patients. There is no direct contact with the patient, rather you will observe the PA care for the patient. For this reason, DPCE hours and shadowing are not the same, and most PA programs will have separate requirements for DPCE and shadowing. If you have additional questions about shadowing, please schedule a meeting with the UTC Pre-Health Professions Advisor.

Dental School

ADEA AADSAS Application* 

• “The ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) is the centralized application service used by most U.S. dental programs. Applicants typically apply through ADEA AADSAS rather than submitting applications directly to individual dental schools and designate the programs to which their application should be sent.
• DAT scores must be submitted to ADEA AADSAS by the applicant. Applicants should be mindful of score processing timelines when planning their application submission. ADEA AADSAS also provides applicant resources, including guidance materials and frequently asked questions, to support the application process. Fee assistance is available for applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
• The ADEA AADSAS application cycle generally opens in mid-May, with applications able to be submitted to dental schools starting in early June. The application cycle closes in mid-February. However, each dental school establishes its own application deadlines, and applicants should consult individual institutions for specific requirements. Secondary applications and interviews typically begin in late summer. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to remain competitive.
   

DAT 

The Dental Education Admissions Test is required for admission to most dental programs in Canada, the United States, and its territories. Registration for the exam is almost year round, but it is recommended you register early. Be mindful of program requirements, as some dental schools will not accept an ADEA AADSAS without completed DAT scores included. Fee waivers are available for applicants who meet the required criteria.

Pharmacy School

PharmCAS Application 

• The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) is the centralized application service used by most U.S. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. Applicants may apply to multiple pharmacy schools through PharmCAS rather than submitting applications directly to individual institutions.
• Applicants may submit PCAT scores through PharmCAS; however, many pharmacy programs do not require the PCAT for admission. Students are encouraged to review the requirements of each program of interest before deciding whether to take or submit PCAT scores.
• The PharmCAS application cycle generally opens in mid-July and closes in early June. Each pharmacy program establishes its own application deadlines, and applicants should consult individual institutions or the PharmCAS School Directory for specific deadline information
   

Timeline for Pharmacy Admissions Worksheet

Occupational Therapy

OTCAS Application

• The Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) is a centralized application service administered by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). It allows applicants to use a single application to apply to multiple participating occupational therapy programs.
• Applicants may select from participating AOTA-accredited programs and submit one application through OTCAS. The OTCAS application cycle typically opens in mid-July. After submission, applications and supporting materials undergo a verification process before being transmitted to the selected programs.
• Many occupational therapy programs require applicants to document observation and volunteer hours within OTCAS. Applicants should review the requirements of each program carefully and confirm whether any additional steps outside of OTCAS are required to report or verify these hours.

GRE

• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that may be used by some graduate programs as part of the admissions process. While some programs have moved away from requiring the GRE, others continue to consider it during application review.
• GRE testing dates are offered year-round. Students must register prior to testing, and early registration—often several months in advance—is recommended to allow sufficient time for preparation and score reporting. Need-based fee reduction programs are available for eligible applicants.
  • GRE Requirement Status
    • GRE Required:
      • Some graduate programs continue to require GRE scores as part of the application. Applicants should verify minimum score expectations and submission deadlines for each program.
    • GRE Optional:
      • Programs that list the GRE as optional may allow applicants to decide whether to submit scores. In these cases, applicants should carefully review how optional scores are considered and determine whether submission would strengthen their application.
• Because requirements vary by institution and program, applicants are encouraged to review official program websites and connect with UTC Pre-Health for guidance 
   

Physical Therapy

PTCAS Application

• The Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) is a centralized application service administered by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). PTCAS allows applicants to use a single application and one set of materials to apply to multiple Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs.
• The PTCAS application cycle typically opens in mid-June. Many DPT programs require applicants to document observation and volunteer hours within PTCAS. Applicants should review the requirements of each program carefully and confirm whether any additional steps outside of PTCAS are required to report or verify these hours.
• Prospective students may also use PTCAS and APTA resources to explore accredited DPT programs, learn more about the role of a physical therapist, and access additional applicant guidance.

GRE 

The Graduate Record Exam is the most common admissions requirements for graduate programs. Registration for the exam as well as test dates are almost year round. Students must register for the exam before taking it, it is recommended to register months in advance. Need-based fee waivers, offering the exam at a reduced rate are available for applicants who meet the required criteria.

Veterinary Medicine

VMCAS Application

• The Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) is the centralized application service used by U.S. Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Applicants complete a single application and submit required materials through VMCAS, which are then processed, verified, and transmitted to the designated veterinary programs.
• The VMCAS application cycle typically opens in mid- to late January. Veterinary programs generally become available for selection and submission in mid-May, with final application deadlines occurring in mid-September. Applicants are encouraged to prepare application materials in advance and to review individual program requirements and deadlines, as these may vary by institution.

Optometry School

OptomCAS

OptomCAS is a service of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and is administered by Liaison International. OptomCAS allows optometry applicants to use a single web-based application and one set of materials to apply to multiple schools and colleges of optometry. Applicants who apply through OptomCAS submit a completed web-based application comprised of biographical data, colleges and universities attended, academic course history, recommendations, work experience, extracurricular activities, honors, and a personal essay. Applications typically open at the end of June and remain open until late spring of the following year. Students are encouraged to apply early as Application deadlines will vary for each school or college of optometry.

OAT

The OAT is a comprehensive exam that enables optometry education programs to assess the knowledge and preparedness of program applicants. OAT test results are accepted by all optometry schools in the U.S. and Canada. The four-part test is administered year-round by Prometric Test Centers in the U.S. and its territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canada. The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) is the governing body for the OAT. The test is implemented by the Department of Testing Services (DTS), which is a shared service of the American Dental Association.