Why Apply to the University of Medical Sciences Arizona (UMSAz)
If you would like to study at a university located in downtown Honolulu, at an institution that emphasizes that its students can help to create a better tomorrow, you're looking in the right place.
For the working individual, the online courses are asynchronous thus giving flexibility; interactive web-based programs with graphics, videos and audio clips thus giving versatility. Our students have 24 hour access to their courses and the library and can schedule meetings with their professor and faculty advisor if required.
Listed below are the Admissions Criteria. All applicants must submit the required documents to be considered for acceptance into a program.
Thought provoking learning environment that facilitates interdisciplinary interactions.
Experienced Professors
Scholarly professors that implement real clinical experience within the virtual and in classroom environment.
Doctorate Programs
Rigorous doctoral programs that enhance critical thinking, develop research skills that lead to scholarship and other scholarly activities.
Available support from student services to ensure your needs are met to be successful with your academic journey.
Official transcripts of your Bachelor or Masters degree (or international equivalent) from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university if graduated, showing a 3.00 GPA. If you have not graduated but have taken your final exam, please provide details of exam results.
*International Students Only: A copy of an approved transcript evaluator if student earned Bachelor or Masters degree equivalent outside the United States. Please note that UMSAz will need the evaluator to send the original report directly to:
University of Medical Sciences Arizona
1001 Bishop St., Suite 1035
Honolulu, HI USA 96813 USA
Below is a list of approved evaluators. If your evaluator is not listed please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@umsaz.org.
Approved Transcript Evaluator
(a) World Education Services (WES)
(b) Evaluation World
A SOP is an opportunity for you to discuss and convince the admission reviewers of your interest and knowledge, making you a suitable candidate to pursue the chosen program at the university. In other words, an SOP is your chance to shine and make yourself stand out.
SOP Guidelines
Length: A SOP should be a maximum of 4,000 characters (700-800 words).
Content: It is expected that you will focus on your academic qualifications and achievements.
Font Size and Style: 12 font size in Times New Roman
Paragraph Spacing: Single space with double space between paragraphs
Around 75% to 90% of your SOP should be academic, highlighting your passion for the intended program of study, research publications (if any) and/or any presentations given at the national or state level or seminars/workshops you have presented in. A discussion of your academic career objectives with its correlation to the proposed program of study should also be included.
Provide a video that is no longer than 10 minutes answering the following questions.
Please begin with a brief introduction of yourself
Describe a time when you had to solve a problem at your job but didn't have all the information and had to use a collaborative/interdisciplinary approach.
Provide an example of a difficult patient and how you overcame that challenge.
How has evidence-based practice worked for you in your clinical experience?
How comfortable are you using an e-library?
How comfortable are you in participating in an online program?
Two letters of recommendations from any member of the academic staff of graduating institution or employer, or current senior colleagues and consultants.
Reading & Writing Sample
Applicant is required to provide a writing sample from an article that is included in the application. The writing sample is based on questions and statements from the provided article.
Submit Professional License
Copy of current license to practice in professional field (eg nursing, occupational therapist and physical therapist license)
Note: not required for PhD in Rehabilitation Science program applicants
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY: English Language Proficiency Test
An English language proficiency test is required. The IELTS and TOEFL standard of English Language levels listed below are applicable to all postgraduate courses. The table also lists the equivalents from other test providers.
Minimum Grade
IELTS Average 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)
TOEFL* (Internet-based) 87 (minimum component scores of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21)
TOEFL* (Paper-based) 550
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) 59-75 (with 4 minimum component scores of 59)
Berlitz (offered by UMSAz) CEFR B2 level
The UMSAz is open to receive applications all year around. Semesters begin in January (Spring), May (Summer), August (Fall) of each year. The Spring and Fall semesters are 16 weeks in length while the Summer semester is 12 weeks in length. Applications will be accepted up to 2 weeks before classes are scheduled to commence.
A completed application form with a $55 application fee
UMSAz is open to receive applications all year around. Semesters begin in January (Spring), May (Summer), August (Fall) of each year. The Spring and Fall semesters are 16 weeks in length whilst the Summer semester is 12 weeks in length. Applications will be accepted up to 2 weeks before classes are scheduled to commence.
Applicants who have been accepted will receive an email with the acceptance letter and enrollment form within 2 weeks of receiving the completed application.
Programs that require on campus lab time, which are normally 3-5 days in length and held once a semester must be attended in person (subject to any federal or local Covid-19 restrictions put in place). If unable to attend the labs in person the applicant will receive either an 'Incomplete' grade, and labs will still have to be taken or a failing grade, requiring them to repeat the course. International students that are accepted into degree programs that require on-campus attendance are required to present documentation that proves they can reside legally in the United States.
Once you have completed the application form and uploaded all necessary documents, ensure payment of the non-refundable $55 application fee is made and submitted. Should the application arrive after the stated deadline, the application will automatically be considered for the next admissible semester.
If you need assistance completing your application or if you have questions, please contact Admissions at admissions@umsaz.org or call +1-808-867-2900. Office hours: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm HST, Monday to Thursday; 7:00 am - 11:00 am HST on Friday.
All submitted documents are the property of the institution and are held in the applicant's secured record.
Apply NowSchedule Talk with Admissions
Semester Begins
Spring Semester 2023 December 30, 2022 January 3, 2023
Spring Semester B 2023 March 10, 2023 March 20, 2023
Summer Semester 2023 April 14, 2023 May 1, 2023
Fall Semester 2023 August 4, 2023 August 21, 2023
Where to submit necessary documents?
Documents not submitted through the online method can be mailed to: