PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Current Physician Assistant

IPAP Program

About the IPAP Program

The Army offers well qualified officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers an incredible educational opportunity to become a Physician Assistant (PA) through the IPAP located at the Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The IPAP Program trains approximately 30 ARNG Soldiers a year alongside candidates from the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Army, and U.S. Army Reserve. Graduates earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and receive a commission as a 1LT in the Army Medical Specialist Corps. Officer students receive constructive credit for their commissioned service IAW DODI 6000.13. Graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) before they can provide world-class healthcare to our Soldiers.

Upon acceptance into the IPAP Program, Soldiers will PCS to JBSA-FSH for Phase 1 which consists of approximately 66 weeks of didactic instruction. During Phase 2, Soldiers will be matched with an Army medical treatment facility to complete approximately 57 weeks of clinical training.

Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will return to the OKARNG and apply for Federal Recognition as a 1LT, 65D, Physician Assistant.

Key Benefits:

Comprehensive Training: Receive advanced medical training and ongoing education to enhance your skills.
Leadership Opportunities: Serve as a key member of the healthcare team, with potential for leadership roles.
Diverse Medical Experiences: Work in various settings, including clinics, field hospitals, and emergency environments.
Educational Support: Benefit from tuition assistance and specialized training programs.
Service to Community and Country: Provide vital healthcare services to fellow soldiers while supporting national and state missions.

The Oklahoma Army National Guard values the dedication and expertise of PAs, offering them opportunities to advance their careers while serving their country. This role not only allows you to grow professionally but also to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of service members.

Application Requirement

Requirements are designated through the MILPER Message 24-256 Fiscal Year 2025 Interservice Physician Assistant Training Program Application which can be found at the bottom of the page.
Information listed below highlights the requirements, but applicants are responsible for following all guidance listed in the current MILPER Message.
Questions and application submittal is directed to AMEDD Recruiter, 1LT Leah Young.

University of Nebraska Medical Department (UNMC)

IPAP has an affiliation agreement with UNMC to award the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree at the completion of the program.
Applicants must complete the online IPAP registration through UNICAS for the UNMC at http://ipap.liaisoncas.com
Applicants must send an Official transcript from every university/college they have attended to the UNMC. These can be sent to UNCM digitally or via mail to Liaison – IPAP Transcript Processing Center, PO Box 9140, Watertown, MA 02471

Academic Requirements

Course Prerequisites

Minimum 60 Semester Hours (SH) of college coursework:
- 30 SH can be any classes or credit for military training (e.g., JST transcripts).
- Enlisted applicants must submit their official JST to the University of Nebraska.
- The remaining 30 SH must be completed in residence (classroom or online) with an accredited institution.
- A letter grade of C or better is required (C- or lower will not count).

Specific Course Requirements

6 SH of English (including 3 SH of writing/composition) – CLEP is authorized.
6 SH of Humanities (e.g., government, history, foreign language, art, social science, religion).
3 SH of Psychology (any type, introductory courses count).
6 SH of Chemistry (General Chemistry or higher, completed Fall 2018 or after).
3 SH of Human Anatomy (can be combined Anatomy & Physiology I, completed Fall 2018 or after).
3 SH of Human Physiology (can be combined Anatomy & Physiology II, completed Fall 2018 or after).
3 SH of College Algebra or higher math – Statistics, Intro, or Intermediate algebra do not count – CLEP authorized.
Medical Terminology course within 5 years (Fall 2021 and after).

MOS Related Course Credit

Specific MOS roles receive credit for certain courses (e.g., 68K for General Chemistry, 68X for Psychology).

GPA Requirements

Minimum Science GPA of 3.0 in science courses completed within 8 years of starting IPAP (Fall 2018 or after).
Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.5.
GPA requirements must be met by 1 March 2025.

SAT Requirement

SAT within 5 years of application (1 March 2020 or after).
Minimum score: 450 in reading and math, cumulative score of 1000.
Enter code “3994” on the SAT test form.

PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admissions Test)

All applicants must submit scores by selecting the relevant military branch during registration.
No minimum score requirement.
PA-CAT must be taken by 1 March 2024.

Shadowing Requirement

Minimum of 80 hours of shadowing with a Physician Assistant.
Documented on USAREC Form 601-37.11, with actual hours completed stated.

IPAP Timeline

Timeline for FY25 Applications:

a. Applications are accepted No Earlier Than (NET) 20AUG2024

b. Completed applications are due to Specialty Branch Recruiter NLT 31JAN2025

c. Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) must be taken NLT 01MAR2025 and submitted IAW MILPER Message 24-256 para 4 b. (16).

d. Specialty Branch Recruiter will submit completed applications will be submitted to ARNG IPAP Manager NLT 01MAR2025.

e. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores must be taken NET 01MAR2020 and NLT 08MAR2025 and submitted IAW MILPER Message 24-256 para 4 b.(15).

f. IPAP Board conducted NLT June2025

g. Selected applicants report to Joint Base San Antonio – Fort Sam Houston (JBSA-FSH) for Phase 1 (didactic instruction) lasting 66 weeks at JBSA-FSH.

a) Class one – DEC2025

b) Class two reports APR2026

c) Class three reports AUG2026

h. Phase 2 (clinical training) will occur at selected Army medical treatment facilities for a period of approximately 57 weeks