787 people applied to the MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Training Program in 2012, which reflects an 13% increase in applicants compared to 2011. A total of 270 applicants (just over 33% of the total applicant pool) were interviewed and 122 students (just over 45% of the total interviewed) were chosen to attend MEDEX.

The prior medical experience of applicants continues to be very diverse and most of the accepted class entering in 2012 had more than one area of experience. The clinical experience of our current class ranges from military medical personel, nursing, medical assistants, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics. Other experience includes, but is not limited to, community health aides, physical therapist, licensed massage therapy, Peace Corps experience, experience in clinical research, and International Medical Graduates.

The average number of years of clinical experience of those accepted to the MEDEX program in 2012 was 6.5 years. MEDEX saw a slight difference in the average number of years of clinical experience when the degree options were considered. Applicants who applied to the Masters option had an average of 6.7 years of direct patient care experience while those applying to the Bachelor’s degree option had an average 7.7 years.