Vela Grad among newest cohort to UTRGV Physician Assistant Career Track Early Assurance Program

Photo above — The UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant Studies has admitted the five newest members of the Physician Assistant Career Track. (UTRGV courtesy photo) 

By Victoria Brito Morales

Edinburg Texas, Sept. 14, 2023 – The UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant Studies has admitted the five newest members of the Physician Assistant Career Track. Among the new members is Alan Loredo, a Robert Vela High School graduate.

In addition to graduating from Robert Vela High School in June 2023, Alan Loredo received a certificate of Completion from the Emergency Medical Technology program at South Texas College during commencement ceremonies in May 2023.

he UTRGV Department of Physician Studies welcomed the newest cohort to its annual white coat ceremony. This is the fourth cohort of the program.

UTRGV PACT Early Assurance Program selects a limited number (up to 10) of high-achieving South Texas students.  Admitted students will begin their UTRGV undergraduate education in the Honors College in any major each fall, and if the requirements for admission to the College of Health Professions Master in Physician Assistant Studies degree program are met, students will be guaranteed a seat in the UTRGV College of Health Professions MPAS upon completion of all PA Program admission requirements. Enter UTRGV as incoming first-year students.

To qualify for PACT, students must:

• Submit letters of recommendation from high school teachers, counselors, or administrators.
• Demonstrate maturity, motivation, and other attributes reflecting exceptional leadership, character, and achievement through recommendation letters from school counselors, a personal written statement, a video essay, and interviews.
• Have scored at the 90th percentile or above in one sitting on the SAT* (math & critical reading) or the ACT.*
• Rank in the top 5% of their high school graduating class and 
• Possess a minimum 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 scale and a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA in science courses.

The 28-month program accepts up to 10 students per academic year. With the exception of last year’s record-breaking eight-student cohort, the highly competitive program historically has only admitted five students per academic year. 

The other students in the 2023-2024 cohort are:

• Angela Gonzalez, La Joya High School, La Joya.
• Alan Ochoa, UTRGV Math and Science Academy, Edinburg.
• Araely Ruiz, Jimmy Carter Early College High School, La Joya.
• Isabella Bucardo, Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy, Mission.

“Every year, we are more and more impressed with the students who apply to the PACT program,” said Angelica Urbina, clinical assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Physician Assistant. “This year was no exception. The students who have been selected for the 4rth PACT cohort are truly outstanding.”

For more information on the PACT program, visit utrgv.edu/pa/pact/.