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PA School Requirements – How to Become a Physician’s Assistant

March 16, 2024

Have you always wanted to study medicine but are hesitant to take on a career that potentially has a poor work-life balance? Do you feel called to the bustling medical field but believe that time for one-on-one patient treatment is essential for quality care? Do you love the idea of independently treating patients and making decisions in their diagnoses but also value working with a team and hope to do so in your career? If so, then becoming a physician’s assistant may be just the path for you!  In general, medical school admissions and applying to programs across all healthcare fields can be challenging and complex. In this article, we’ll describe the differences between how to become a physician’s assistant and how to become a doctor, and also detail specific PA school requirements so you can be better equipped to apply within this exciting and burgeoning field!

What Exactly is a Physician’s Assistant?

Physicians’ assistants are licensed clinicians who practice in nearly every medical specialty and who – under the guidance of physicians – examine, diagnose, and treat patients in hospitals, outpatient centers, and doctor’s offices. This is a rapidly expanding field that is expected to see up to 27% growth in the next ten years (which is much higher than the average profession!). It’s also an incredibly lucrative profession: physician’s assistants can expect to make around $126,010 a year by mid-career. [i] One reason you may choose to be a physician’s assistant is that PA school requirements are quite different from physician schooling requirements.

While an M.D. or D.O. can expect to spend four years in medical school and an additional three to five years in their residency, graduate school for a PA takes just a little over two years. On the other hand, doctors can expect to make more money than PAs (about twice as much per year, on average). [ii] Another big difference between the two professions is that physician’s assistants cannot open their own private practices; they must work within a hospital or healthcare system or a doctor’s office. However, their work-life balance tends to be much more stable, with more standardized hours and less overall stress. [iii]

PA Tuition, Admissions, and Program Lengths

As you consider PA school requirements, it’s helpful to think about the financial costs of PA schooling, the overall amount of time you’ll actually spend in school, and your chances of actually being admitted. On average, physician’s assistant schooling costs about $95,000 for a 27-month program (nonresidents can expect to pay about $8,000 more). [iv] Coursework is full-time and takes approximately two years to complete, plus about a year of clinical practice before you can receive your license. Finally, admissions for PA school can be competitive, with an approximate 20% acceptance rate overall (though many schools are even more competitive, with acceptance rates as low as 2.3% for schools like Duke); for this reason, it’s essential to know the best strategies for how to become a physician’s assistant so you can better your odds of admission! [v]

Applying to PA school is a long process. If you plan on entering PA school directly after you receive your bachelor’s degree, this process often begins in the fall of your junior year of your undergraduate coursework. But if you’re starting the application process later in your college career (or if you’ve been out of college for a while), don’t despair – many folks become physician’s assistants after joining the workforce in other capacities. Below, we’ve highlighted steps you’ll need to take before and during the PA school application process to be the most successful candidate for admission.

PA School Requirements: Before the Application Process

If you’re wondering how to become a physician assistant, one of the first steps you can take is to have a robust GPA. According to the PA Education Association’s annual program survey from 2021, the average GPA of all accepted physician assistants was 3.6, with a science GPA average of 3.6 as well. [vi]

Degree and Courses

If you’re seeking a career as a physician’s assistant, you will most likely have a bachelor’s degree in the sciences (biology, pre-med, etc.); however, for many schools, this is not strictly a PA school requirement. Rather, PA school requirements often include prerequisite courses that you’ll need to take before admission. These will be specific to the program to which you apply, but are usually courses in biology, human anatomy, chemistry, statistics, and physiology.

Practical Experience

While your grades and test score numbers are important, an essential PA school requirement is also practical experience. Many physician’s assistant programs require a minimum of practical healthcare hours that students should have completed upon application (hour amounts vary by school but can tally between 1,000 to 2,000 on average). The Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants ( CASPA – more on this below) divides “experience” into several categories: healthcare experience, leadership experience, patient care experience, research, shadowing, teaching experience, volunteering, non-healthcare employment, and extracurricular activities. [vii] Below, we’ve detailed ideas on how you can attain hours in some of these PA school requirements:

• Patient Care Experience: This is probably the most significant type of experience you’ll need for your PA school application. It includes any experience in which you are directly responsible for a patient’s care. CASPA specifically describes patient care as: “prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, dental hygienist, etc.” Finding employment opportunities as an athletic trainer, home health aide, medical scribe, mental health worker, military medic, occupational therapy assistant, healthcare practitioner on a mission trip, sonographer, substance abuse counselor, or public health responder is an excellent way to meet required hours for patient care experience.
• Healthcare Experience: After direct patient care, healthcare experience is probably the next most valuable attribute in terms of PA school requirements. Healthcare experience is work that includes patient interaction but not direct responsibility for a patient’s care. If you’ve worked in a healthcare setting (such as a doctor’s office, hospital, nursing home or outpatient facility) and delivered meals, cleaned patient rooms, filled prescriptions, or performed record-keeping duties, any of these actions count as healthcare experience.

PA School Requirements – How to Become a Physician’s Assistant (Continued)

• Research: This includes scientific and medical research done outside your normal courses. Many university professors and departments offer research experience opportunities for their students. Responsibilities at this level usually include editing and data collection and compilation. Check with your major advisor to see if there are any openings for research positions at your school.
• Shadowing: This invaluable experience includes following and/or training with a working professional in the medical field. Not only does shadowing provide experience, it will let you know if being a PA is truly the right career path for you. If you know the specialty (for instance, cardiology, pediatrics, obstetrics, dermatology) you’d like to work in as a PA, it’s an excellent idea to shadow a PA already working in that particular field. In general, shadowing opportunities are available in primary care offices, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, urgent care facilities, and local hospitals.
• Teaching Experience: Many undergraduate programs offer course- and major-specific tutoring opportunities for more advanced students. Check with your university’s tutoring centers to see if this kind of job is available for you. Teaching opportunities may also occur if your professors accept undergraduate teaching assistants or if you work in a volunteer capacity where you have the chance to train incoming volunteers.

 How to Become a Physician’s Assistant (Continued)

• Volunteering: This includes work that you’ve done in a volunteer capacity outside of healthcare or direct patient care and it helps demonstrate your compassion and commitment to your community. Have you ever worked at a soup kitchen? A blood drive? Have you ever tutored, mentored or offered your time at a local community center or church? If you are seeking volunteer opportunities, check out how you can participate in local fundraisers or organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross .
• Leadership Experience: While this type of PA school requirement isn’t directly related to healthcare, if you’ve held a leadership position it can demonstrate to your application readers that you are organized, responsible, and able to guide others. Leadership experience can include any instances where you have been a president, founder, or other leader of a club, fraternity, sorority, or volunteer group. It may also include organizing efforts: if you’ve ever spearheaded a community organization or initiative, be sure to include this leadership example in your application!
• Non-Healthcare Employment: This includes any kind of paid labor you have performed outside of the healthcare field. In particular, if you’ve worked in any capacity that required teamwork, organization, or interpersonal skills, it can be beneficial to showcase those jobs in your application materials. If you’ve had several paid non-healthcare jobs, it can be useful to list those you’ve worked at longest: doing so will demonstrate your commitment and staying power.
• Extracurricular Activities: This includes any kind of unpaid participation you’ve had in clubs, teams, or affinity groups. While this experience will not give admissions committees a specific glimpse of your medical or professional experience, extracurriculars demonstrate that you are willing to join and partake in community activities.

PA School Requirements: During the Application Process

Nearly all physician’s assistant programs utilize the CASPA application portal for their admissions process and it is a crucial step in how to become a physician assistant. If a school does not use CASPA, be sure to check their specific application requirements before applying. Additionally, some schools will require specific application essays for admissions. The CASPA application portal opens in late April, and deadlines for PA school applications can vary widely. As such, it is essential to be aware of deadlines for each of the specific schools to which you will apply.

Another essential PA school requirement is a strong score on your Graduate Record Examination, or GRE . According to the 2021 PAEA program report, students admitted to physician’s assistant programs scored, on average, 153 on the verbal, 152.4 on the quantitative, and 4.1 on the analytical sections of the GRE. [viii] All of these are average or above-average GRE scores . You can take the GRE up to five times in a year, and with at least a 21-day gap between each testing session. For PA school, it is advised that you take your GRE by February of your application year so that you have time to retake it if necessary and so your prospective schools receive your GRE scores in time.

Letters of Recommendation

CASPA requires at least three letters of recommendation for each applicant, though you are allowed to submit up to five during each admissions cycle. You should choose letter writers who can speak to your specific skills and viability as a candidate for PA school. These will usually be writers who can address your professional, scholastic, organizational, and personal qualities. Excellent candidates for this PA school requirement are PAs you have shadowed, professors, employers, or supervisors. Be sure to ask for recommendations by February of your application year. This allows your recommenders plenty of time to draft and send their letters.

Additional Resources

If you found this article to be helpful, we suggest also visiting relevant blogs on:

• Best Osteopathic Medical Schools – DO Acceptance Rates – 2024
• How Long Does It Take to Become a Doctor?
• Direct Admit Nursing Programs

PA School Requirements – How to Become a Physician’s Assistant – Sources

[i] Smith-Barrow, Delece and Ilana Kowarski. “Should You Become a Physician Assistant or Doctor?” U.S. News & World Report. 13 May 2019.   https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2014/08/25/weigh-becoming-a-physician-assistant-instead-of-a-medical-doctor

[ii] Pasquini, Stephen. “How Much Does it Cost to go to Physician Assistant School?” The Physician Assistant Life. https://www.thepalife.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-go-to-physician-assistant-pa-school

[iii] “The PA Pipeline to Practice: Applicant and Matriculant Data from CASPA.” https://paeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/Applicant-and-Matriculant-Data-from-CASPA.pdf

[iv] PAEA Research Program Report 36. Data from the 2021 Program Survey. https://paeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PAEA-PR36-final-v5-3_updated-2-9-24.pdf

[v] PAEA Research Program Report 36. Data from the 2021 Program survey, pg. 55. https://paeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PAEA-PR36-final-v5-3_updated-2-9-24.pdf

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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How to Become a Physician Assistant

Physician assistants are integral members of the healthcare industry. Here's how to become one.

Are you interested in a career as a physician assistant? Read our step-by-step guide to becoming a PA — from college to licensure.

If you’ve had a medical appointment or undergone a medical procedure recently, there’s a good chance that you received care from a physician assistant (PA).

Originally licensed to—quite literally—assist physicians and increase the number of qualified medical practitioners, PAs today provide much of the same patient care as doctors. 

Like other medical practitioners, PAs undergo years of education to gain significant clinical experience before they can begin practicing medicine. However, the process for becoming a PA differs from becoming a doctor, nurse, or nurse practitioner. 

This step-by-step guide will help you navigate how to become a physician assistant so you can begin your medical career.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant (PA), also called a physician associate, is a healthcare professional who works directly with patients. PAs work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other clinical settings to diagnose and treat illness, prescribe medication, and handle preventative care. 

Physician assistants have many of the same responsibilities as doctors. In numerous clinical settings, patients may receive care from either a physician or PA. In most states, PAs work under a collaborative agreement with a physician. In practice, however, many PAs practice medicine with significant autonomy.

According to the national professional society for physician assistants, the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) , physician assistants can:

• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Conduct medical histories and physical exams
• Order and interpret diagnostic testing
• Develop treatment plans, including prescribing medication
• Provide advice on prevention and preventative care 
• Perform some medical procedures and assist in surgical procedures
• Conduct rounds in hospitals, nursing homes, and other clinical settings 
• Plan and participate in clinical research

You’ll find many PAs who work in family medicine, internal medicine, and other general medicine settings. 

PAs can also specialize in a variety of roles, including anesthesia, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and cardiology. 

Is Becoming a Physician Assistant a Good Career Choice?

Physician assistant can be an excellent career choice for anyone interested in practicing medicine. 

US News and World Report ranked physician assistant as the third best overall job and the second best job in healthcare for 2022. This evaluation is based on factors such as median salary, long-term demand, stress levels, and work-life balance.

Here are some specific reasons why you may want to consider becoming a PA.

Excellent Job Security

The job market for PAs is strong and expected to continue to grow rapidly. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics , demand for PAs may grow by as much as 28 percent between 2021 and 2031. This means there will be nearly 40,000 more jobs for PAs in the next decade.

Competitive Salaries

A job as a physician assistant can pay well. The typical annual salary range for PAs in 2022 was between $105,000 and $126,000, with a median salary of $114,000. As with many careers, PA salaries depend on level of education, years of experience, area of specialization, healthcare setting, and location.

Focus on Patient Care

If you love working with people and are interested in building relationships with your patients, PA might be a great career choice. In many settings, PAs are directly responsible for patient care. You will likely be performing hands-on medical procedures and working one-on-one with your patients to treat illnesses and advise on preventative care.

Career Flexibility

As a PA, you can pivot between specialties throughout your career. For example, you may start your career in emergency medicine, then move into a family practice. Or, you may begin in internal medicine and shift to dermatology or orthopedics. Your education and training as a PA offers the potential for a dynamic career pathway.

Schedule Flexibility

Like most careers in the medical field, PAs may be required to work long hours and fulfill on-call responsibilities. 

However, because PAs have the option to work in different types of clinical settings, you have the option to find a schedule that supports your work-life balance, such as working regular hours every week. Alternatively, you may choose shift work that allows you the flexibility, depending on your specific workplace, to choose how much and when you work. 

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Steps to Become a Physician Assistant

One of the top benefits of becoming a PA instead of a doctor is that you spend less time in the classroom before beginning your career. 

That doesn’t mean, however, that becoming a PA is easy. You will still need to earn an advanced degree and pass a certification exam before you can begin to practice medicine. 

Here are the typical steps you’ll need to take to launch your career as a physician assistant.

1. Earn Your Undergraduate Degree

Earning your bachelor’s degree is the first step on your path to becoming a physician assistant. 

If you know that you’re interested in a career in medicine early in your educational journey, you should consider earning a bachelor of science (BS) degree with a major in biology, chemistry, or a STEM field. 

A BA (bachelor of arts) degree, even with a liberal arts major, will enable you to pursue continuing education for a career as a PA. However, you will likely need to take additional coursework in biology and related fields before you can apply to PA school.

2. Gain Hands-On Clinical Experience

Before you can apply to PA school, you will need to gain experience in the field of healthcare. Most PA schools require a certain number of hours of either healthcare experience (HCE) or patient care experience (PCE). 

This requirement is one reason why becoming a PA can be an ideal choice for people interested in changing careers a bit later in life. If you have been working as an EMT, a medic,  a corpsperson in the military, a dental technician, or a radiologist, for instance, you already have the patient care experience you need to move into a career as a PA. 

3. Supplement Your Academic Record

If you earned a BS in biology with all A’s, you may be able to apply to PA school as soon as you have accumulated enough clinical experience. 

If you didn’t take many science-related courses as an undergrad, or you didn’t have a high GPA, you’ll need to supplement your academic record before you can apply to PA school. You may also need to take additional science-based coursework if you are seeking to become a PA as a career change.

Enrolling in a premedical program before you apply to PA school gives you the opportunity to take prerequisite courses you didn’t take as an undergraduate or retake them to improve your GPA. You can also complete advanced coursework to demonstrate your readiness for the academic rigors of PA school. 

4. Graduate From an Accredited PA Program

To become a PA, you’ll need to have a master’s degree in PA studies from a university program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) .

Most PA programs require going to school full time for two to three years. You’ll complete a mix of coursework in the medical sciences, including class time in a lab and rotations in a range of clinical settings. The clinical rotations offer the opportunity to explore and gain experience in different specialities.

5. Pass the PA Certification Test

After graduating from an accredited PA school, you must become certified as a physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

To become certified, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination® (PANCE) . PANCE is a five-hour exam involving 300 multiple-choice questions designed to test that you have the medical knowledge you need to begin your career as a practicing PA. 

You can apply to take PANCE 180 days before your expected completion of PA school. Once your application to take the PANCE is accepted, you have 180 days to pass the exam. You may retake the exam up to three times in a calendar year.

6. Obtain State License

The final step in the process to becoming a PA is to obtain a license in the state in which you want to practice.

Every state has its own regulations and procedures for its licensing process. Once you’ve decided where you want to practice, you will need to apply to the licensing board of that state and follow the instructions for obtaining your license. 

As part of the licensing process, you will also need to apply for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number from the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and register with the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

What Are the Requirements for PA School?

Graduating from an accredited PA school is key to starting your career as a PA. 

In most states, a master’s degree in PA studies is required for licensure. Moreover, PA school should help you gain the medical and surgical knowledge you need to pass the PANCE, also required for state license in most states.

Acceptance into PA school is highly competitive. Each university has its own set of requirements that it uses to evaluate applicants. Generally speaking, however, you’ll most likely need to demonstrate success in the following areas to qualify for admission to PA school.

Undergraduate Prerequisite Coursework

PA schools want to see that you already have a strong foundation in science. To demonstrate this foundation, you have to show that you have successfully completed undergraduate coursework and labs in courses such as:

• General chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry
• Biology and microbiology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Medical terminology

Many PA schools will also want to see that you’ve taken significant coursework in physics, math and statistics, english, and psychology.

If you graduated with a BS in biology or a STEM-field, you may have completed many of these requirements as part of your undergraduate degree. If you did so with a strong GPA, you may not need to take additional coursework before applying to PA school.

However, if you didn’t take these types of courses as an undergraduate or if you had less than stellar grades, you may want to consider applying to and enrolling in a premedical program before you apply to PA school. 

Healthcare/Patient Care Experience

In addition to GPA and coursework, your experience working in the healthcare field is an important part of your PA school application. This experience can either be:

• Patient care experience (PCE): roles in which you have provided hands-on patient care
• Healthcare experience (HCE): more general work in the field of healthcare but not necessarily directly with patients

A few examples of PCE and HCE accepted by most PA schools include:

• EMT or paramedic
• Military medic or corpsperson
• Medical technicians or technologists
• Physical therapy aide
• Phlebotomist
• International healthcare based mission trips
• Hospice worker
• Dental hygienist or technologist
• Medical social worker 
• Mental health care counselor

While the exact number of hours varies from school to school, the more high-quality experience you have working directly with patients, the stronger your application to PA school will be. Most successful applicants to PA school have more than 1,000 hours of HCE or PCE. 

For many people, this means working in the healthcare field for a year or more after undergrad before beginning the application process. 

Multiple premedical programs focused on the PA school application allow enrolled students to take courses part time and online while working full time in a field that will allow you to gain needed clinical experience as well. 

There’s no doubt about it: becoming a certified PA can be a long and challenging process. The outcome, however, can be a highly rewarding career as a physician assistant. Investing the time and hard work now in your career as a PA can be a worthwhile investment in your future. 

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PA Curriculum

The program spans 25 continuous months, beginning in January, with the first year focusing on foundational medical science, disease pathophysiology, and therapeutics. Students explore various medical disciplines and principles of physical diagnosis, preparing for subsequent clinical rotations through skill workshops. In addition to all university holidays, students will have breaks in April, August, and December.

During the first year, students typically spend six to eight hours daily in classes at the Health Sciences campus in Boston’s Chinatown area. This location provides convenient access to library resources, faculty, and PA Program staff, facilitating a conducive learning environment.

In the clinical year, students will be placed at clinical practice sites across Massachusetts and New England (most sites are within a 60-mile radius of Boston). Students may also be assigned to rotations in Portland, Maine; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; or Cape Cod for which housing may be provided. During clinicals, students engage in four- to five-week rotations in core disciplines, including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN, Behavioral Medicine, Family Medicine, and Orthopedics. Additionally, students have the opportunity to do a deeper dive to complement their family medicine and internal medicine rotations by completing a more selective rotation in these respective areas. There is also an opportunity to choose one elective in their preferred discipline.

All students must successfully complete the following to meet the program's graduation requirements and earn their degree of Master of Medical Science:

• Pass all didactic courses with a minimum of a B-
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
• Successfully complete all Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences
• Pass a comprehensive written examination
• Pass the Objective Standardized Clinical Examination
• Demonstrate professional conduct throughout the entire program

First Year: Didactic Course Sequence

Every effort is made to provide an organized, progressive flow of information for our students. Anatomy and Physiology subjects are presented so that the course work parallels that which is presented in Internal Medicine and other subjects.

PA 201: Clinical Anatomy I (4 credits)

This course teaches the structure and function of the human body. Utilizing lectures, discussion, models, and cadavers, students will have a structural introduction to the organ systems of the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify normal anatomical structures, recognize abnormal anatomy, and determine the clinical implications of pathologic anatomy.

PA 203: Internal Medicine I (4 credits)

This course will focus on immunology, infectious diseases, and the hematology system. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

PA 206: Pharmacology I (3 credits)

Focusing upon the principles of pharmacologic action, classification, and drug uses, this will be an introduction into clinical use of medications for various disease states. Emphasis will be placed upon indications, contraindications, bioavailability, drug interactions, dose response, side effects, and adverse reactions.

PA 210: Behavioral Medicine (3 credits)

This course offers students an introduction to psychiatric disease, its classification of disease states, an in-depth look at common psychiatric illnesses seen in general medical practice and emergency practice settings. Topics such as psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, pharmacological intervention, substance abuse and addiction, domestic and child abuse will be discussed also.

PA 213: Professional Practice (2 credits)

The history of the Physician Assistant profession will be discussed. Topics such as the role of the PA in the US health care system, scope of practice, professional and legal restrictions, national board certification, and state licensure will be addressed. Interdisciplinary dynamics, PA-supervisor relationships, practice management and ownership, federal and private insurers, billing, public policy trends, medical ethics, hospital credentialing, continuing medical education, and medical malpractice will be covered.

PA 215: Physical Diagnosis I (4 credits)

Using traditional lectures, simulated and standardized patients, and small student group interactions, students will be introduced to the basics of history taking and complete physical examination. Development of interviewing techniques and examination skills will be emphasized.

PA 208: Medical Physiology (3 credits)

This course will review basic principles of normal physiology including central nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, endocrines, renal, and reproductive systems of the human body. Tracking anatomy, pharmacologic, and internal medicine topics in other courses, these lectures are meant to serve as a foundation of information.

PA 235: Primary Care I (3 credits)

This course offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects including Public Health, Medical Genetics, Dermatology, Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed. Clinical case discussions and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students' critical thinking skills.

PA 218: Nutrition (2 credits)

Students will be taught the basics of human nutritional needs as well as alterations of these demands during various clinical scenarios and disease states.

PA 202: Clinical Anatomy II (4 credits)

Continuing Part 1, this course will focus upon the musculoskeletal and head and neck structure of the human body utilizing lectures, discussion, and cadavers. Clinical correlation through case studies will be emphasized.

PA 204: Internal Medicine II (4 credits)

This course will focus on diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

PA 207: Pharmacology II (3 credits)

Continuation of Pharmacology I

PA 217: Surgery (2 credits)

The course focuses on the basic surgical concepts needed for the PA to function in primary care settings as well as major surgical areas. The course emphasizes surgical concepts, topics and surgical technique as well as attention to examination of the acute abdomen, surgical diagnosis and treatment of common surgical conditions including obstructive, infective, and neoplastic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiothoracic diseases, trauma, and the vascular system. Risk assessment, wound healing, pre and postoperative care will also be addressed.

PA 212: OB/GYN (3 credits)

The spectrum of female reproduction, conception, fetal growth and development, prenatal and antenatal care, and reproductive endocrinology will be covered. Students will be given an introduction to the anatomy of the female genitourinary tract as well as gynecologic oncology, its natural course, diagnosis, and treatment. Cardiovascular disease in women will be addressed, as will gynecologic infections and sexual assault diagnosis and management. Emphasis will be placed upon history taking, gynecologic examination, counseling, testing, and disease prevention.

PA 216: Physical Diagnosis II (4 credits)

Students will continue to learn interview and examination techniques and build upon Physical Diagnosis I. Instructors will assist students in honing their interviewing and examination skills through focused examinations and varying interviewing techniques. Compilation of patent data in written form and oral presentation of patients’ medical history and examination results will be emphasized. Some instruction may take place in external clinical sites.

PA 239: Principles of Electrocardiography (1 credit)

This course is an elementary introduction to electrocardiography. Students will learn the basics of electrical impulses generated by the heart's electrical conduction system and the manifestation of these impulses on paper charts and ECG monitors. Students will learn to identify conduction abnormalities, heart blocks, ischemic and infarction changes as generated on ECGs. They will learn to calculate heart rates, axis deviations, and chamber hypertrophy.

PA 236: Primary Care II (2 credits)

This course is a continuation of Primary Care I and offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects, including common cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders and endocrinologic disorders encountered in the primary care setting. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed. Clinical case discussions and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students' critical thinking skills.

PA 229: Diagnostic Imaging (1 credit)

Radiologic safety, imaging modalities, indications, contraindications, benefits and risks of use of X-ray diagnosis will be covered. Assessment of common X-rays used in primary care and emergency medicine will be addressed. Students will be taught to recognize common radiologic abnormalities. Other diagnostic tools such as ultrasonography, MRI, CT scanning, and nuclear medicine scans will be introduced.

PA 225: Emergency Medicine (2 credits)

This course provides fundamental instruction in the diagnosis and management of both common and life-threatening patient presentations to the emergency department.

PA 220: Evidence-Based Medicine (2 credits)

This course introduces the core concepts of evidence-based medicine and life-long learning, and clinical decision-making. These concepts include the process of evidence-based medicine, the interpretation of research results, and clinical reasoning based on an understanding of clinical epidemiology concepts, and the need for self-management of one's clinical knowledge.

PA 205: Internal Medicine III (4 credits)

This course will focus on diseases of the gastrointestinal, rheumatologic, and renal systems. The pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed.

PA 223: Orthopedics (3 credits)

This course explores all aspects of diseases and conditions of bones and joints. Emphasis will be placed on the orthopedic examination in conditions such as fracture, dislocation, ligament, tendon, and muscular conditions. Joint aspiration, immobilization, splinting, and casting will be addressed in supplementary workshops.

PA 227: Critical Care Medicine (1 credit)

Students will be introduced to hemodynamic derangements in multiorgan system failure patients, including shock, trauma, cardiac arrest, acid-base and electrolyte management, and nutritional support. Other topics covered include ventilator management, invasive procedures, and diagnostic methods used in ICU care.

PA 230: Geriatrics (2 credits)

Students will be introduced to process of aging as it affects the human body and mind. Atypical presentations of common acute and chronic diseases as they are seen in older populations will be addressed as will the challenges of managing various and concomitant disease states. Pharmacologic therapy in older patients, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, patient compliance issues, and end-of-life care will be discussed as well.

PA 240: Procedural Workshops (3 credits)

This course for physician assistants focuses upon common bedside procedures performed in clinical situations. Procedures taught range from vital sign taking and phlebotomy to invasive procedures such as thoracentesis and central line placement. Using peer practicums (phlebotomy and venipuncture) and simulation models for more invasive procedures, key concepts and techniques will be taught.

PA 237: Primary Care III (2 credits)

This course is a continuation of Primary Care I and II and offers first year physician assistant students in-depth training in a wide variety of clinically related subjects including common oral health conditions, gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders encountered in the primary care setting. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases involving these topics will be discussed. In addition, there will be a focus on health maintenance/preventative medicine. Clinical case discussions and a simulated patient experience will be utilized to build the students' critical thinking skills.

PA 221: Neuroscience (3 credits)

This course will present neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as they relate to clinical assessment and management of various disease states. History taking, physical examination and diagnostic imaging techniques will be discussed as they apply to neurological disease and trauma. In addition to lectures, small student group sessions will allow students to practice neurological examination techniques. Both the complete neurological examination as well as problem-focused neurological examinations will be discussed. The signs, symptoms and pathophysiology of neurologic diseases commonly encountered in Primary Care and Emergency Medicine will be covered as well as diagnostic testing modalities, radiographic imaging and laboratory tests utilized for diagnostic purposes.

PA 222: Pediatrics (3 credits)

Normal child growth and development will be emphasized as well as diagnosis and management of common childhood diseases and infections. Also discussed will be immunizations and medications used in pediatric practice, their indications, contraindications, and dosage in relation to specific disorders. Pediatric respiratory emergencies, injuries, cancer and hematologic disorders, and child abuse will be covered.

PA 231: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2 credits)

Acute and chronic recovery from disease and injury will be covered as it applies to physician assistant practice. Implications of and indications for rehabilitative services, levels of care required, specific interventions and therapies will be discussed.

Second Year

Supervised clinical practice experiences.

Students spend the second year rotating through assigned medical disciplines and one elective rotation. These rotations will take place at various clinical sites throughout New England. Students are under the direct supervision of their clinical preceptor and will follow the preceptor's work schedule (possible nights and/or weekends). There are three scheduled breaks throughout the clinical year. All additional breaks and holidays during this year will correspond with the schedule of the student's clinical preceptor.

The Tufts PA Program has affiliation agreements with over 120 different clinical sites, the majority of which are within 60 miles of downtown Boston. These include major teaching hospitals in and around the city, community hospitals in suburban and rural areas, neighborhood health clinics, and private practices. Through 4-5-week long rotation blocks, our students are given multiple opportunities to experience health care in many different types of settings and medical disciplines in culturally diverse areas.

Core rotations are expected to be taken in New England, but students may request a selective or elective rotation be taken in another state at a new site. Students may submit a formal request to the Director of Clinical Education who will review the site and its practitioners to ensure they meet program standards. Only after these standards are met and a new affiliation agreement is enacted by both parties, may a student be granted approval for their rotation.

Some of our current clinical sites include:

• Beth Israel Deaconess
• Beverly Hospital
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Cambridge Health Alliance
• Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
• Lemuel Shattuck Hospital
• Lowell General Hospital
• MetroWest Medical Center
• South Shore Hospital
• Tufts Medical Center

In addition to clinical rotation responsibilities, students are "called-back" to campus once a month to complete End-of-Rotation Exams. At this time, students also review additional coursework needed to prepare them for clinical practice, national board examinations, and present their Capstone projects. The Capstone project is an individual effort on a medical topic chosen by the student. This graded project requires considerable effort, including library research and clinical insight, culminating in a poster presentation to PA students, faculty, and staff.

PA 250: Capstone Project (1 credit)

The purpose of the Capstone Project is to foster a clinically-relevant, scholarly activity in a mentored environment. The project serves as the culminating experience for graduate education in physician assistant studies and must be completed prior to the awarding of the MMS degree. Building upon prior clinical experiences, the program curriculum, and specific student interests, the Capstone Project gives students greater insight into healthcare-related issues, such as specific medical conditions, specific therapies, specific diagnostic tests, clinical practice guidelines, healthcare delivery systems, or patient education challenges. The deliverable for the Capstone Project is an 8-10 page paper (excluding references) and accompanying poster presentation that substantiates or refutes a clinical hypothesis through integrating an existing body of knowledge.

PA 290: Preparation for Clinical Practice (6 credits)

Preparation for Clinical Practice includes a wide variety of clinical and practice-related lectures for second-year students in an effort to prepare them for future clinical practice.

It also provides formative and summative academic events as part of the concluding curriculum and milestones of the PA curriculum. Students will present selected case studies from actual patient experiences during their clinical experiences. These presentations will be real cases the student has encountered, including\ medical histories and physical findings, details of the diagnostic workup, differential diagnoses, treatments, and actual outcomes. Students will conclude with a discussion of the disease process and address any questions from the audience of fellow students and principal faculty. These presentations provide students with presentation experience, training in consolidating clinical cases into teaching objects, and an opportunity to address challenging clinical questions from peers.

The two formative PACKRAT Examinations provide detailed content feedback for individual students as well as class performance benchmarked against the national cohort taking the examinations. Similarly, summative examinations such as the Comprehensive Examination and OSCE offer similar content feedback on student performance as well as performance as a cohort. Utilizing these results to pinpoint content or performance deficiencies, Principal Faculty will produce a customized board review lecture series designed to address cohort deficiencies in preparation for clinical practice and the national board examination (PANCE).

The OSCE results will also permit faculty to identify procedural and skill deficiencies in students and allow for individualized remediation sessions during the final weeks of the curriculum.

Using the feedback from the OSCEs, Formative and Summative examinations, the final 4 weeks of the curriculum will be structured to include focused lectures on specific medical topics.

The Final Month

The final month of the second year is a culmination of all the work students have completed throughout their second year. Students present their Capstone projects in a poster session and attend various lectures and workshops to help prepare them for their national board exams and job searches.

Rotation Course Descriptions

Below are descriptions of the supervised clinical practice experiences in the second year of the curriculum. Each block is four to five weeks in length.

PA 301: Emergency Medicine (4 credits)

The Emergency Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to a broad range of experiences and patient populations in the emergency room for acutely ill patients. Students will hone their skills in triage; learning to recognize and manage patients that need immediate care. They will learn to prioritize care for conditions which are less urgent. Students will be responsible for taking medical histories and performing physical examinations on acute as well as emergent patients and presenting these to the medical preceptor. When appropriate, students will perform necessary diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

PA 302: Family Medicine (4 credits)

The Family Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to a broad range of experiences and patient populations that emphasize the patient as an individual and family member. Students are involved in the initial and ongoing assessment of patients in all age groups as well as management of individuals with new and established diagnoses. Emphasis is placed on evaluation, management, health promotion, and preventative medicine. Students are expected to be involved in the care of acute, chronic and preventative visits.

PA 303: Inpatient Internal Medicine (4 credits)

The Inpatient Internal Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) offers students an opportunity to become familiar with the assessment and management of varied medical problems that result in admission to the hospital. Students will attend medical rounds, perform diagnostic procedures, present case write-ups, record progress notes, and assist with discharge planning. It emphasizes the skills of collecting, assessing, and presenting patient data; ordering appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies; counseling patients about therapeutic procedures; and helping to coordinate the contributions of other health professionals involved in management of the patient.

PA 304: Surgery (4 credits)

The Surgery Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) exposes students to varied surgical patient care responsibilities with emphasis on general surgery, though students may have some exposure to surgical specialties and subspecialties. Students assist in surgical patients' preoperative initial assessment, which includes obtaining accurate medical histories and performing physical examinations. They also participate in preoperative management, including patient education and procedures necessary to prepare patients for surgery.  Students assist surgeons in the operating room and have an opportunity to become familiar with operating room procedures and equipment. Students are also involved in patients' postoperative evaluation and management. 

PA 305: Behavioral Medicine (4 credits)

The Behavioral Medicine Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) is designed to provide an understanding of the behavioral components of health, disease and disability. Through exposure to patients presenting with a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders, students will develop history taking and mental status examination skills, classification skills utilizing DSM IV TR criteria, be exposed to and evaluate different treatment modalities for varying presentations. The student will enhance their ability to recognize and categorize psychiatric disturbances and techniques of early intervention and psychiatric referral. Students are expected to be involved in the care of acute and chronic visits.

PA 306: Pediatrics (4 credits)

The Pediatric Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) is designed to develop the students' familiarity with pediatric medicine.  The rotation will emphasize caring for a child from birth through adolescence. Students are provided opportunities to take medical histories and perform pediatric physical examinations. The focus will be on diagnosing and managing common childhood illnesses and evaluation of growth and development.  Students will work on developing skills to counsel families about immunizations, child visits, growth and development parameters, common psychosocial problems, nutrition, and accident and poisoning prevention.

PA 307: OB/GYN (4 credits)

The OB-GYN (Women’s health) Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) allows students to participate in all aspects of OB-GYN care, including acute, preventive, chronic, and emergent situations.  Students will be exposed to prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.  Also, students will care for women across the lifespan, including menarche, infertility, menstrual conditions, benign and malignant gynecologic conditions, menopause and postmenopausal situations.

PA 308: Orthopedics (4 credits)

The Orthopedics Supervised Clinical Practical Experience (SCPE) Offers students an opportunity to care for injured and infirm patients in a variety of settings including, rehabilitation centers, and convalescent facilities, and exposes the student to issues of caring for patients with sub-acute but in many cases, multiple problems complicated by advanced age, post-acute event recovery issues, and complex social and economic problems commonly seen in this population. Students will also receive exposure to common musculoskeletal injuries from a broad range of etiologies.

PA 309: Elective (4 credits)

This elective supervised clinical practice experience is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills in an area of interest. Students will gain an understanding of the variety of problems encountered in a medical or surgical sub-specialty discipline. The understanding of the varied medical and/or surgical sub-specialty problems is accomplished through history taking, physical exam, interpretation of diagnostic testing, and the development of a plan for each presenting problem including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. In addition to gaining clinical skills specific to the specialty of the rotation, the student will also continue to develop skills in medical problem solving and patient management. Elective rotation sites are chosen based on practice characteristics that are important for the PA student within this rotation. These may include practice location, patient populations, and availability of specific experiences and procedures.

PA 312: Ambulatory Care - Selective (4 credits)

The Ambulatory/ Outpatient selective supervised clinical practice offers students the ability to spend additional time in an outpatient medical clinic and is meant to compliment the family medicine rotation. Students are involved in the initial and ongoing assessment of patients as well as management of individuals with established diagnoses. Students may see patients in venues that include hospital ambulatory care clinics, private offices, family medicine practices, clinics and urgent care settings. As a selective, students may be placed in general medicine ambulatory rotations or a more specialized ambulatory care clinic.

PA 313: Inpatient - Selective (4 credits)

During this Inpatient Medicine supervised clinical practice experience (SCPE), students will be exposed to patients presenting with acute and chronic illness requiring admission to the hospital setting. Students will elicit and record medical histories, perform physical examinations, and be involved in the management of the admitted patient. This SCPE is meant to complement the inpatient internal medicine core rotation by offering students additional time learning how to care for admitted patients. As a selective, students may be placed in a general inpatient medicine rotation or a more specialized in-patient experience.

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PA School Admissions: Prerequisite Coursework, Degree Requirement, and Standardized Tests

The Physician Assistant Education Association, PAEA, conducts yearly surveys collecting information from incoming physician assistant students. The most recent PAEA Prerequisite Report includes information on specific prerequisite coursework, the percentage of programs requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, and standardized exams. The report contains the most common prerequisite courses required by PA programs.

Here are the 12 most frequently required courses along with the average minimum number of semester hours:

• Anatomy- 4 hours
• Biochemistry- 3 hours
• Biology (general)- 4 hours
• Biology (microbiology)- 4 hours
• Chemistry (general)- 8 hours
• Chemistry (organic)- 4 hours
• English composition/Writing- 3 hours
• Genetics- 3 hours
• Medical Terminology- 1 hour
• Physiology- 4 hours
• Psychology (general)- 3 hours
• Statistics- 3 hours

Many programs have a minimum grade requirement for prerequisite courses. These grades are usually a ‘C’ or a ‘B’ at minimum. Also, a lab component may be required for prerequisite courses. The courses that most commonly require a lab are anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physiology. There may be restrictions for accepting coursework that vary course to course, such as how many years ago it was taken and whether it was taken online. Programs may only accept prerequisite courses that have been completed within the past 5 years, 10 years, etc. As a non-traditional applicant who may have not recently graduated from undergraduate school, this is important to be aware of. Some of your prerequisite courses may expire by the time you apply to PA school. If this is the case, these courses must be retaken. Other less frequently required PA program prerequisite courses include behavioral science, math, humanities, developmental psychology, CPR, abnormal psychology, cell biology, English literature, ethics, physics, calculus, nutrition, government, history, and Spanish.

Although CASPA’s verification process works to establish a standard for all applicant’s prerequisites and grades, it is difficult for PA programs to assure their applicants are similar to other PA program applicants. This is because there is a wide variety of prerequisite courses among PA programs. This causes PA school applicants to have to take extra courses in some cases, often just to qualify as a candidate for one specific program. A common debate among PA programs is to enforce “universal prerequisites.” The PAEA report states that “programs were asked whether they would support an effort by PA education to develop a list of universal academic course prerequisites for admission to all PA programs.” Out of the 233 responding programs, 67.8% would support the implementation of universal prerequisites and 32.2% would not support. As of right now though, programs are free to add or remove any prerequisite courses.

As for the degree requirement, a bachelor’s degree is required for entry into 94.4% of the 234 programs that responded to the survey. The remaining 5.6% do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance into the program. I suspect this requirement statistic to change in the future and for all programs to require a bachelor’s degree for entry. Many pre-PA applicants have also pursued degrees beyond a bachelor’s degree. Succeeding in a master’s degree prior to PA school can exemplify your ability and readiness for the rigorous coursework ahead. Admission committees will find this valuable! Prior to enrolling in PA school, 13.% of applicants received a Bachelor of Arts degree and 69.9% received a Bachelor of Science degree. 7.8% of matriculating students have earned a Master’s degree, either non health-associated, such as an MBA, or health-associated, such as an MPH. 0.8% of applicants had earned either an academic doctorate or a professional doctorate degree prior to enrolling in PA school. The median time for “years since completing most recent degree” is 3 years; so most students enrolling into PA school have taken 3 years off between their prior degree and PA school. The range is extensive though, from 0 to 34 years. Save this Pin for later! Save this Pin for later!

The standardized test requirement by most PA programs seems to be shifting. Many programs require the GRE to be completed to fulfil the standardized test requirement, but a new exam has recently been introduced. The Physician Assistant College Admissions Test, PA-CAT, has been launched as a new standardized test for PA program applicants. The GRE does not test on any specific science knowledge, and since PA programs require applicants to have completed a substantial amount of science-based prerequisite courses, the PA-CAT is targeted to focus on testing on information covered in these courses. However, I do not see as big of a push towards the PA-CAT as I had expected for the 2020-2021 cycle. I believe the COVID-19 pandemic could play a role in this. GRE exam dates have been canceled and some applicants have been able to take it online, in their own home. The “hype” of the establishment of the PA-CAT as the new standardized exam for PA school has dwindled and this may have to do with the fact that in this climate it is even difficult to take the GRE. For the 2021-2022 cycle, we may see more programs beginning to implement or recommend the PA-CAT for admissions.

As PA school becomes increasingly more competitive to be accepted to, more prerequisites or standardized exams may be required. Always refer to the specific PA program school websites for exact application requirements to assure you are on the right track!

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How to become a Physician Assistant

Careers as a physician assistant, 7 questions—and answers—on how to get into pa school and become a physician assistant.

Today’s health care settings often involve patients interacting with nurses, technicians, therapists, and many other medical professionals. One integral member of most medical teams is a physician assistant.

A physician assistant master’s degree will help you gain the knowledge and skills to lead as a health care professional. With a PA degree, you will be ready to create healthier futures for patients.

If you want to learn more about how to become a physician assistant, read on for answers to these important questions.

What Are PA School Requirements?

How long does it take to become a physician assistant, what is pa school like, what health care fields employ physician assistants, what does a physician assistant do, what is the job outlook for physician assistants, how much does a physician assistant make.

Physician assistant master’s programs are extremely competitive. Just one in three applicants to PA schools was accepted in the United States, according to a recent study from the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Admission requirements may vary depending on which program you’re looking at. The PA program at Des Moines University requires:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in the United States
• A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or higher
• Prerequisites in biology, chemistry, psychology, statistics or biostatistics, and medical terminology
• Practical experience and work in jobs like emergency medical technician, lab assistant, medical assistant, paramedic, or registered nurse

Learn more about DMU’s admission requirements for the PA program .

The first step in becoming a physician assistant begins with gaining admission to a program accredited by the American Academy of PAs. Once you’ve been accepted, you can expect to spend the next two to three years:

• Pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Completing more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations
• Preparing for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam

How long your schooling lasts will depend on these four steps above, along with your commitments outside of your studies and your program’s degree requirements and coursework.

While a physician assistant master’s degree program is shorter than medical school, it can be just as challenging and intense. When considering how to become a physician assistant, remember that your experience will involve both classroom instruction and clinical rotations.

Your first year will be primarily classroom instruction, taking graduate courses in areas such as:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Your second year will introduce clinical rotations, where you expand on your classroom instruction and gain hands-on experience in specialty areas such as:

• Emergency medicine
• Family medicine
• Internal medicine
• Obstetrics and gynecology

Your clinical rotations complete your schooling while preparing you to take the PANCE exam and obtain your state license.

Scroll to see chart contents.

*Clinical Rotations begin three weeks into Fall term **Clinical Rotations end one week prior to end of Year 3 Summer term

A physician assistant partners with doctors and other members of medical teams in many health care settings such as:

• Medical clinics and offices
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Community health centers
• Correctional institutions

Physician assistants also work outside of traditional health care settings such as government agencies and branches of the military.

Much like a physician, a physician assistant is a vital partner on health care teams in nearly any medical specialty and environment. These medical experts:

• Diagnose illnesses and diseases
• Create and manage treatment plans
• Perform examinations
• Obtain laboratory and diagnostic studies
• Write prescriptions
• Advise on preventative care and health care practices

As demand for health care services continues to expand, so does the need for physician assistants. In fact, physician assistant jobs are expected to grow 31% over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

That’s great news if you’re considering becoming a PA and starting a rewarding health care career.

A physician assistant master’s program allows you to enter the health care field faster than physicians. At the same time, graduates from this growing field can also benefit from strong earning potential.

The U.S. average salary for physician assistants is $115,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. How much you earn could depend on your area of specialty. These are five examples of physician assistant salaries, according to the AAPA:

• Emergency medicine — $117,000
• Surgical subspecialties — $114,000
• Internal medicine subspecialties — $109,750
• Pediatric subspecialties — $106,000
• Primary care — $105,000

Salaries for physician assistants are expected to outpace inflation over the next decade, according to AAPA.

Becoming a Physician Assistant Begins at DMU

Des Moines University’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies will help you become a compassionate, knowledgeable expert and leader in medicine as a physician assistant.

DMU’s physician assistant master’s program will allow you to:

• Learn in cutting-edge facilities, including our Iowa Simulation Center for Patient Safety and Clinical Skills, Surgery Skills Lab, anatomy lab and much more
• Master your skills alongside exceptional teachers and leaders who have decades of experience as clinicians and educators
• Prepare for another medical specialty with core coursework and electives in our PA master’s degree program

Explore how to become a physician assistant at DMU and get ready to pursue a career that is improving medicine and patients’ lives.

Get in touch with our Admissions team to get started:

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Nursing License Map / Resources / Healthcare Careers / Become a Physician Assistant (PA) – Education & Requirements

How to Become a Physician Assistant (PA): Education & Requirements

Becoming a physician assistant honors your goal to help people and work in the healthcare field. It may seem a daunting prospect at the beginning, but the rewards are many—both in terms of having a multifaceted and fulfilling career as well as your potential for earning. Here’s a guide to the common steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, including education details, requirements, roles and responsibilities involved and the financial potential of the position.

6 Common Steps to Become a Physician Assistant (PA)

According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), most PA programs require that applicants   have a bachelor’s degree before entering a PA program,  in addition to about three years of healthcare experience. At a minimum, the agency says a candidate typically needs to complete at least two years of college coursework in basic and behavioral sciences before applying to a PA program. Many programs require a high GPA (typically 3.0 or higher) and prerequisites such as chemistry/organic chemistry, biology/microbiology, physiology, psychology and statistics.

Each physician assistant program has different requirements regarding healthcare experience. However, the AAPA indicates that  PA program applicants typically have three years of healthcare experience  before applying.

Considerations here include location, curriculum, cost, available financial aid and accreditation. Every state requires that its physician assistants attend a program accredited by the  Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)  in order to grant licensure.

Generally, physician assistant education programs may take about three years for coursework and clinical experience, but each PA program may be different. Be sure to check with your preferred university for coursework and clinical experience sequences.

Pass the  Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)  and earn  National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)  certification. The exam is five hours long and contains 300 multiple-choice questions; content areas tested include 95% medical and 5% other tasks, such as taking patient histories, formulating diagnoses and administering pharmaceutical therapeutics.

This requires that you have graduated from an ARC-PA accredited school and passed the PANCE. No states have an exception to this rule, according to the  ARC-PA FAQs for non-U.S. healthcare professionals . Each state may have additional requirements, so you should research the requirements in the state(s) in which you intend to seek licensure.

Should I Become a Physician Assistant?

Is becoming a physician assistant the right choice for you?  The answer to that lies within. Physician assistants are generally people who love learning, as earning the degree is demanding and the job requires continued education. 

PAs are typically compassionate people who thrive when helping others, which is important when you are involved in patient care daily. It’s helpful if you are good at working in collaborative settings, as you may be a member of each patient’s medical team.

The  median salary of a physician assistant  was $115,390 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Demand for PAs is high:  Employment of physician assistants is expected to grow 31% between 2020-2030,  a change the BLS categorizes as “much faster than average” when compared with all jobs. Salary tends to vary by location, and the BLS reports that the  five top-paying states for physician assistants  are:

Education Requirements  

To become a physician assistant, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree and successfully complete several science prerequisites, a specified number of hours working in direct patient care, a master’s degree from a program accredited by the ARC-PA, a state license and a passing score on the national certifying exam. To learn more about tips for admission to PA programs, the  AAPA offers a one-hour application success webinar.  Prospective students should research the requirements of their program(s) of interest before applying.

Roles and Responsibilities 

Physician assistants are found in hospitals, doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care clinics, retail clinics inside stores and drugstores and in telehealth settings. Their duties may include:

• Taking patient intake evaluations
• Diagnosing conditions and illnesses
• Ordering and interpreting lab tests or X-rays
• Prescribing medications
• Educating patients on preventive care and wellness
• Making rounds and assisting in surgery in a hospital setting

Getting Licensed as a Physician Assistant 

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) offers the  Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential,  awarded after an applicant successfully passes the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. After becoming NCCPA certified, a PA-C can apply for licensure in the state in which they intend to work as a physician assistant. This may be subject to additional requirements. Prospective students should research the requirements in the state(s) in which they intend to practice. Information on the below PA-C credential was retrieved from  PANCE Registration  and  PANRE Eligibility  as of October 2021.

• Type of certification:  Physician Assistant Certified credential (PA-C)
• Eligibility requirements:  Applicants must be no more than 180 days from completing their accredited PA program, as deemed by each individual program.
• Certification process:  Submit an application and payment in advance to take the PANCE examination. You will receive an email to acknowledge your exam registration, and then you can schedule your exam date and choose a testing center. The earliest time you may take the test is seven days after program completion; you have 180 days in which to take the exam after registration. An applicant may take the test once in any 90-day period or three times in a calendar year.
• Fees:  $550, and then a certification maintenance fee of $180 must be paid to the NCCPA every two years.
• Renewal : Certification must be renewed every 10 years with the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE).
• Fees : $350

Careers Related to a Physician Assistant

Just as professionals with PA degrees can replace and support the roles of other medical professionals, so can a few other advanced nursing and  healthcare degrees . If you’d like to explore other  healthcare careers , the following information may help: 

• Nurse practitioners:  A nurse practitioner also earns a master’s degree at minimum and has advanced clinical training. They practice in many medical settings, just as physician assistants do, and they also act as primary care providers for many patients upon completion of an on-campus or  online nurse practitioner (NP) program .
• Registered nurses:  Registered nurses  are directly involved in patient care, in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics and other settings. They can practice with an associate degree in nursing as long as they pass the NCLEX-RN exam, which gives them the RN credential, though many hospitals now prefer RNs with bachelor’s degrees. Registered nurses can specialize in such areas as cardiovascular, critical care/ICU, gastroenterology, neonatal, medical–surgical and public health.
• Nurse midwives:  A  certified nurse midwife  is an advanced practice nurse who primarily cares for women during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Most  online midwifery programs  take about three years of full-time study.
• Clinical nurse specialists :  Clinical nurse specialists  are advanced nurses who have become experts in a specific area of care or a specific demographic of patients. They also may be involved in supervision or administration of other nurses.
• Family nurse practitioners:  While  family nurse practitioners  generally work under the supervision of a physician, they may act as primary care providers to their patients. Once you’re enrolled into an  online FNP program , it takes about two to three years to complete.
• Women’s health practitioners:  A  women’s health practitioner  specializes in well-woman care from adolescence through menopause, with an emphasis on obstetrics and gynecology. It takes students two or three years to complete an  online women’s health nurse practitioner program . 
• Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners:   Psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioners  perform many of the functions of a psychiatrist; they see patients, make diagnoses and prescribe medicine.
• Medical doctors:  Doctors diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses.  Physicians’ and surgeons’ education and training requirements  typically include a bachelor’s degree; a degree from medical school (which may take four years to complete); and, depending on their specialty, three to seven years in internship and residency programs, according to the BLS.
• Nutritionists : Nutritionists advise people on healthy eating and how to lead a healthy lifestyle to achieve their goals. Dietitians and  nutritionists typically need a bachelor’s degree  in dietetics, foods and nutrition, clinical nutrition, public health nutrition or a related area, according to the BLS. 

Physician assistants are medical and healthcare professionals who have thousands of hours of medical training. They work alongside (and under the supervision of) physicians and may act as a patient’s primary care provider.

According to the American Academy of PAs,  physician assistants can perform most of the functions of a physician : They examine patients, order tests, diagnose illnesses, create and manage treatment plans and prescribe medicine. They may also work in wellness and drugstore clinics and other places patients visit to consult about regular daily health concerns. However, keep in mind that PAs are not doctors and cannot perform all of the functions of a doctor.

Depending on your situation, a PA program may take about three years and is made up of classroom instruction and many hours of clinical rotations. A physician assistant degree is a master’s-level degree; students must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed prerequisite science courses. PA students may enter programs with health care job experience as sports trainers, medical assistants or paramedics. 

PA schools and medical schools each require that students have a four-year bachelor degree. PA schools typically take three years after this; medical school, on the other hand, requires four years, plus three to seven years of training as a resident. If you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, medical school is your best choice, since PAs are not doctors. If you primarily want to be in a role where you treat patients under a physician’s supervision, PA school may provide the opportunities you need and not take as long or cost as much. 

A  physician assistant collaborates with a physician , who consults on cases and signs off on treatment plans.  Medical doctors , on the other hand, may choose to have a  solo practice . Physician assistants work more on a collaborative basis, as part of a healthcare team, while doctors may be the head of those teams. Both may act as primary care providers.

This is a trickier question, as PAs and NPs have many similarities at first glance, and both require master’s-level degrees. The best way to understand the difference is to understand their origins and  differences in nursing and medical care models . Physician assistants are often more focused on the medical model and philosophy, which starts with symptoms or disease and focuses on pathology, diagnoses, pharmacology and treatment; nurse practitioners use the nursing model and philosophy and focus more holistically on the entire person as a whole, which includes the patient’s mental, emotional and physical needs.

Last updated October 2021.

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Pa school requirements: complete guide.

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University

Reviewed: 12/18/23

Have you ever considered a career as a physician’s assistant? You’ve come to the right place! Follow along to learn every requirement for PA school.

Physician Assistant (PA) programs can be highly competitive and have strict admissions criteria. Before choosing a career as a PA , it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the PA program requirements to help you prepare for what’s to come. The first step you should take is to understand the prerequisites and qualifications required to apply to PA school. 

Although every PA school has their own individual requirements, you should still have a general understanding of PA school requirements and how you can prepare before applying. In this complete guide, we cover the prerequisites required for PA school (such as the required coursework and healthcare experience), GPA and GRE scores, essay requirements, and more. 

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

PA School Application Requirements

The first step in pursuing a career as a PA is to graduate from an accredited entry-level PA program recognized by the ARC-PA. Keep in mind that every school has a unique admissions process, and it’s crucial to do thorough research into each program you’re interested in. The following are common requisites and prerequisites for PA Schools:

• An Undergraduate Degree
• Healthcare Experience, Extracurriculars
• Prerequisite Courses
• Letters of recommendation

Every PA school requirement on this list is vital in shaping a well-rounded and competitive applicant, ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also possess the necessary hands-on experience and personal qualities to succeed in the rigorous PA program and ultimately excel in their healthcare careers.

Certain PA programs present a pre-professional phase that allows high school graduates and students with partial college credits admission to PA programs without an undergraduate degree. The pre-professional phase lasts between four to six years and involves completing undergraduate coursework before entering the professional phase of training. 

Prospective PAs interested in programs with a pre-professional phase are advised to check with institutions regarding program criteria and availability. 

PA School Prerequisites Courses

The Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) provides a complete list of PA programs and their requirements for you to browse. It’s essential to know the PA prerequisite requirements of your target school ahead of time so you can structure your schedule accordingly. The following PA school prerequisite courses are typically required : 

• Biochemistry
• English Composition/Writing
• Medical Terminology
• Microbiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Psychology (general)

It should be noted that each school has their own individual requirements . Before checking a PA school requirement off your list, you should always do plenty of research on each of your target schools before applying. 

School research can also help you throughout the essay writing and interview process and is a necessary step to educating yourself about what your target schools have to offer you. 

PA School Degree Requirements

To pursue a career as a physician assistant, certain educational requirements must be met. Whether you choose a full-time or part-time path, here are the key educational requirements to become a physician assistant:

1. Bachelor's Degree : You'll need a bachelor's degree as the foundational educational prerequisite.

2 . Science Prerequisites : You'll typically be required to complete specific science courses as prerequisites for PA programs. These courses often include subjects like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.

3. Direct Patient Care Hours : Most PA programs mandate a certain number of hours of direct patient care experience. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into healthcare settings.

4. Master's Degree : Successful completion of a master's degree from a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant) is essential. PA programs typically span around two years.

5. State License : After completing your education, you'll need to obtain a state license to practice as a PA. Licensure requirements can vary from state to state.

6. National Certifying Exam : To become a certified PA, you'll need to pass the national certifying exam, such as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

For those interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant, it's important to research the specific admission requirements of the PA programs they are interested in. The AAPA (American Academy of PAs) offers resources, such as a one-hour application success webinar, to help prospective students navigate the admissions process.

PA School GPA Requirements

According to the latest PA Education Association report , the overall average GPA of accepted PA school applicants is 3.6 . The same report shows that these accepted students averaged a science GPA of 3.5, CASPA Biology, Chemistry and Physics GPA of 3.5 and a non-science GPA of 3.6. 

The PAEA data also shows that the average GPA of students who did not get accepted into a PA program was 3.28. This is an important statistic to consider because many PA schools' GPA requirements are lower than their averages.

However, achieving an average GPA isn’t necessarily enough to get you into PA school. Depending on the competitiveness of the school, you may need to aim higher to gain acceptance. Here are the average GPAs of the top 5 PA schools in the US.

Source : Duke University , Baylor College of Medicine , PASF

If you’re concerned about your GPA, consider hiring an experienced tutor or PA school admissions coach to help you improve your grades before applying. If it’s too late to boost your GPA - there’s still hope. A seasoned admissions counselor will help show you how to satisfy the requirements for PA school and improve the quality of your overall application to help you get into PA school with a low GPA.

PA School GRE Requirements

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is commonly requested by Physician Assistant (PA) schools and other graduate programs to evaluate your readiness for graduate-level courses. The exam comprises three primary segments: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. 

According to the PA Education Association’s latest report, the average GRE scores for US applicants are as follows:

Source : PAEA program report

PA schools typically want to see your GRE results to determine your potential to excel in their challenging curriculum. Not all PA schools mandate the GRE , although we highly recommend taking it regardless of your target school’s requirements. 

It's a common PA school requirement that can positively impact your overall application and increase your chances of admission.

Here are the GRE requirements for the top 5 PA schools in the US:

An outstanding GRE score typically averages at 300 composite score, with scores exceeding 310 regarded as highly competitive. This averages out to around 150 for verbal reasoning, 150 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.5 for writing. 

It's important to note that these figures are based on previous GRE exams and that a score above the 50th percentile is generally considered competitive . Percentiles carry more significance than actual GRE scores since each test's difficulty level varies, making them incomparable without standardization.

To get a high GRE score, you’ll need to study and practice often. Consider taking GRE practice tests so that you can get familiar with the question format and minimize any surprises on the exam.

Discover your chances of getting into PA school with our free PA School Admissions Calculator !

PA School Health Care Requirements

When it comes to applying for PA school, “extracurriculars” refer to work and volunteer experience. You should only include experiences that are relevant to the PA program; the skills you gained should directly assist your ability to become an excellent PA in the future. 

Patient Care Experience (PCEs)

In terms of patient care experience , many PA programs require applicants to have about 2,000 hours of experience working in direct patient care. You can gain this experience through many different avenues. Some examples of PCE experience include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Taking patient vitals
• Starting IVs
• Administering medications
• Assisting with procedures
• Nursing experience (RN, CNA, APRN)
• Paramedic, EMT

PCEs specifically refer to experience you have in hands-on patient care. You’ll also be able to list your general healthcare experience, which is much more broad.

Healthcare Experience

Because healthcare experience is very broad, a common PA school requirement asks that students have around three years total of healthcare experience, which includes direct and indirect care. Healthcare experience can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Medical assistant
• Medical scribe
• Volunteering at a clinic or hospital
• Medic or medical corpsman
• Lab Assistant
• Medical research

Healthcare experience can be paid or unpaid, and there is no limit to how much experience you can list. The more healthcare experience you have, the more it shows that you are committed to your career. Of course, the more experience you have, the better and broader your understanding of the healthcare industry, which will also help you as you move forward.

PA School Essay Requirements

A CASPA personal statement is one of the most common requirements for PA school, and it acts as an introduction to your personality and values to your school. You should not overlook this part of your application: a compelling personal statement can have a significant impact on your chances of acceptance.

To write a memorable PA school personal statement, you should be true to who you are. Use your voice, think of a few unique anecdotes you want to speak about and brainstorm before you start writing. It can also be helpful to have a professional look over your essay before submitting it. 

PA School Personal Statement Example

98.6 degrees Fahrenheit has been a constant in medicine for centuries, but recent research has called into question whether that is still the average healthy temperature. As new treatments or protocols are developed for known illnesses, new diseases are always just around the corner. Nothing is constant except for change. Having an appetite for learning is necessary to excel in healthcare. By staying as current as possible, we all can continue to provide the best possible prognosis for our patients. I want to take a step forward in my life-long learning. When I become a PA, that will not be the end of my education. It will just be the beginning.

My introduction to healthcare was not a voluntary one. On a cool September early morning, my mother was attacked by dogs on the front doorstep of our family home. My father happened to be awake and was able to fight them off. Eventually, I heard the noise and darted out of bed to see my mother: bloodied, torn clothing, a large gash over her left bicep. I asked her how can I help. Her teeth were chattering so hard she could not get a clear word out. I go back inside and grab a blanket for her to keep her warm until the ambulance is able to get here. They rushed her to the local hospital.

After multiple IVs, grafts, and nights of rest, my mother was finally allowed to come back home but not before a final talk with the wound care management team. We were greeted by a PA who had been working with my mother. This was my first time ever hearing of a PA. He gave us a demonstration of how to keep the wound clean and dressed. My father worked 17-hour days and as the oldest of four children, I was chosen as the designated wound dresser. The PA reassured me that this is something that I could do and his words gave me confidence. Every follow-up appointment with the wound team my mother had I went along with to talk with the PA again to talk about how the wound was getting better and what technique I should be using to dress her wound. I was hooked into healthcare and I needed to get in somehow.

I went into the counseling center of Georgia Perimeter College and asked an advisor to show me all of the healthcare programs they had. Radiology appealed to me as working independently and being directly involved in patient care was what I was looking for, so I applied to the program. Two years later, I graduated as one of the top students academically in my class and started working.

One evening, Abigail, a young child, was brought into the ER by her mother for shortness of breath and an odd-sounding cough. An order came across for a chest x-ray on my worklist, so I prepared my exam room for her entry. A dark room with large, grey machines can turn an anxious child into a scared one. With this in mind, the lights were turned on and the equipment was lowered to about what her height was as listed in her chart. When I brought them into the room, I attempted to explain the exam but Abigail’s mother interrupted me.

“I am sorry but we have not even seen a doctor yet. Are you sure she needs to have this done?” Abigail began coughing. It sounded more like a bark than an ordinary cough. I recalled from a recent class I took within the hospital that the cough sounds like croup and a chest x-ray can support a diagnosis. I convinced the mother that if the exam was not done now it could lengthen their stay in the ER. She relented. I finished the exam and brought them back to their room. I looked up who had signed up to be Abigail’s provider. It was Joseph, one of the PAs that worked in the ER. “Abigail is back from x-ray. If you have not seen her yet, I believe she may have a case of croup.” I explained my reasoning and Joseph thanked me for the information.

That was the end of my time as a part of Abigail’s healthcare team. I couldn’t help any further. I became dissatisfied. If I was a PA, I would have left Abigail’s room knowing how she was going to get better rather than just wondering what happened to her.

In the last 10 years, I have learned many things. Being able to anticipate a person’s needs will always be a valuable skill to have. Wrapping an arm in gauze three times a day can be tiresome but pales in comparison to aches in my arm after washing pots and pans in a soup kitchen. Ulcerative colitis does not care if you are in the toughest semesters of your junior year. Retooling your studying methods for yourself can turn your senior year into a breeze. What I have gained from all of this is that I am going to keep learning and improving myself to become the best possible PA that I can. In doing so, my words will confer confidence to the next young adult whose mother needs help that they can do it too.

Why this is a good example : This candidate does a phenomenal job of explaining his passion for the PA profession. He goes over his first introduction into the healthcare field, the story of how he changed career paths, and how he feels when he helps patients. Overall, the applicant makes a compelling case for himself and seems to be very passionate about PA school.

PA School Recommendation Letter Requirements

PA schools usually require at least one letter of recommendation as part of your application. There are unique requirements for recommendation letters, so make sure to research each program's specific guidelines carefully. 

Generally, PA programs ask that your recommendation letters come from healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners, who can attest to your clinical skills and bedside manner. Some programs may also ask for a letter from a professor who can attest to your academic abilities. 

Sample Letter of Recommendation

To fulfill this PA school requirement, it's not uncommon to type your own letter and simply have a professor sign off on what you've typed. Here's an example of a PA school letter of recommendation:

I am writing this letter to recommend Samantha Jenkins for admission to your Physician Assistant (PA) program. As a physician at Mayo Clinic, I have had the pleasure of working with Samantha for over 2 years as she has shadowed my work. Throughout this period, I have witnessed Samantha’s display exceptional clinical skills, outstanding work ethic, and remarkable interpersonal skills.

Samantha Jenkins demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. She consistently displayed clinical judgment beyond her level of experience and made significant contributions to the team. Moreover, she showed an exceptional ability to connect with patients, demonstrating empathy and compassion in all interactions.

As a volunteer, Samantha has consistently exhibited excellent communication and teamwork skills. She worked collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless care delivery to patients. Samantha was always willing to learn and receptive to feedback, demonstrating a growth mindset.

In conclusion, I strongly recommend [Applicant's Name] for admission to your PA program. She is a dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate individual who would be an asset to any healthcare team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.

Dr. Foster 

Why this letter works: The letter of recommendation is quite basic, but it contains everything a school would need to know. There’s a clear introduction which establishes who the recommender is and how long they have worked with the applicant, and the body provides examples of the applicant's clinical and interpersonal skills. 

This letter also highlights the applicant's positive work ethic, excellent communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. These are all important traits that PA schools are looking for in candidates. Finally, the letter ends with a clear statement of recommendation and an offer to provide additional information if required. 

PA School Application Timeline 

The timeline for applying to PA schools is crucial for prospective students to follow. Most PA programs utilize the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), simplifying the application process. Below is a breakdown of the PA school application timeline, from the fall of junior year to the start of the program:

Fall of Junior Year

• Start researching PA schools of interest, considering factors like tuition, location, reputation, and teaching philosophy.
• Gain clinical experience by finding a job working directly with patients.
• If planning to take the GRE, schedule the test for February or March of junior year.
• Ensure you are on track to meet each PA school's prerequisite course requirements.

January to March of Junior Year

• Narrow down your list of target, backup, and "reach" schools.
• Take the GRE and prepare well to minimize the need for retakes.
• Request letters of recommendation from individuals who know you well.
• Begin drafting your personal statement, drawing on personal experiences, academic history, and clinical exposure.

April to May of Junior Year

• Start your CASPA application when it opens at the end of April, aiming to submit before May ends.
• If necessary, retake the GRE promptly.
• Arrange for transcripts to be sent to CASPA to document your coursework.
• If certain PA programs require the Casper test, verify their respective deadlines.

Summer After Junior Year

• After submitting your CASPA application, be prepared to receive supplemental applications and interview invitations.
• Work on school-specific supplemental applications with additional essay prompts.
• Attend interviews if invited, which may require travel.
• Explore options for financing your PA education through financial aid, grants, and scholarships.

Fall and Winter of Senior Year

• Maintain good grades to demonstrate consistency in your education.
• Continue working on supplemental applications and meet their deadlines.
• Attend interviews as necessary.
• Review and consider acceptance offers from PA schools, taking note of requirements and deadlines.

Spring of Senior Year and Beyond

• Accept the offer from the PA program you plan to attend, adhering to any acceptance deadlines.
• Complete any onboarding requirements, such as orientation and vaccinations.
• Secure housing and financial assistance, if needed.

Finally, you'll embark on your PA school journey, which typically begins in the fall, with some programs starting in May. Congratulations on reaching this important step in your career!

FAQs: Requirements for PA School

Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions about PA school requirements.

1. What Are the Requirements To Be A PA?

To become a PA, you must earn a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and complete certain prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Additionally, you must gain clinical experience, either through paid work or volunteering. 

Once you have met these requirements, PA programs will also ask you to include one or more essays, letters of recommendation, your GPA and GRE scores, and any additional information that the individual school requires. 

2. What GPA Do You Need for PA School?

The average GPA for entering PA school students is 3.6. Depending on the competitiveness of your program, you should aim for above the national average to ensure your application stands out. Overall, you should ignore the minimum PA school GPA requirements and aim high!

3. How Hard Is It to Get Into PA School?

PA schools have a highly competitive admissions process. Classes are often small and limited, so the number of applicants often exceeds the available slots. It is vital to have an above-average (3.6) GPA, as well as relevant healthcare experience and strong application materials. 

4. What Do I Need Before Starting PA School?

Before starting PA school, you should make sure to complete all necessary prerequisites during your undergraduate degree. To find out which prerequisite courses you need to take, research each of your target schools at least a year before applying. 

You’ll also need to acquire letters of recommendation, complete your undergraduate degree, and gain relevant work experience. Lastly, make sure you’re aware of how much PA school will cost so you can adequately prepare. 

Final Thoughts

Although checking every PA school requirement off your list can seem overwhelming, they are designed to help you succeed throughout your program. With the right preparation and dedication, you’re sure to beat the odds and get into PA school. If you still feel unsure, consider reaching out to an experienced PA school admissions coach . 

From completing prerequisite courses and gaining clinical experience to submitting strong applications and preparing for interviews, our Inspira team is here to guide you through the process. We know the rewards of becoming a PA are worth the investment! PAs play a crucial role in improving patient care and addressing healthcare disparities. 

So, if you are passionate about healthcare and helping others, PA school might be the right path for you. Just remember to do your research, stay organized, and never hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. With these tips in mind, you can take the first steps toward a rewarding and fulfilling career as a PA.

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Key searches, program admission requirements.

The Physician Assistant (PA) program is administered by the Keck School of Medicine of USC. The minimum standard for admission into the program is a United States bachelor’s degree (in any discipline), or its equivalent from a regionally accredited institution, and completion of all program prerequisite coursework. Applicants are expected to have a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale in which A = 4.0).

Quicklinks:

Requirements Overview

Process and deadlines.

All science prerequisites are expected to be completed by the end of the fall term in the year prior to matriculation. All non-science prerequisites must be finished by the end of the spring term just before the matriculating fall semester. A maximum of two non-science prerequisite courses can be in-progress during the spring term prior to matriculation.

All prerequisite courses must be completed for letter grades with at least a grade of C (2.0) earned.

To ensure their coursework meets the program’s requirements, applicants should check the course equivalency listing . They are also strongly encouraged to attend our virtual events and watch the prerecorded information sessions .

To be considered for the Physician Assistant program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Submit a complete application package, which consists of the (1) CASPA application, (2) USC Supplemental Application, and (3) non-refundable supplemental application fee, by November 1st.

Complete the necessary prerequisite coursework and hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution by June 30 prior to the matriculating Fall semester.

It’s highly recommended that applicants submit their complete application package by August 1, as the program reviews applications continuously and admits students on a rolling basis.

Applicants should also keep copies of all the materials they submit to the program. The program only accepts students for entry in the fall semester; therefore, applications for other terms will not be considered.

Please note: There is no advanced standing offered on entry to, or during enrollment in, the program.

Science Prerequisites

One (1) year sequential coursework (2 semesters or 3 quarters) in General Biology and Chemistry with Lab for biological-based science majors. One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units) of Microbiology with Lab, Human Anatomy with Lab, and Human Physiology.

All courses must be completed with “C” grade or higher. Science prerequisites have a 10-year expiration.

Option 1 General Biology or Human Biology 1 : One (1) year sequential coursework

Option 2 One (1) semester/quarter of General Biology or Human Biology and one (1) semester or two (2) quarters of an additional Biology course(s) from the list below:

Option 2 biology courses must be designed for biological-based science majors.

1 if your institution does not offer a general biology or human biology series, then you must provide proof of completing the introductory biology series for biological-based science majors (e.g. zoology, cell biology, etc.). applicants from an institution on the quarter system: if your institution does not offer three (3) quarters of general biology or human biology, you may elect to take two (2) quarters of general biology and one (1) quarter of one of the following: genetics, molecular biology, immunology or cell biology..

Option 1 General Chemistry with Lab 1 : One (1) year sequential coursework

Option 2 One (1) semester/quarter of General Chemistry with Lab and one (1) semester or two (2) quarters of an additional Chemistry course(s) with a lab from the list below:

Option 2 chemistry courses must be designed for biological-based science majors.

1 if your institution does not offer a general chemistry with lab series, then you must provide proof of completing the introductory chemistry with lab series for biological-based science majors. applicants from an institution on the quarter system: if your institution does not offer three (3) quarters of general chemistry with lab, you may elect to take two (2) quarters of general chemistry with lab and one (1) quarter of one of the following: organic chemistry with lab, biochemistry with lab, or inorganic chemistry with lab..

One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units).

May be in the following:

If your institution does not offer one of the above courses, then you must send a course description and/or syllabus to [email protected] for verification.

A combined Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) with Lab series can fulfill the Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology prerequisites. If completing an A&P series, then you must complete one (1) year of sequential coursework (2 semesters or 3 quarters). For example, if your regionally accredited institution offers a three-quarter A&P series, then you must complete all three courses.

Non-Science Prerequisites

One (1) year sequential coursework (2 semesters or 3 quarters) in Beginning Spanish. One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units) of Statistics and Psychology. Minimum one (1) unit (semester or quarter) or certificate of completion for Medical Terminology.

All courses must be completed with “C” grade or higher. Non-science prerequisites do not have an expiration.

One (1) year (2 semesters or 3 quarters). Must be college-level credit earned either through coursework or by placement examination. There are no language substitutions.

An applicant can complete a minimum of 1 semester/quarter unit at a regionally accredited institution  or  submit a medical terminology certificate of completion from a regionally accredited institution or vocational program.

One (1) year (2 semesters or 3 quarters).

Additional Requirements

We reserve the right to confirm and verify all employment, volunteering, and clinical experiences as included in all submitted applications.

All science prerequisite coursework, including coursework under consideration for exemption as noted above, must be completed by the end of the fall term of the year prior to matriculation. It is highly recommended that science prerequisites be taken as recently as possible. No more than two non-science prerequisite courses can be in progress in the spring term following the November 1 application deadline. If you are reapplying to the PA program, then you must submit all new materials.

All prerequisite coursework must be completed at regionally accredited institutions. A list of course prerequisites that may be completed at more than 200 institutions can be found at the Course Equivalencies page . It is the applicant’s responsibility to review and complete all of the prerequisites necessary to be eligible to apply for the USC PA program.

In general, prospective applicants who have completed their education in countries outside of the United States must secure a report by the  International Education Research Foundation to preliminarily verify that they have completed the 1) equivalence of a bachelor’s degree and 2) admission prerequisites.

Two semesters of college-level English composition are also required. In addition, the USC PA Program may require applicants to take the TOEFL to indicate proficiency in English. If granted an interview and offered admission to the USC PA Program, applicants must submit official international transcripts to USC for verification of the preliminary, unofficial review conducted by the evaluation service.

In addition to the above, international students must complete and submit the USC Online Graduate School Application and all supporting documents no later than November 1 each application cycle.

Please reach out to [email protected] to verify the required materials before applying.

For additional information, international students should visit:

• https://gradadm.usc.edu/apply/us-students/
• https://gradadm.usc.edu/apply/international-students/
• http://ois.usc.edu/

We reserve the right to confirm and verify all employment, volunteering, and clinical experience as included in all submitted applications.

For applicants that received AP credit in science prerequisites:

Advanced Placement (AP) credit for science prerequisites will not be accepted. If an applicant has received one semester or quarter of AP credit (or equivalent) for Biology or Chemistry with Lab, then the applicant may elect to satisfy the prerequisite(s) in one of two ways:

• Complete the specific course sequence as outlined above (i.e. complete two semesters or three quarters of the general science course series), or
• Complete a minimum of two semesters (6 units) or three quarters (9 units) of upper-division coursework for biological-based science majors.

For example, if you received AP credit for one term of general biology, then you may satisfy the Biology prerequisite in one of two ways:

• Complete a one-year (two semesters or three quarters) general biology course sequence for biological-based science majors, or
• Complete a minimum of two semesters (6 units) or three quarters (9 units) of upper-division coursework for biological-based science majors (e.g. cell biology, genetics, histology, etc.). Upper-division courses for non-majors will not be accepted.

For applicants that received AP credit in non-science courses:

AP credits for non-science prerequisites can be accepted. If you intend to satisfy prerequisite(s) with AP transfer credit, then your official transcript must display the (1) university course equivalent (e.g. “PSY 101: Intro to Psychology”) and (2) the number of AP transfer credits received. If your official transcript does not display this information, then you’ll need to request for your university’s specific department (e.g. Psychology department) to send our team an email at [email protected] stating how many AP transfer units you received and the equivalent university course which your AP credits satisfy.

All prerequisite science courses must be completed within 10 years of the application submission year. Exceptions to the 10-year science prerequisite time frame may be granted on an individual basis to individuals who have completed one of the following:

• A minimum of eight semester units of graduate credit in a medically-related natural science discipline, with at least a 3.0 GPA, completed within seven years of the application deadline, or
• Received an advanced degree in the natural sciences, clinical sciences, or other appropriate disciplines within 10 years of the application deadline.

In either case, all coursework completed and degrees conferred must be from institutions of higher education which are accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Requests for this 10-year exemption should be directed to [email protected].

It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit all requested documents in support of this request and to ensure that these documents were received. The Chair of Admissions will review all submitted documents and render a decision to the applicant within two weeks of document receipt. All decisions are final. If an exemption is not granted and the applicant wishes to continue the application process, then the applicant will need to complete the prerequisites as specified.

Requests to waive the 10-year requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Chair of Admissions, and a strong history of continued scientific contributions in the applicant’s career will be considered. Applicants should provide evidence of their continuation in a scientific or health-related field as part of their 10-year extension request.

Hands-on, paid, patient care clinical experience is preferred. Please refer to our list of common clinical experiences . Other healthcare experience is equally acceptable as long as the clinical experience is hands-on in nature. It is important that PA applicants are familiar with medical environments, the role of a physician assistant, and have experience working with patients. Volunteer clinical experience is also considered in the application process and should be entered into the CASPA application. Applicants are encouraged to describe their paid and volunteer hands-on patient care experiences.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to community service. Service that benefits underserved or disadvantaged groups is highly desirable as the program has a commitment to training its students as primary care providers with these populations. This can include experiences with Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, tutoring, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters.

It is not required to shadow a PA, and we do not have a minimum number of required hours for the admissions process. However, shadowing experience is highly recommend for your personal and professional development. Shadowing can be observing a PA in the care of patients, working alongside a PA on a day-to-day basis, or attending virtual shadowing opportunities. Examples of virtual shadowing include Telehealth, provider platforms, and websites that offer case studies provided by a PA. The goal of shadowing is to help an applicant articulate the role of a PA and explain why they want to be a PA.

A minimum of two (2) letters of reference are required with a maximum of five (5) letters allowed through the CASPA application process. Additional letters will not be considered by the program. Reference letters should not be from personal friends or family members. Letters of reference must be submitted directly through CASPA no later than November 1. No exceptions. References can include physician assistants, science professors, physicians, nurses, or other mentors.

After applications have been reviewed, selected applicants will be invited for an interview. Interviewees are required to submit a passport-sized photo ID. Interviews are conducted in Alhambra or virtually between September to March each cycle. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis and are subject to cancellation if the cohort is fully seated.

All accepted candidates are required to meet the program’s technical standards (physical and psychological competencies of performance) prior to and throughout the program. Upon acceptance, students will be required to submit and maintain evidence of their current health status and immunizations. Students are also required to maintain university-approved health care insurance coverage while enrolled in the program. The university offers a health plan; for more information, email [email protected] or visit the USC Student Health website .

• Partnerships

Physician Assistant (MS)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Training physician assistants since 1971 makes ours one of the most experienced programs in the nation.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are medical practitioners who practice collaboratively with a supervising physician. The PA scope of practice is authorized by state law and determined by the supervising physician.

PAs take medical histories, perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests/studies, diagnose, develop and implement a treatment plan in consultation with the supervising physician, prescribe medication in all states, advise and educate patients on health promotion and disease management, provide inpatient hospital care for patients, and assist in surgery.

Physician Assistants provide care both in teaching institutions and in hospitals where there are no physician residents and are employed in health centers, multi-specialty medical group practices, emergency rooms, physician’s offices, and nursing homes.

As the role of the PA has expanded over the years, Northeastern has adapted its curriculum. While PA education concentrates largely on generalist medicine, more than a quarter of PAs now go into subspecialties.

Northeastern has been in the forefront of creative utilization of PAs. You will be trained as a generalist provider in the traditional primary care environment and will also be prepared to work in new and emerging aspects of health care.

Northeastern University’s PA Program prepares students for national certification and meets the education requirements for professional licensure as a Physician Assistant in all 50 states and Washington, DC, enabling graduates to apply for a PA license anywhere in the country upon graduation from the program.

Degree type: – Physician Assistant MS Study options: – On ground (Boston Campus) – Full-time only

Application deadline: Aug 1

GRE: Not required

F1: Not eligible

The 2023 US News and World Report Graduate Rankings list Northeastern University’s Physician Assistant Program as #20 in the nation.

Accreditation and Program Outcomes

The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Northeastern University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be March 2025. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.

The program’s  accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website  at: https://www.arc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Accreditation-History-Northeastern-U-11.pdf

1. Patient-Centered Practice Knowledge

• Gather essential and accurate information about patients through history-taking, physical examination, and diagnostic studies to provide patient-centered care.
• Synthesize and critically evaluate the most current scientific evidence and the stories of individual patients to formulate a diagnosis and develop and implement patient management plans, provide preventative care, and promote individual wellbeing.
• Perform or assist in the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures associated with the management of medical and surgical conditions.
• Identify and correct gaps in knowledge, skill, or attitude by engaging in self-motivated learning and self-reflection.

2. Society and Population Health

Integrate individual, societal, community, and global determinants of health into a shared medical decision-making approach to patient care and wellness.

3. Health Literacy and Communication

Exhibit interpersonal and communication skills that encourage effective exchange of information, awareness of unconscious bias, incorporation of health literacy, and cultural humility in order to promote improved medical outcomes and health equity.

4. Interprofessional Collaborative Practice and Leadership

Establish one’s own role and integrate knowledge of other professions in an interprofessional healthcare team that partners with the patient to advocate for and establish a patient-centered clinical approach to healthcare.

5. Professional and Legal Aspects of Healthcare

Promote the continued advancement of the Physician Assistant profession through emphasis on professional maturity and accountability, understanding of standards of care and professional integrity, and knowledge of laws and regulations that govern the delivery of healthcare.

6. Healthcare Finance and Systems

Contribute to the greater health care system though encouragement of system-based practice, cost-effective health care and resource allocation, high quality patient care, and attention to public and population health concerns.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (“B”) in all course work.  If the cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, students are placed on academic probation.  Only two courses may be repeated in meeting the GPA of at least 3.0 (“B”) required for the degree.  “Satisfactory” and “Unsatisfactory” grades are not included in the GPA.

Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in each individual course.  If a course grade is below “C,” students are placed on academic probation even if the GPA is above 3.0.

Students must obtain a GPA of at least 3.0 (“B”) in each semester.  If the GPA for any semester is below 3.0, students are placed on academic probation.

Students who receive a grade of “F” or “U” in a course may make up the course based on their advisor’s recommendation and permission of the Program Director. Students are not permitted to repeat a course more than once.  As didactic courses are offered only once each year, students may have to wait at least one year to repeat a failed course or one in which they received a grade of “U.”  In some cases, this could mean that students may not continue in the Program because they have not completed a prerequisite.  Course credits earned in the Program are valid for a maximum of four years unless an extension is granted by the PA Program Director.

To be removed from probation, students must clear any deficient grades; maintain a 3.0 GPA in all future semesters without receiving an “I,” “F,” “U,” or “W” grade; meet the requirements listed above; and petition for removal from probationary status.  Students who do not meet these requirements are subject to dismissal.  Readmission to the program is at the discretion of the Program Admissions Committee.

An “I” (Incomplete) grade will be changed to a letter grade when the deficiency that led to the “I” is corrected to the satisfaction of and in the manner prescribed by the course instructor.  A grade of “I” must be cleared within 30 calendar days from the date of its initial recording on a student’s permanent record.  Students must sign an Incomplete Contract with the Program as required by the Registrar’s office and complete the terms specified prior to clearing the “I”.

Students are permitted to decelerate in the event of a formal leave of absence. A leave of absence is granted at the discretion of the Bouvé College Dean of Graduate Studies and is limited to one year in duration. The student must petition the Bouvé College Dean of Graduate Studies to return to the Program. The Program itself does not participate in the granting of a leave or in reinstatement. After a return from the leave of absence, the student must repeat in its entirety any course for which a final grade was not entered.

A letter grade is given for each clinical rotation (applied study).  The clinical grade includes a review of the student’s clinical performance and professional conduct as determined by the preceptor at each site.  A grade of at least “C” in each clinical rotation is required.  If a student fails a rotation, repeating it is at the discretion of the preceptor and Program Director.  A student may repeat only one rotation during the entire PA Program.

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to enter their second year (Semester 4).   Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during the clinical year or be placed on academic probation.  In order to graduate, students must pass all end-of-rotation exams as well as a comprehensive exam at the completion of their second year.

Students are required to pass a Summative Evaluation within the last four months of the program prior to graduation. For more information you can review the Summative Evaluation description .

Students are also required to successfully complete a Scholarly Paper/Capstone Project of publishable quality prior to graduation. A passing grade for the Scholarly Project is 70% or higher.

Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA upon completion of the Program to receive the Master’s degree.

*Attrition rate calculation: Number of students who attrited from cohort divided by the entering class size.

**Graduation rate: Number of cohort graduates divided by the entering class size.

Northeastern University Physician Assistance PANCE Performance Summary Report

Northeastern’s PA Program is highly integrated within each semester as well as vertically between semesters. Methods of instruction include general lectures limited to the maximum 52 students in the class, small group discussion sections of 5 to 8 students, and simulation lab exercises including interdisciplinary cases with students from other health science programs in our college.

We are committed to developing future physician assistants who can advance diversity by providing culturally informed care to people across race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, age, ability, and nationality. We support the acquisition of competencies that prepare our students to recognize, confront, and end discrimination in its many forms.

Instructors are able to respond to questions and go into topics in considerable depth, preparing you for the clinical placements where you will put your knowledge to work.

Successful completion of the entire two-year program is required to take the PA National Certification Exam (PANCE).

What does a typical student schedule look like?

The program is a full-time day program . There is NO part-time option.

During the first year, students will have classes Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to at least 5:00 p.m.

Occasionally, there may be a special evening lab or demonstration which students are made aware of well in advance.

While on rotation during the second year, students will go to various rotation sites and are expected to fulfill the hours required at different sites, including evenings, weekends, and on-call coverage.

Sample Curriculum

Sample curriculum, subject to change.

The chart below describes a sequence of courses as taught in the recent past. This chart is not a planning document for what course will be taught in which semester (spring or fall) in the future. For that information, students should consult with their academic advisor or see the  university course catalog .

Fall Semester

Anatomy and Physiology 1

Clinical Lab and Diagnostic Methods 1

Physical Diagnosis and Patient Evaluation 1

Pharmacology 1

Principles of Medicine 1

Principles of Psychiatry

Professional Issues for Physician Assistants

Spring Semester

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Clinical Lab and Diagnostic Methods 2

Physical Diagnosis and Patient Evaluation 2

Pharmacology 2

Principles of Medicine 2

Clinical Neurology

Principles of Pediatrics

Research Design

Health Care Delivery

Principles of Medicine 3

Principles of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Principles of Orthopedics

Principles of Surgery

Aspects of Primary Care

Emergency Medicine and Critical Care

Aging and Rehabilitation Medicine

Clinical rotations are a critical part of PA training. After successfully completing the didactic portion of the program in the first year, the subsequent 12 months are spent in clinical rotations. Rotations are assigned at a variety of medical settings. Because of Northeastern’s recognized focus on practice-oriented education and the PA Program’s longevity and reputation in the field, we can offer students a wide variety of clinical opportunities at hospitals, clinics, private practitioner’s offices, and multispecialty clinics. All students experience a broad diversity of patient populations and practice sites.

Students do not need to find their own clinical placements. We have long-standing relationships with many sites and supervisors and are able to place students in rotations. Every student receives an individualized rotation schedule and completes clinical rotations in each of the following areas of medicine. The sequence varies for each student.

• Ambulatory Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Practice Medicine
• Inpatient Medicine
• Mental Health
• Women’s Health

While most clinical rotations are located in the Greater Boston area and New England, students will be expected to travel to distant sites to complete their rotations .

Only the elective rotation is chosen by the student and may be done in any medical specialty either in this country or abroad. The Clinical Faculty must approve all elective rotations to ensure they fulfill learning objectives and provide adequate supervision.

Completion of a scholarly project by the end of the second year is required for graduation.

Admissions Requirements

Both academic work and patient care experience must be completed prior to applying to the program with the following exception. Applicants with outstanding degree completion and/or a single  outstanding prerequisite course will be considered if successfully completed by June 15th prior to matriculation.

Admissions requirements and procedures are reviewed and revised annually. Please refer to our  Selection Process and Criteria . Updates are generally made on our web page at the end of March.

We are unable to pre-review transcripts before an individual applies to the program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to review the most current information prior to applying. All applications will be considered as long as they are complete and are submitted prior to the August 1 deadline and verified by CASPA by August 31.

Read carefully prior to applying

Prerequisites.

Both academic work and patient care experience must be completed prior to applying to the program with the following exception. Applicants with outstanding degree completion and/or a single outstanding prerequisite course will be considered if successfully completed by June 15th prior to matriculation.

Admissions requirements and procedures are reviewed and revised annually. Please refer to our  Selection Process and Criteria . Updates are generally made on our web page at the end of March.

We can answer general questions about the program that are not addressed on our website.  You can call us at 617.373.3195 or email at  [email protected] .

Bachelor’s degree  in any major from a regionally accredited institution.

A minimum overall GPA  of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale  as calculated on the CASPA application.  We will accept any of the following overall GPAs to satisfy this requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree-associated overall GPA
• Master’s or doctoral degree-associated overall GPA
• Post-baccalaureate-associated (minimum 30 credit hours) overall GPA

A minimum science GPA  of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale  as calculated on the CASPA application.  This GPA includes all college science courses taken at regionally accredited institutions. We will accept any of the following science GPAs to satisfy this requirement:

• Bachelor’s degree-associated science GPA
• Master’s or doctoral degree-associated science GPA
• Post-baccalaureate-associated (at least 30 credit hours) science GPA. The thirty credits need to be included in the verified GPA
• Stronger preference will be given to applicants with higher overall and science GPAs

Stronger preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate strong academic rigor including the type of coursework completed and whether difficult courses were completed one at a time versus several difficult courses taken concomitantly.

The GRE is NOT required  and will not be considered in your application review.

Academic Course Requirements

The following academic work must be completed  prior to applying by the August 1 deadline. It is essential that applicants review the detailed Physician Assistant Program Prerequisites information below.  Please be sure to review the FAQ section (below) for additional guidelines and explanations on course prerequisites. Students must earn a  grade of solid B or better  from a regionally accredited institution for a course to fulfill a prerequisite. Pass/Fail grades do not fulfill any of the prerequisites unless otherwise indicated (see COVID-19 prerequisite modifications).

1 Any combination  (basic or upper level) of 2 semesters of biology lectures plus 1 biology lab. Courses may include general biology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, infectious disease, pathophysiology, cell biology. Courses labeled “for non-science majors” are not appropriate.

2 Any combination  (basic or upper level) of 2 semesters of chemistry lectures plus 1 chemistry lab. Courses may include general chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry. Courses labeled “for non-science majors” are not appropriate.

3 Anatomy and Physiology  is commonly offered as A&P 1 plus A&P 2 or 1 semester of anatomy plus 1 semester of physiology. Course content must be in sufficient depth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the body and must cover the entire body from head to toe including all body systems. Either a one semester or a two-semester course is appropriate as long as all systems are included. Human, vertebrate, and animal A&P are all acceptable. A&P lab is not required. All components of the Anatomy and Physiology sequence must have grades of solid B or better.

4 Statistics  may be offered by any department (biostatistics; statistics for psych, math, or business majors among others). The course content needs to include probability theory, multiple regression, hypothesis testing, T tests, chi square, ANOVAS, Z tests, correlations, means, medians, modes, and logistical regression as well as how to select and apply the appropriate statistical test, how to analyze the data, and how to interpret the results.  Calculus does not satisfy the statistics prerequisite

5 Grades of B- or below do  not  fulfill the minimum grade requirement.

• Advanced placement (AP) or international baccalaureate (IB) credits from high school do not fulfill any of our course prerequisites. Non-credit courses are not accepted to fulfill any prerequisites. Advanced placement will not be awarded to any applicant, regardless of prior education or experience.
• Individuals who hold a doctoral degree from an accredited US institution in a health or science field (MD, PhD, DrPH, DVM, ScD) may have individual prerequisite course requirements waived at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. For example, an individual with a PhD in Chemistry who has been working in a related field may have their chemistry lecture/lab requirement waived if taken more than 10-years prior to applying.
• Successful completion of the ECFMG or USMLE cannot be substituted in lieu of taking all the prerequisite courses. Advanced standing credit will not be given for courses taken elsewhere. All students accepted into the program must successfully complete the entire 2-year curriculum regardless of previous education and degrees.
• COVID-19 PREREQUISITE MODIFICATIONS: the Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program Admissions Committee made the decision to accept Pass/Fail grades in any 2 of our required prerequisite courses (see chart). These 2 courses must have been taken during the spring 2020 or summer 2020 terms only. All other prerequisite courses taken at any other time must still have grades of solid B or better to satisfy our requirements. All other prerequisites remain the same.

Patient Care Experience

The Admissions Committee defines patient care experience as working directly with patients . Examples of patient care experience include, but are not limited to:

• Taking vital signs
• Performing ECGs
• Drawing blood
• Changing bandages and dressings
• Splinting, casting, removing sutures
• Bathing and toileting
• Mental health counseling

The job title of the position is not as important as the specific duties performed. Administrative work in a healthcare setting or caring for family members will not be considered.

Patient care experience should be completed prior to applying by the August 1 deadline. Strong preference will be given to applicants who have approximately 1000 hours of patient care experience prior to applying to the program. A stronger preference will be given to those with over 1800 hours of patient care experience prior to applying. Applicants with fewer than 1000 hours may also be given consideration depending upon the strength of their entire application.

PA shadowing is not a prerequisite and does not count toward patient care hours. However, we highly recommend shadowing to acquire a solid understanding of the PA role.

Please be sure to review the  FAQ section  for additional guidelines and explanations.

Additional Prerequisites

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers Certification: Students are required to have valid BLS certification no later than the start of the summer semester of the didactic year and prior to taking the ACLS course during that semester. Initial BLS certification must have an in-person component, and recertification may be done online. Students are required to ascertain on their own if they have taken an American Heart Association (AHA)-approved BLS certification course. Please do not contact the program about AHA approval as the program is unable to research the many local agencies that provide BLS training to ensure that they have AHA approval. BLS certification is not an application requirement.
• A laptop computer (PC or MAC) with a webcam is required in order to take online exams in class.
• Criminal background checks are required for all students. This will be conducted upon matriculation.
• Access to a vehicle is required in order to travel to clinical sites.
• Travel may be required to distant rotations under special circumstances.

Please note: These requirements are for applicants who are applying to the class that will matriculate in August of each year. Prerequisites are subject to change for future admissions cycles.

International Applicant Information

For applicants who have earned degrees outside of the United States, the following prerequisites must be completed prior to applying:

• Completion of all the required science courses (see list of specific courses under “Academics” above).
• TOEFL score within the previous 2 years of at least 100 (internet-based) to demonstrate proficiency in English.
• A certified degree and course-by-course evaluation of foreign transcripts to ascertain equivalencies to United States educational standards. The GPA obtained at a foreign university must be equivalent to at least a 3.0 GPA in the United States. We will only accept evaluations done by World Education Services (WES). Evaluations performed by other companies will NOT be accepted. The report should be submitted to CASPA.

World Education Services Bowling Green Station PO Box 5087 New York, NY 10274 Phone: 212.966.6311 Website:  www.wes.org

Current and ongoing patient care experience is needed in order to be a competitive applicant.

Required Technical Standards

A candidate for the Physician Assistant Program must have abilities and skills in:

• observation
• communication
• sensory and motor coordination and function
• intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities
• behavioral and social attributes

Observation  Candidates and students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in experiments in the basic sciences, and must observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting both nonverbal and verbal signals. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and other sensory modalities.

Communication  Candidates and students must be able to: speak intelligibly, hear sufficiently, and observe patients closely in order to elicit and transmit information; describe changes in mood, activity, and posture; and perceive nonverbal communications; and communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech, but also reading and writing skills. Candidates and students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written English with all members of the health care team.  Students must demonstrate reading skills at a level sufficient to accomplish curricular requirements, provide clinical care for patients, and complete appropriate medical records, documents, and plans according to protocol in a thorough and timely manner.

Sensory and Motor Coordination and Function  Candidates and students are required to possess motor skills sufficient to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation, and other basic diagnostic procedures; and execute motor movements reasonably required to provide basic medical care, such as airway management, placement of catheters, application of sufficient pressure to control bleeding, and simple obstetrical maneuvers. These actions require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities  These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physician assistants, requires all these intellectual abilities. Candidates and students must be able to: independently access and interpret medical histories or files; identify significant findings from history, physical examination, and laboratory data; provide a reasoned explanation for likely diagnoses and prescribed medications and therapy; recall and retain information in an efficient and timely manner. The ability to incorporate new information from peers, teachers, and medical literature in formulating diagnoses and plans is essential. Good judgment in patient assessment and diagnostic and therapeutic planning is essential. Students must be able to communicate their knowledge to others when appropriate.

Behavioral and Social Attributes  Candidates and students must possess the ability to: use their intellectual capacity, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients under potentially stressful and/or emergency circumstances; develop empathic, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients; adapt to changing environments and learn in the face of uncertainties that are inherent in the practice of medicine; use supervision appropriately and act independently when indicated. Compassion, integrity, ethical standards, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational process.

Immunization Policy

The University requires that every student submit proof of a health and immunization evaluation prior to matriculation. In addition, most institutions and clinical sites require that students provide documentation of immunization status. University Health and Counseling Services provide Immunization Clearance Forms. Students are responsible for having the Student Health Form completed and returned to Health Services prior to matriculation so that the Clinical Clearance Form can be processed and available for clinical sites. In order to complete rotations, students are required to sign a release form that allows the Program to share immunization records with clinical sites. The Bouvé College of Health Sciences immunization requirements are consistent with current Centers for Disease Control recommendations for the immunization of Health Care Providers and can be found on the Northeastern website. Students planning to matriculate are encouraged to review the information included on the  New to NU  web page.

Admissions and Selection Process

The mission of the Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program is to educate and inspire compassionate clinicians from diverse backgrounds to become accomplished leaders and innovators in all aspects of healthcare. As global citizens, we are dedicated to access, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to developing future physician assistants who can advance diversity by providing culturally informed care to people across race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, age, ability, and nationality.

A class of 52 students matriculates once each year in August. The CASPA application cycle opens in late April, and our application deadline is August 1 of the year prior to planned matriculation. We do not have early decision or rolling admissions. Early application submission does not guarantee early review of your application. All applications will be fully reviewed and equally considered if they are submitted to CASPA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 1 and verified by CASPA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 31. Applicants with outstanding degree completion and/or a single outstanding prerequisite course will be considered if successfully completed by June 15th prior to matriculation. If you are completing one final course, be sure it is listed under “Courses in Progress/Planned” on the CASPA application. It is your responsibility to send an official transcript directly to the PA Program as soon as the final grade/degree conferral is available. Electronic transcripts are preferred. The admissions process has 3 phases:

• Review of the CASPA applications
• Personal interviews
• Final selection of class

Northeastern University’s Physician Assistant Program does not award or grant advanced placement or course credit to any admitted students regardless of previous education or work experience. All applicants must meet the Program’s rigorous criteria for admissions. Admissions decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, genetics, nationality, veteran’s status, disability, or age. The admissions process is competitive. During the 2023-2024 application cycle, we had approximately 2,200 verified CASPA applications.

Review of CASPA Applications

The Northeastern University Physician Assistant Program reviews applications holistically. All components of the CASPA application are considered in selecting candidates for a personal interview. No one specific application component will ensure admission to the program. The holistic review considers the following:

• Admissions prerequisites
• Academic achievement including overall GPA, science GPA, and academic rigor
• Patient care hours and reflections of clinical experience in relation to future goals in healthcare in the CASPA and Northeastern essays
• Evidence of alignment with the program’s mission, vision, program goals, and core values in the CASPA and Northeastern essays
• Letters of recommendation (at least two clinically-related)
• Overall impression of the application

Personal Interviews

Approximately 200 candidates are interviewed. Interviews will be conducted virtually and are usually scheduled in mid-October. Applicants selected for personal interviews will be notified via email a few weeks prior to the date of the interview. The interview process provides applicants the opportunity to:

• meet with program leadership for an overview of the program
• meet with PA students and/or recent graduates
• meet with a program graduate to discuss what the professional life of a PA is like and how well the program prepared them for the work
• virtual tour of campus
• interview one-on-one with members of the Admissions Committee including program faculty and alumni

During the personal interview the admissions committee not only considers all components of the CASPA application but also evaluates applicants regarding:

• Patient care reflections of clinical experience in relation to future goals in healthcare in the CASPA essay, Northeastern essay, and personal interview
• Evidence of alignment with the  program’s mission, vision, program goals, and core values  in the CASPA essay, Northeastern essay, and personal interview
• Overall impression of the candidate

Final Selection of Class

Final selection of the class will be conducted by holistic review of the candidates who were interviewed. This selection will be based upon all components of the CASPA application review, and the personal interview.

Applicants will receive email notification regarding their status by late December. All admissions decisions are final. Those offered a seat in the program will have two weeks to respond. A deposit of $1000 is required to secure your place in the class and will be applied to your first term’s tuition.

Tuition, fees, and required equipment for PA students

Tuition for students beginning the program in the fall of 2023 is $18,850 per term, for a total of $56,550/year.  The Double Husky Scholarship is available to students starting with the class matriculating in August 2021 in the Physician Assistant Program. Additional fees are also listed below and are subject to change annually.

*These fees represent current expenses. Fees are expected to increase annually. Updated amounts for the upcoming academic year will be made available as soon as they are determined. More detailed information is available at  University Fees  and  Graduate Student Fees  websites.

By law, all students in Massachusetts are required to have health insurance. If a student does not elect to take the Northeastern University student health insurance plan ($2499 for the 2023-2024 academic year), evidence of other comparable health insurance coverage must be provided. More information about the Northeastern University student health insurance plan can be found  here .

Information about financial aid is available through  The Office of Graduate Student Financial Services  ( 617-373-5899 ). There are several types of need-based financial aid in the form of government loans as well as a Northeastern loan available only for physician assistant students.

Working while attending the program is not feasible. There are no graduate assistantships or Lifetime Learning Memberships available for PA students. Information about procedures regarding refunds of tuition and fees is available through  The Office of Student Financial Services  website.

Northeastern University participates in the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans. Information about the program (including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply) can be accessed on university’s  Yellow Ribbon  website.

The  John D. O’Bryant African-American Institute  offers a graduate fellowship to students of African origin who demonstrate high standards of leadership and have a record of community service.

Course Prerequisites FAQs

Can i apply if i still need to complete a course prerequisite.

Applicants with outstanding degree completion and/or a single outstanding prerequisite course will be considered if successfully completed by June 15th prior to matriculation. If you are completing one final course, be sure it is listed under “ Courses in Progress/Planned” on the CASPA application . It is your responsibility to send an official transcript directly to the PA Program as soon as the final grade/degree conferral is available. Electronic transcripts are preferred.

What should I do if I submit my CASPA application in the spring and still plan to take courses during the summer?

List all “in progress” and “planned” courses on the CASPA application. As soon as final grades are available, it is your responsibility to notify the program and promptly send an official transcript directly to the program so we can update your file. Electronic transcripts are preferred. We do not have early decision or rolling admissions, so there is no advantage to submitting your application early.

If you are still taking courses in the spring and summer semesters, you might consider waiting to submit your CASPA application so that the final grades appear on your application. All applications will be considered as long as they are complete and are submitted by the August 1 deadline at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, verified by CASPA by August 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and we receive the $75 Northeastern application fee by August 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Does Northeastern require any material in addition to the CASPA application?

We do not have a supplemental application. However, Northeastern does require a $75 Northeastern application fee in addition to the CASPA application fee. For instructions on how to submit the fee, please refer to the section entitled “Northeastern $75 Application Fee” on our web page under the “How to Apply” section.

What if my anatomy and physiology courses did not include a lab and are only 2-credit courses?

An Anatomy and Physiology lab is not required. The Admissions Committee does not evaluate the Anatomy and Physiology prerequisite based upon course credits. Rather it is the course content that is important. Both the anatomy and physiology of the  entire body  from head to toe, including  all body systems  must be covered.

Any combination of courses that covers full-body anatomy plus full-body physiology is appropriate if as long as all systems have been included. The most common combinations are A&P 1 plus A&P 2 or an anatomy course plus a physiology course. Either a one semester or a two semester course courses is appropriate if as long as all systems have been included. All components of the Anatomy and Physiology sequence must have grades of solid B or better.

Will courses taken during the summer term fulfill prerequisites?

Courses taken in the summer will be accepted if they are considered equivalent courses by the school offering them and they adhere to our guidelines regarding the type and content of the course.

Will I satisfy the biology or chemistry prerequisite if I earned a grade below a solid B in one biology or chemistry lecture course but earned grades of a solid B or better in at least 2 other biology or chemistry lecture courses?

You need to have a minimum of 2 biology lectures plus 1 biology lab and a minimum of 2 chemistry lectures plus 1 chemistry lab all with grades of solid B or better to satisfy the biology and chemistry prerequisite. Any combination of basic and upper-level biology or chemistry courses is acceptable. For example, if you took 5 biology lecture courses and earned grades below solid B in only 2 of them, you would still have 3 biology lectures with grades of solid B or better. Any combination of biology and chemistry courses (basic and upper level) taken at a regionally accredited 2-year or 4-year institution is fine.

Patient Care Experience FAQs

What does patient care experience mean.

The Admissions Committee defines patient care experience as working directly with patients. Examples of patient care experience include, but are not limited to, taking vital signs, performing ECGs, drawing blood, changing bandages and dressings, splinting, casting, removing sutures, bathing and toileting, scribing, and mental health counseling. The job title of the position is not as important as the specific duties performed. Administrative work in a healthcare setting or caring for family members will not be considered.

Does volunteer work count as patient care experience?

Patient care experience can be obtained through paid and/or volunteer experience.

What if I have not completed the necessary hours of patient care experience by the application deadline?

Patient care experience should be completed prior to applying by the August 1 deadline. Strong preference will be given to applicants who have approximately 1000 hours of patient care experience prior to applying to the program. Stronger preference will be given to those with over 1800 hours of patient care experience prior to applying. Applicants with fewer than 1000 hours may also be given consideration depending upon the strength of their entire application.

Application Deadline FAQs

Do you have early decision or rolling admissions.

No. All applications will be given full consideration if they are complete and are submitted to the program by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 1, verified by CASPA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 31, and we receive Northeastern’s $75 application fee by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 1. Applying early does not necessarily mean that your application will be reviewed earlier. Notification about interviews is generally sent via email starting in October. Final decisions regarding interviews and acceptance are usually finalized by the end of the year.

Can I apply while I’m still a senior in college?

The Admissions Committee will consider an application from a college senior if all the course prerequisites (except for a single outstanding course prerequisite which must be completed by June 15 prior to matriculation) and significant patient care experience have been successfully completed prior to the August 1 application submission deadline.

Will I still be considered if I submit my CASPA application by the August 1 deadline but the program does not receive it for another 2 to 4 weeks?

If your application is submitted to CASPA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 1, it will be reviewed if it has been verified by CASPA by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 31. However, even if your CASPA application is verified by August 31, it will not be reviewed unless your $75 Northeastern application fee (if applicable) is also received by the program by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 1. Complete applications are necessary for further consideration. Remember that around the August 1 CASPA submission deadline, it may take several weeks for CASPA to verify your application.

Application Evaluation FAQs

What criteria are used to evaluate applications.

Applications are initially screened to ensure that an applicant has satisfied the basic prerequisites (bachelor’s degree, minimum 3.0 overall and science GPAs, specific prerequisite coursework with minimum grades of solid B or better, academic rigor, and approximately 1000 hours of patient care experience). All components of the application are important. Please refer to our web page section on the  Admissions Process and Selection Criteria  for detailed information.

What is the profile of the ideal candidate?

There is none. The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically. All application components are considered. Students accepted into the program have a wide array of personal backgrounds. The diversity of our classes creates an enriched learning environment for both students and instructors. The application pool varies from year to year making it difficult to predict what types of things an applicant can do to stand out.

All basic prerequisites need to be at least minimally met in order to be considered. The program is committed to developing future physician assistants who can advance diversity by providing culturally informed care to people across race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, age, ability, and nationality.

How many applications are typically received?

Last year, the program received close to 2200 verified CASPA applications.

What is the average GPA of the most recently admitted class?

Applications are reviewed holistically, and all criteria together are important. Focusing on an average GPA can be misleading. Students who are accepted into the program need to have both overall and science GPAs of at least 3.0 . Applicants with the highest GPAs are not necessarily always more competitive.

Many factors besides overall and science GPAs are taken into consideration. The Admissions Committee also considers:

• Specific grades in prerequisite courses
• Type and amount of patient care experience
• Academic rigor
• Clinically-related letters of recommendation
• The application essays
• And the personal interview.

What if my overall or science GPA is slightly below 3.0?

Application to the program is extremely competitive. Eligible applicants must have minimum overall and science GPAs of 3.0 in order to be considered for admission.

The Admissions Committee will consider one of the following GPAs when determining whether both the overall and science GPAs have been met: baccalaureate GPA, graduate GPA, or post-baccalaureate GPA (30 credits). Please refer to the  Prerequisites section for details.

How are GPAs calculated?

We use the GPAs as calculated by CASPA. Please refer to the  Prerequisites section on our website for more information.

If accepted, can I defer enrollment for a year?

No, we do not offer deferments. If an applicant is accepted but does not matriculate, they would have to reapply with no guarantee of future acceptance.

Student Schedule FAQs

What is the typical student schedule like.

The program is a full-time day program. There is no part-time option. During the first year, students will have classes Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to at least 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, there may be a special evening lab or demonstration which students are made aware of well in advance. While on rotation during the second year, students will go to various rotation sites and are expected to fulfill the hours required at different sites, including evenings, weekends, and on-call coverage.

Is it possible to work while enrolled in the program?

Working while enrolled in the program is not feasible. The full-time didactic year curriculum is rigorous including mandatory class attendance as well as required reading and other course preparation outside of classroom time.  During the second year while doing clinical rotations, in addition to the hours you need to spend at the rotation site, you will be expected to do outside reading and may be given written assignments by some clinical preceptors. Some rotations require weekend, evening, or on-call coverage, thereby making it unfeasible to plan on having a regular schedule throughout the clinical year.

International Applicant FAQs

Do applicants who have a medical degree from another country have to take an additional courses before applying to the program.

No additional courses are required if you have completed all prerequisite courses with a U.S. equivalent grade of solid B or better. These courses must still have been taken within 10 years of applying. No exceptions are made.

Can I transfer credits or coursework into the program if I took the equivalent courses at another school?

No. All students accepted into the program must go through the entire 2-year curriculum regardless of previous coursework or training. Advanced placement will not be awarded to any applicant to the Physician Assistant Program, regardless of prior education or experience.

Do I need to have patient care experience in the United States?

While the Admissions Committee may consider experience gained in another country, patient care experience in the United States is also recommended.

It is VERY important to review the FAQ section  of our website before completing your application.

Caspa application.

Northeastern University’s PA Program is a participant in CASPA (Centralized Application Service for PAs). CASPA allows you to:

• Apply to multiple participating programs
• Verifies your application for accuracy
• Processes the application
• And forwards it to your designated PA programs

Deadline for submission to CASPA for the Northeastern University PA Program: August 1   (of the year prior to planned matriculation )

Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have been submitted to CASPA and that the application is complete.  Northeastern University will not provide interim updates regarding application status.  Applicants will receive email notification regarding their status by late December.

Information on the CASPA application process can be found on the  CASPA web site .

Additional Northeastern Application Material

Be sure to carefully read the information below before completing your CASPA application.

In order for your application to be considered complete and be reviewed for any of the three options, the program must receive the following material:

• Northeastern $75 Application Fee Northeastern University requires a $75 application fee for all students applying to the University. This fee is in addition to the CASPA application fee and is nonrefundable.
• Please use the link provided in the email you receive after you submit your CASPA application, to claim your account and pay the application fee by credit card.
• The $75 Northeastern application fee is waived if you are a current Northeastern senior in a bachelor’s degree program or an alumnus/a who earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern. However, you still need to complete the form in the payment portal. Click on whichever fee button reflects your status.
• If you received a fee waiver from CASPA, we will accept it in lieu of Northeastern’s $75 application fee. At the same time you submit you CASPA application, please send an email to the program at  [email protected]  with a copy of your CASPA waiver.

3 References (submitted online)

• NUPA requires that at least two of the three required references submitted to CASPA be from individuals with whom you have worked in a clinical environment. The two clinically related references can be from any combination of health care professionals with whom you work including, but not limited to, PAs, MDs, NPs, RNs, PTs, OTs, EMTs, RTs, ATs, etc. Practice managers, EMT supervisors, and others in similar supervisory roles are also acceptable. The evaluators should comment on your clinical background including an assessment of your clinical performance, the type of duties you perform, and your ability to relate to patients and others on the health care team.
• References from shadowing experiences will not be accepted as a clinical reference as you are observing rather than actually performing patient care duties yourself.
• We will only accept references included with the CASPA application.  References sent directly to the PA Program will not be considered.
• CASPA allows a maximum of 5 references

We will notify you via email when your CASPA application has been verified.

Your CASPA application will not be reviewed until has been verified and we have received your $75 Northeastern Application fee.  Receipt of your $75 Northeastern application fee cannot be acknowledged via email until you submit your CASPA application.

Application Checklist

To apply, applicants must submit the following in CASPA :

Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and science GPA of 3.0 . Stronger preference will be given to applicants with higher overall and science GPAs and who demonstrate strong academic rigor including the type of coursework completed and whether difficult courses were completed one at a time versus several difficult courses taken concomitantly.

Applications fee — both CASPA and Northeastern

3 letters of recommendation submitted in CASPA. Two clinically related references can be from any combination of healthcare professionals with whom you work including, but not limited to, PAs, MDs, NPs, RNs, PTs, OTs, EMTs, RTs, ATs, etc. Practice managers, EMT supervisors, and others in similar supervisory roles are also acceptable. Note: References from shadowing experiences will not be accepted as a clinical reference as you are observing rather than actually performing patient care duties yourself. References MUST be sent via CASPA or they will not be considered. 

Letter of intent to study

Official transcript from baccalaureate program  and all college coursework

Note: The GRE is NOT required and will not be considered in your application review.

Got questions?

We can answer general questions about the program that are not addressed on our website. 

You can call us at 617-373-3195 or email.

Physician Assistant Faculty

Carey Barry

MHS, PA-C, MT(ASCP), DFAAPA

Chair, Department of Medical Sciences; Associate Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

202 Robinson Hall

Michael Bessette

Medical Director, Associate Department Chair, Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Adam Broughton

Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Alexis Landry

Director of Clinical Education, Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Alexis Liakos

Andrew Mackie

Associate Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Jason Parente

Associate Program Director, Associate Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Lauren Raine

Research Assistant Professor Physical Therapy, Human Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences

329 Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

Glenna Regan

Director of Didactic Education, Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

Thomas Williams

Program Director; Assistant Clinical Professor Medical Sciences

202 Robinson Hal

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Yale Physician Assistant Online Program

Pa online program to graduate final class in 2026.

Posted December 7, 2023

The Yale PA Online Program will graduate its final class in 2026. The program will continue to offer high-quality, innovative education and support to our current and matriculating students but will not admit future students. This change does not impact the Yale School of Medicine campus-based Physician Associate Program. Learn more about this program update .

Preparing Patient-Focused Clinicians

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) is advancing the physician assistant (PA) profession by educating the highly proficient PAs the country needs. As the nationwide shortage of primary care physicians grows, YSM is bringing more health care practitioners to patients with Yale’s hybrid physician assistant program. Yale’s PA Online Program awards a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degree and prepares graduates to seek licensure as physician assistants.

Our Hybrid Program

The program blends online classes and coursework with in-person clinical rotations and three immersions (two on the Yale campus and one remote), so students can earn a degree from YSM without relocating.

Current Students

Tuition & financial aid, news & top stories, pa online white coat ceremony marks transition to patient care, yale pa online student participates in competitive advanced surgical pa training program, pa online student provides medical assistance on airline flight, pa online alumna nicole hoff receives pa foundation impact grant, explore murmurs, the health professions students' creative journal, bruessow elected to us professional association for transgender health board.

Your Definitive Guide to PA School Requirements and Prerequisites (2024)

by internationalmedicalaid

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a decision that carries with it both excitement and challenges. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can navigate the admissions process with confidence, significantly increasing your chances of securing a spot in your dream PA school. This definitive guide aims to provide you with a clear roadmap of the PA school requirements , PA School prerequisites , and practical tips to maximize your chances of success.

Overview of Topics on How to Get Into PA School

Pa school requirements and prerequisites.

The journey to become a Physician Assistant is exciting, with specific PA school requirements and prerequisites designed to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the demands of the profession. PA school prerequisites typically include a combination of science and health-related courses. 

These courses lay the foundation for the advanced medical training you’ll receive in the program. They commonly include subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry. Knowing PA school prerequisites is the first step in planning your educational path. Here is some of what we cover in this guide:

How to Become a Physician Assistant?

The question of how to become a Physician Assistant is one many aspiring healthcare professionals ask. The process involves completing a bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree from an accredited PA program, which typically takes 2-3 years. 

This is then followed by passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Gaining direct patient care experience is also a fundamental part of the journey. Most PA programs require applicants to have a certain number of direct patient care hours, which can be obtained through roles like medical scribe, EMT, or nurse’s aide.

How to Get into PA School? What are PA School Requirements?

Apart from meeting the academic prerequisites, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and patient care. This can be achieved through direct patient care experience, research, and community service. 

A well-rounded application also includes strong letters of recommendation, a compelling personal statement, and a successful interview. PA school admissions consulting can be a valuable resource in this process, providing personalized guidance to enhance your application.

How Many Years to Become a Physician Assistant?

Many aspiring PAs wonder how many years it takes to become a Physician Assistant. Typically, after completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, it takes an additional 2-3 years to complete a PA master’s program. Including the time it takes to acquire necessary patient care experience and prepare for the application process, most individuals spend about 6-8 years training to become a PA. Read more about this in detail throughout this guide.

How Can Pre-PA Internships Abroad Help My Application?

Gaining a broad range of experiences is crucial for a strong PA application. Pre-PA internships abroad offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and a broader understanding of global healthcare systems. These experiences not only enhance your resume but also provide a deeper insight into diverse patient care practices and healthcare needs around the world.

How Can PA School Admissions Consulting Help My Application?

PA school admissions consulting can provide aspiring PAs with the expertise and support needed to craft a competitive application. From personal statement editing to interview preparation, admissions consultants offer a range of services designed to highlight your strengths and address any weaknesses in your application.

PA School Requirements and Direct Patient Care Hours for PA School

Direct patient care hours are a critical component of PA school requirements. Most programs expect applicants to have between 500-2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience. This experience ensures that applicants have a basic understanding of patient care and are committed to the healthcare profession. These hours can be obtained through various roles, each providing unique insights and skills that will be valuable in your PA training and career.

The path to becoming a Physician Assistant is demanding, it is also incredibly rewarding. By following the PA school requirements and prerequisites, gaining diverse experiences, and seeking guidance where needed, you can navigate the admissions process with confidence.

PA School Requirements (Courses)

When going through these PA School requirements, it’s important to also acknowledge that becoming a PA is strongly about demonstrating your passion for patient care, your commitment to the field of healthcare, and your readiness to take on the challenges and rewards of this dynamic profession. With the right preparation and mindset, you can achieve your goal of becoming a Physician Assistant and embark on a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others.

Core PA Prerequisite Courses

Building a strong foundation in these essential sciences is crucial for success in PA school and preparing you for the MCAT or GRE (if required).

These core prerequisite courses present a streamlined overview of the essential science courses required for most PA programs, along with their typical credit hours and lab requirements. Remember, specific program requirements may vary, so be sure to double-check with your chosen programs.

Central Pillars of PA School Requirements

General Biology I & II (8-10 credit hours) : Dive into the fundamentals of life from cell structure to genetics and evolution. Embrace the lab to gain hands-on experience with microscopes and biological processes.

General Chemistry I & II (8-10 credit hours) : Explore the world of atoms, molecules, and chemical reactions. Prepare for exciting lab experiments, mastering essential laboratory techniques.

Organic Chemistry (4-5 credit hours) : Delve deeper into the intriguing realm of carbon-based molecules, their structures, and reactivity. Brace yourself for challenging lab sessions that solidify your understanding.

Biochemistry (4-5 credit hours) : Witness the magic of molecules in action, grasping how biochemical processes fuel life. Be prepared for engaging lab activities that bridge the gap between chemistry and biology.

Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II (8-10 credit hours) : Embark on a captivating journey through the intricate human body, dissecting its systems and functions in detail. Expect immersive lab sessions where you explore real anatomical structures.

Building Blocks for Success

Statistics (3-4 credit hours) : Equip yourself with data analysis skills crucial for interpreting medical research. Consider introductory or biostatistics courses to hone your analytical thinking.

Psychology (3-4 credit hours) : Gain essential insights into human behavior and communication, invaluable for patient interactions. General or abnormal psychology both provide valuable perspectives.

Medical Terminology (3-4 credit hours) : Decipher the language of medicine, enhancing communication within healthcare settings. Explore standardized textbooks and online resources to master key terms.

Additional Recommended Courses

Genetics : Deepens your understanding of DNA, inheritance, and genetic disorders.

Molecular Biology : Examines the mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and translation.

Immunology : Explores the immune system’s functions and responses to pathogens.

Microbiology : Studies microorganisms, their roles in disease, and antimicrobial principles.

Cell Biology : Provides a detailed understanding of cell structure, function, and communication.

• Lab requirements are vital for most courses.
• Course credit hours may vary slightly depending on the program.
• Always check specific program prerequisites for any additional requirements.

Embrace the challenge of mastering these foundational courses, and be confident that you’re building a strong academic foundation for your journey toward becoming a Physician Assistant!

PA School Requirements

Becoming a PA requires meeting specific academic and experiential criteria. Meeting these requirements is essential to a strong foundation for your application.

Bachelor’s Degree : While most programs accept applicants with any major, science-related degrees like biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine are often preferred. Some programs may consider graduate degrees as well.

GPA Hurdle : Programs typically require a minimum GPA, often ranging between 3.0 and 3.5, both overall and in science courses. Maintaining strong academic performance throughout your undergraduate studies is crucial.

Standardized Testing Crossroads

GRE/MCAT Acceptance (Declining Trend) : Traditionally, many programs required the GRE or MCAT. However, a growing number are moving away from standardized testing. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your chosen programs.

Focus on Other Strengths : If your programs don’t require standardized tests, focus on highlighting your academic achievements, clinical experiences, and personal qualities through other aspects of your application.

Prerequisite Pathways

Foundational Sciences : Completing core courses like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology is essential. Programs may also require additional coursework in statistics, psychology, and writing.

Lab Opportunities : Look for courses with integrated laboratory components to gain practical experience applying theoretical knowledge. Strong performance in labs can strengthen your application.

Direct Patient Care

Building Hands-on Experience : Accumulate valuable clinical experience through various pathways:

• Volunteer in healthcare settings : Assisting at hospitals, clinics, or community health centers allows you to interact with patients and observe healthcare professionals in action.
• Shadow healthcare professionals : Shadowing PAs, physicians, nurses, or other healthcare providers offers insightful glimpses into specific careers and clinical processes.
• Work in healthcare roles : Consider positions like medical assistant, EMT, or phlebotomist to gain hands-on skills and exposure to the medical field.

Quantifying Your Experiences : Aim for 500-2,000 hours of direct patient care, depending on program requirements. Document your hours meticulously and highlight diverse experiences in your application.

Beyond Quantity : Prioritize quality experiences that provide meaningful exposure to patient interaction, clinical procedures, and healthcare challenges.

Crafting Your Narrative

Your Authentic Voice : The personal statement is your opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Showcase your unique story, motivations, and experiences that led you to pursue a career as a PA.

Beyond Academic Scores : While academic achievements are important, the personal statement goes beyond grades. Highlight your interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, resilience, and passion for serving others.

Show, Don’t Tell : Don’t simply list your accomplishments; weave them into a compelling narrative that demonstrates your growth, potential, and suitability for the PA profession.

Seeking Guidance : Seek feedback from mentors, professors, or writing tutors to refine your personal statement and ensure it shines with clarity and authenticity

Gearing Up for Interviews

Master the Basics : Research the program and anticipate common interview questions related to your application, program specifics, and healthcare knowledge.

Practice Makes Perfect : Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors to hone your communication skills, articulate your thoughts clearly, and address potential challenges with confidence.

Be Yourself : While preparation is key, don’t forget to relax and be yourself during the interview. Your genuine personality and enthusiasm for PA school will shine through.

Keys to Success

In addition to meeting the basic requirements for PA school, several additional keys to success can significantly enhance your application and readiness for a career as a Physician Assistant.

Building a Strong Application

Meeting the formal requirements for a Physician Assistant program is undoubtedly crucial, but it’s the demonstration of your passion and potential through additional experiences that truly strengthens your application. Enhancing your profile with a range of experiences and qualities can set you apart from other candidates and showcase your readiness for the challenging and rewarding career that lies ahead.

Research PA Programs Thoroughly

Embarking on a PA program is a substantial commitment, and it’s crucial to find the right fit. Consider factors beyond the basic curriculum, such as the program’s location, length, tuition, and clinical affiliations. Research the faculty’s expertise, the school’s reputation, and the support services available to students. A detailed understanding of each program will help you choose one that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and personal circumstances.

Network with PAs and Students

Networking with current PAs and PA students can provide invaluable insights into the profession and the realities of PA education. Seek out mentorship opportunities, attend PA conferences, or join relevant online forums. Engaging with individuals who have successfully navigated the path you’re on can offer guidance, inspire you, and help you build a support network that can be beneficial throughout your education and career.

Sharpen Your Skills Through Extracurricular Activities

Involvement in extracurricular activities demonstrates your initiative, leadership, and commitment to the broader community. Participate in research projects to deepen your understanding of medical science and contribute to the field. Take on leadership roles in student organizations to develop teamwork and organizational skills. Engage in community service or volunteer work, particularly in healthcare settings, to demonstrate your commitment to helping others and to gain practical experience in patient care.

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement is an opportunity to stand out from the crowd and show the admissions committee who you are beyond your grades and test scores. Use it to tell your unique story, including your motivations for becoming a PA, the experiences that have shaped your journey, and your vision for your future in healthcare. A compelling personal statement can make a strong impression and set the tone for your entire application.

Prepare for Interviews

Interviews are a critical component of the PA school application process. They not only assess your knowledge and readiness for the program but also evaluate your communication skills and personal qualities. 

Practice answering common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your passion for the PA profession, your empathy, and your ability to work as part of a healthcare team. Be ready to discuss your experiences, your understanding of the PA role, and your career aspirations. Good preparation can help you remain calm and confident during the interview, allowing your true self to shine through.

While meeting the academic and experiential requirements for PA school is essential, these additional keys to success are what can truly set you apart as a candidate. By researching programs thoroughly, networking with professionals, engaging in extracurricular activities, crafting a compelling personal statement, and preparing for interviews, you can enhance your application and set yourself up for success in your journey to becoming a Physician Assistant. 

With dedication, passion, and a proactive approach, you can navigate the competitive landscape of PA school admissions and take significant steps toward a rewarding career in healthcare.

Accumulating hands-on experience in direct patient care is invaluable. It not only provides you with a deeper understanding of healthcare and patient needs but also demonstrates your commitment and dedication to the field. Volunteering in healthcare settings, shadowing healthcare professionals, and working in roles that provide direct patient care are all excellent ways to gain this experience. Many programs expect anywhere from 500 to 2,000 hours of such experience, so aim to meet or exceed these requirements to strengthen your application.

Participating in research projects is another way to enhance your profile. It demonstrates your intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Engaging in research, whether at universities, hospitals, or private laboratories, allows you to contribute to the medical field while gaining an understanding of the scientific method and data analysis. These experiences can also lead to meaningful relationships with mentors and an opportunity to contribute to published studies or presentations.

Taking on leadership roles in various contexts shows your ability to collaborate, motivate, and manage responsibilities effectively. Whether it’s leading a club at your university, organizing community initiatives, or assuming a supervisory role in your job, these experiences highlight your readiness to take on the challenges of a PA program and eventually, leadership roles in healthcare settings. Demonstrating your leadership skills can make a significant impact on your application by showing that you are prepared to be an active and contributing member of the PA community.

Community Service

Engaging in community service is a powerful way to demonstrate your altruism and commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. Volunteering at medical clinics, participating in health advocacy organizations, or contributing to outreach programs shows your dedication to making a difference. These experiences not only enrich your understanding of diverse patient populations but also reflect your compassionate nature and commitment to serving others, which are core values in the healthcare profession.

Personal Statement

Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application. This narrative is your opportunity to tell your unique story. It should highlight your motivations for pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant, your experiences that have prepared you for this path, and your career aspirations. A well-crafted personal statement can resonate deeply with admissions committees. It allows you to show your human side beyond grades and test scores, and connect with those making the decisions about your future.

It’s the additional experiences and qualities you bring that truly enhance your application. Direct patient care, research, leadership, community service, and a compelling personal statement are key elements that can set you apart. 

Demonstrate your readiness and enthusiasm for the PA profession and show that you are not just qualified, but also a well-rounded and dedicated individual. By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong, competitive application and take a significant step towards achieving your goal of becoming a Physician Assistant.

Resources to Take Your Journey Further

• PA School Centralized Application Service (CASPA)
• American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
• PA School Map: Your Guide to Physician Assistant Programs  

How to Get Patient Care Hours for PA School (Without A Certification)

• Most Common PA School Admissions Questions in 2024  
• What is a Physician Assistant? Learn About PA’s Role In Healthcare

Best Classes to Take Before the MCAT

General chemistry.

General chemistry will give you a fundamental understanding of chemical principles and reactions, atomic structure, thermodynamics, and more. This knowledge is essential for the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section of the MCAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to become a physician assistant.

To become a Physician Assistant (PA ), you must follow a series of educational and experiential requirements. Initially, you’ll need to obtain a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a science or health-related field. Following this, you’ll enroll in a Master’s PA program, which typically takes 2-3 years and includes both classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination ( PANCE ) and obtain state licensure to practice.

How to get into PA school?

Gaining admission into a PA school requires meeting specific program requirements, demonstrating strong academic performance, gaining clinical experience, and showcasing your personal qualities. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and a certain number of hours of direct patient care experience. Additionally, a well-written personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a successful interview are crucial components of a competitive application.

How many years to become a Physician Assistant?

Becoming a Physician Assistant typically requires 2-3 years of full-time study in a master’s degree program after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. After completing the educational component, you’ll need to pass the PANCE and obtain licensure, which may take additional months. Thus, from start to finish, the process usually takes around 6-7 years.

How can Pre-PA Internships Abroad help my application?

Participating in pre-PA internships abroad with IMA  can provide valuable clinical exposure and cultural immersion, enhancing your understanding of global healthcare systems and diverse patient populations. These experiences can broaden your perspective, improve your clinical skills, and make your application more competitive. You can read more about this topic in our What Is A Physician Assistant Internship and How To Get One article.

Do I need PA School Admissions Consulting?

The PA school application process can be complex. Considering our professional PA admissions consulting services can provide you with personalized guidance, helping you to highlight your strengths, address any weaknesses, and effectively communicate your passion for the PA profession in your application.

How many direct patient care hours for PA School are needed?

While requirements vary between programs, most PA schools expect applicants to have between 500-2000 hours of direct clinical experience. These hours can be obtained through roles such as medical assistant, emergency medical technician, nurse, or other positions that involve direct patient care.

Can I substitute courses?

Substituting courses depends on the specific requirements of the PA program you’re applying to. Some programs may allow substitutions or accept alternative coursework, but you must check with each program to understand their policies.

Do online courses count?

Many PA programs do accept online courses, especially for non-lab classes. However, for courses with a lab component, in-person labs are often preferred or required to ensure hands-on experience. Always check with the specific program for their acceptance of online coursework.

What GPA is needed for each course?

While the minimum GPA requirement varies by program, aiming for strong grades in all prerequisite courses is essential, especially in sciences. Most competitive applicants have a GPA well above the minimum requirement, often 3.5 or higher.

Should I take upper-level science courses?

While not always required, taking upper-level science courses can strengthen your application by demonstrating your ability to handle rigorous coursework. It also further prepares you for the academic challenges of PA school.

Meeting PA School Prerequisites and PA School Requirements

Becoming a Physician Assistant is a journey that requires dedication, academic excellence, and a genuine passion for serving others. By investing in preparation, knowing the requirements, and utilizing available resources like IMA consulting services , you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.

As you can see, gaining acceptance to PA schools in the USA is difficult. Our personalized PA school admissions consulting services can help you gain an advantage over the competition. We can help you create a PA school application that will get attention. Read more about us here to learn how we can help you get accepted into PA school and participate in Pre-PA Internships in Kenya, Peru, Colombia, and other fascinating nations abroad.

International Medical Aid provides  global internship opportunities  for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides  medical school admissions consulting  to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.

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Click on a course below to read a course description and any required prerequisite.

Patient assessment I, II, and III are a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history and physical exam, including the use of appropriate equipment, proper techniques and accurate medical terminology to document findings; course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Skills will be developed through structured laboratory exercises.

Prerequisites:  Admission to the physician assistant program

Patient assessment I, II, and III are a series of courses designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to obtain and record the complete medical history, use of appropriate equipment, proper techniques and accurate medical terminology to document findings; course will provide an overview of the medical record as well as development of writing and organizational skills for medical record keeping and oral presentation skills. Skills will be developed through structured laboratory exercises.

Prerequisites:  Successful completion of prior semester of PA coursework or program permission.

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop skills in the areas of patient-centered communication, patient counseling and education, and health promotion, disease prevention and risk reduction. There is a focus on social determinants of health, development of cultural humility, and competence in providing care to at-risk populations.

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills in the areas of patient-centered communication, patient counseling and education, and health promotion, disease prevention and risk reduction. There is a focus on social determinants of health, development of cultural humility, and competence in providing care to at-risk populations.

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop skills in the areas of patient-centered communication, patient counseling and education, and health promotion, disease prevention and risk reduction. There is a focus on social determinants of health, development of cultural humility, and competence in providing care to at-risk populations.

This is the first of three units in a series designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The anatomy section will focus on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patient, anatomical relationships of structures to each other, and anatomical components of body systems.

This is the second of three units in a series designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The anatomy section will focus on important anatomical structures required in the physical evaluation of patients, relationships between anatomical structures, and anatomical components of body systems.

This is the third and final unit in a series of courses designed to develop an understanding of normal physiology, genetics, pathologic and pathophysiologic concepts of diseases per organ system. The anatomy section will focus on important anatomical landmarks required in physical evaluation of patient, anatomical relationships of structures to each other, and anatomical components of body systems.

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic testing, including radiographic and EKG testing. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic tests used for diagnosing, treating and managing patient needs.

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic laboratory testing and imaging. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic tests used for diagnosing, treating, and managing patient needs.

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop a functional understanding of the appropriate uses and interpretations of clinical diagnostic and laboratory testing. Students will learn to select, interpret and evaluate clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic procedures used for diagnosing, treating, and managing patient needs.

This is the first in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.

This is the second in a series of courses designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.

This is the final course in a series designed to provide an intensive study of human diseases and disorders, using a lifespan approach from pediatrics to geriatrics, in the areas of clinical medicine including epidemiology, etiology, historical data, clinical manifestations, progression, therapeutic management, prevention, laboratory medicine, and prognosis. Emphasis will be on disease processes common to primary care practices, and the development of differential diagnoses and plan based upon the patient's clinical presentation.

This is the first in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects and toxicities.

This is the second in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects and toxicities.

This is the third in a series of courses designed to develop skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription and non-prescription. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacodynamics, uses, side effects and toxicities.

This course is designed to build upon the first year PA student’s foundation of clinical medical knowledge that was laid down during the Clinical Medicine, Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Patient Assessment, Basic Science, and Pharmacology course series to prepare them for clinical rotations. Lectures and discussion sessions will provide advanced information and instruction covering a range of medical topics. Clinical skills practical sessions will facilitate the student’s attainment of the knowledge and development of the technical aptitude of fundamental skills utilized in clinical practice.

This course will cover the importance of evidence-based medicine and review basic statistical, research methods and ethical standards in research. It will also cover the interpretation and application of various types of clinical articles to answering a clinical question and prepare the student for the project to be completed during the clinical year.

This course is designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to professional practice issues. Areas of discussion include history of the physician assistant profession, professional organizations, medical error, malpractice, professionalism, health care delivery and health care systems, burnout and provider wellbeing and appropriate documentation for coding and billing.

This course is designed to aid the student in the transition into the medical profession and serves as an introduction to bioethics. Areas of discussion include confidentiality, truth telling, competency, making informed decisions and other ethical issues.

Prerequisites:  Admission in the physician assistant program

This course is designed to prepare the student to communicate with Spanish speaking patients as they conduct a medical history and physical examination. Basic medical vocabulary and comfort with the spoken language is the focus of this course.

Clinical Year

PA 501 Internal Medicine  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience practicing the principles of internal medicine through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will be provided opportunities to acquire and develop skills to evaluate and appropriately manage acute, chronic, and preventive medical care to internal medicine patients.

Prerequisites:  Completion of the preclinical year of the physician assistant program or program permission.

PA 502 Family Practice  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience practicing the principles of family medicine through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will be provided opportunities to acquire and develop skills to evaluate and appropriately manage acute, chronic, and preventive medical care to family medicine patients.

PA 503 Psychiatry  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience practicing the principles of psychiatry through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The student will acquire and develop skills to perform interviews and evaluate acute and chronic psychiatric patients, develop an understanding of common psychiatric treatment modalities and exhibit an awareness of the framework of the mental health system.

PA 504 Pediatrics  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience practicing the principles of pediatric medicine through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will be provided opportunities to acquire and develop skills to evaluate and appropriately manage acute, chronic, and preventive medical care to infants, children and adolescent patients.

PA 505 Surgery  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience learning the principles of Surgery through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will be provided opportunities to acquire and develop skills to evaluate and appropriately manage surgical patients.

PA 506 Women's Health  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience learning about the principles of Women’s Health through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will have opportunities to acquire and develop skills in pre-natal and gynecologic care to evaluate and appropriately manage patients presenting in the Women’s Health setting.

PA 507 Emergency Medicine  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week course provides the physician assistant student with experience practicing the principles of emergency medicine through collaboration with preceptors who have expertise in this field. The physician assistant student will be provided opportunities to acquire and develop skills to evaluate, triage and manage acute and emergent patient encounters in the emergency department setting.

PA 508 Masters Project  ( Credits 4 )

This course is a continuation of the first year course (Evidence-based Medicine) and is designed to allow the PA student to complete a master's degree project under the guidance of a faculty or community adviser. Students will identify an evidence-based medicine questions, conduct appropriate literature search, analysis selected articles and develop a paper of publishable quality. The student will prepare and present an oral presentation on their topic at the conclusion of the year.

PA 511 Elective I  ( Credits 4 )

This four-week clinical course is chosen from a variety of surgical, family medicine or internal medicine specialties or subspecialties. The student will be able to recognize conditions treatable by these specialties, so they can refer patients appropriately and/or work in a supportive role for such specialists.

PA 512 Elective II  ( Credits 4 )

PA 513 Elective III  ( Credits 4 )

PA 514 Elective IV  ( Credits 4 )

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Pre-Physician Assistant Pathway

Master of physician assistant studies (mpas) degree.

Physician Assistants provide a wide range of healthcare diagnostic and treatment services under the supervision of physicians. Their duties may include taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering laboratory tests and writing prescriptions, treating minor injuries, assisting in the operating room.

Timeline & HPO Resources

UTSA does not offer a degree for Physician Assistant Studies. Students can complete their pre-requisites toward PA school application.

Timeline for physician assistant school applicants. This timeline is subject to change based on students’ competitiveness and readiness to apply.

Pre-requisite Coursework

Before applying to a Physician Assistant Studies program, schools will expect you to establish academic readiness through undergraduate coursework. Physician Assistant schools have specific coursework that is required for admission.

Research the requirements of the schools where you plan to apply as PA course requirements will and can vary from school to school. You can consult the individual PA school websites for information on admission requirements.

Common Coursework Requirements for Texas PA Programs

The below science and math courses are common among each individual PA program; students should check individual websites for additional course pre-requisite requirements.

Biology requirements

BIO 1203 + BIO 1201 (lab) and

BIO 1223 + BIO 1221 (lab) (*new course numbers effective fall 2022)

MMI 3713 + MMI 3722 (lab) (previously BIO 3713+3722)

Anatomy & Physiology

BIO 2053 + BIO 2051 (lab), and BIO 2063 + BIO 2061 (lab)

Chemistry requirements

CHE 1103 + CHE 1121 (lab);

CHE 1113 + CHE 1131 (lab);

CHE 2603 + CHE 2612 (lab)

UTMB now requires Biochemistry as pre-requisite for PA admission

Statistics (approved courses)

STA 1053 or STA 1403 or PSY 2073

* BIO 1404 and BIO 1414 (previous Biology course number still meet approved Biology pre-requisites)

* BIO 3513 or CHE 3303 or CHE 3313 (previous catalog course numbers will still meet the UTMB PA school pre-requisite for Biochemistry).

• Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Program Directory
• American Academy of PAs (AAPA)
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
• Texas PA Schools - see below links
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Hardin Simmons University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions
• University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth
• University of Texas HS Center at San Antonio
• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• University of Mary Hardin Baylor
• South University, Austin
• Franklin Pierce University- Texas
• Austin College

Health Professions Office

Phone: (210) 458-5185

Email: [email protected]

Student Union 2.02.04

The University of Texas at San Antonio

One UTSA Circle

San Antonio, TX 78249

UTSA's Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA's Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA's Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA'S Destinations

• UTSA will be a model for student success
• UTSA will be a great public research university
• UTSA will be an innovative place to work, learn and discover

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Physician Associate/Assistant (PA)

For career questions, coursework planning, and application processes contact:

Tailyn Walborn, Miami's Lead Premedical Advisor 106 Pearson Hall 513-529-3737 [email protected]

In Pre-Healthcare Advising we can provide comprehensive guidance and support to aspiring healthcare professionals on their journey towards fulfilling careers in medicine, nursing, dentistry, and other allied health fields.

Pre-Healthcare Professions Advising

Preparing for a Career as a Physician Associate/Assistant (PA)

The traditional Physician Assistant career is undergoing a re-branding as Physician Associate.  As such, it's important to recognize that Physician Assistants and Physician Associates are one and the same.  We will refer to them as PAs.  

Once you have decided to pursue a career as a physician associate/assistant (PA), you should:

• Read the   Pre-Healthcare FAQ   that provides general advice for students considering healthcare careers.
• Familiarize yourself with the information on this page.
• American Academy of Physician Assistants  (AAPA) This site provides further information about this healthcare career option, and you can find a complete list of PA programs from around the country.
• Physician Assistant Education Association   (PAEA) This site provides access to a   list of PA programs   around the country.

For any questions you have about preparing for a career as a physician assistant, please contact:

Tailyn Walborn Mallory-Wilson Center 106 Pearson Hall [email protected]

Pre-PA Coursework

Unfortunately, the prerequisite coursework required for admission to PA programs is not standard. While program requirements vary, it is not uncommon for PA programs to require some or all of the following courses:

*Class not accepted by every PA program.

Once again, program requirements are not standard, so once you have decided to pursue a career as a PA please contact the PA schools to which you plan on applying to verify their course prerequisites.

Applying to PA School

Admission to PA school is competitive and schools choose among many qualified applicants. Evaluation of candidates is based largely on objective criteria. While high overall and science GPAs are important, there are other important requirements that you need to fulfill as well. These include:

• competitive Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores. The GRE is required by the majority of PA programs.
• PA schools generally require a certain number of hours of direct healthcare experience (some up to 1,000 hours). Verify the hours requirement with the schools to which you want to apply.
• strong letters of reference (both academic and from a PA)
• evidence of leadership potential as demonstrated by a few carefully chosen extracurricular activities
• well-developed interpersonal skills

The majority of PA schools require that students apply to their programs using a web-based application service called the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). For more information and for a complete listing of schools that require students to apply through CASPA, visit the CASPA website.

Pre-Healthcare FAQ

What is the mallory-wilson center for healthcare education.

The Mallory-Wilson Center for Healthcare Education is the one-stop shop at Miami University for students interested in a pre-health pathway. The center offers a variety of services, including advising tailored to your career path of interest, help finding extracurricular activities, and application assistance. We also host a variety of events throughout the school year designed to help your professional development, and provide networking and mentoring opportunities.

If you have any questions about the center, or about a pre-health pathway at Miami you can email our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor, Tailyn Walborn, at [email protected] . 

What do you mean by pre-health pathway and professional healthcare program?

The Mallory-Wilson Center works with students interested in a variety of healthcare related pathways that involve pursuing some level of education after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Our three most popular pathways include premed, pre-dentistry, and pre-physician associate/assistant. We also work with students interested in pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, and other less-common pathways. The path for all professional healthcare programs is similar in some ways, and different in others, and we will work with you so that you fully understand your specific pathway of interest.

Is there a premed, pre-dent, pre-PA, or other pre-healthcare major?

It needs to be emphasized that designations such as pre-healthcare, pre-med, pre-dent, etc. are not majors . Rather, they are indications of intent to attend a particular type of professional healthcare program after college. Professional schools do not give preference for admission based on any specific major. Placement of students in professional healthcare programs is based on performance in required science courses as well as overall academic performance. Both breadth of education and the pursuit of some discipline in depth is expected. A successful applicant should be able to effectively acquire, synthesize, apply, and communicate information. These are skills that can be developed through the study of a wide variety of disciplines.

At Miami, we offer students the Premedical and Pre-Health Studies Co-Major, which is designed as a roadmap to help you complete the required courses for your chosen professional healthcare program, while also completing the requirements for your major. This is called a co-major because you cannot pursue it as your only major, you have to have a primary major in order to pursue this as a second major. The Premedical and Pre-Health Studies Co-Major has two tracks, one that is specifically designed for students interested in medical school, and one that is specifically designed for students interested in other programs, including dental school, PA school, pharmacy school, etc.

Is there a right or wrong primary major I should pursue?

The reason we offer the Premedical and Pre-Health Studies Co-Major as a secondary major, and not a primary major, is because we want to encourage our students to pursue whatever major is of most interest to them. There are multiple reasons for this:

• Professional healthcare programs don’t expect any specific major, and in fact, may be interested in hearing about your reasoning behind the major you do choose. If you choose a biology major because it overlaps the most with the coursework you know you’ll need to take for your chosen pathway that isn’t going to hurt your application, nor will choosing history as your major simply because it is a topic you enjoy studying. However, if you choose your major for a meaningful reason, like choosing sociology because you grew up in an underserved community, and want to understand the healthcare disparities faced by people in that community, or choosing political science because you’re interested in how the law in different countries can directly impact the health of the citizens, then admissions committees may ask you about this during interviews, and this could be something that helps you to stand out.
• You’re going to spend a lot of time focusing on challenging science coursework, as well as pre-health activities outside of the classroom. Pursuing some coursework outside of the sciences can break up the rigor of the pathway, provide you with variety throughout the semesters, and can add to the well-roundedness of your application. Admissions committees are looking for students who have a liberal arts based education, as they understand that certain skills important to being a healthcare professional are developed through the humanities, social sciences, and arts.
• If one of Miami’s bright alumni cures death tomorrow, and we no longer need healthcare professionals, what are you going to do? More realistically, if you decide for whatever reason that a professional healthcare program is not the path for you, you want to have a major that you enjoy to help you discover what the right path for you truly is. The Mallory-Wilson Center works with a number of students who decide sometime during their college career that a professional healthcare program isn’t right for them (and some who decide later that it is right for them), and those students are able to succeed because they had a built-in plan B thanks to the major they chose.

Obviously, it’s important to do well in all of your classes, and there are specific science courses that admissions committees are going to look at, but the Mallory-Wilson Center is happy to help students create a plan that includes as major and pre-health courses on a timeline that allows for success in and out of the classroom!

Does my competitiveness correlate with the number of majors and minors I have?

Your competitiveness for healthcare professional school is not based on the number of majors and minors you have. Someone with just one major can have just as much of a chance of being accepted as someone with two majors and two minors, or may even have a higher chance if their metrics are higher, or extracurricular involvement is stronger. Don’t add a major or minor just to add a major or a minor. Only add someone thing if you truly interested in it.

What is the standard timeline for applying to a professional healthcare program?

Most professional healthcare programs require an admissions test, and have an extended application cycle. For example, from the time you take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) until you actually begin medical school, it has likely been over a year, and could even be upwards of a year and a half or longer. Additionally, these admissions tests are often subject specific, meaning that you’ll need to have completed certain coursework prior to taking them. Because of the importance of certain classes, most students take a minimum of three years before they are ready to apply, and when we add in the length of the application cycle, it takes the majority of students a minimum of four years from when they first start at Miami to when they begin their professional healthcare program. 

It is important to understand that even if you are coming in with enough credits to graduate early, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be able to apply any sooner, or start a professional healthcare program earlier. Tailyn Walborn ([email protected]), our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor is happy to speak with anyone about individual timelines and expectations. 

It is also important to understand that what is described above is simply the standard timeline, and that there is no right or wrong timeline. More than half of first-year medical students indicate that they’ve taken additional time before applying for a variety of reasons, so you never need to feel like you’re behind, or don’t have enough time to be the strongest applicant you know you can be!

Do I need to complete all of my prerequisites before applying?

Generally speaking, you don’t have to complete all of your prerequisites before applying, but it is best to have as many completed as possible to demonstrate your academic ability in those courses, and there are certain situations that define what courses you do need to have completed.

As mentioned above, certain admissions tests are subject specific, so you will need to have those courses completed prior to taking the test, and you will need to have the test completed prior to applying, so those courses will need to be taken before you apply.

Certain programs have deadlines for prerequisite courses, which also includes a maximum number of courses that can be left outstanding before applying. For example, certain physician associate/assistant programs will specify that you can only have two prerequisite courses left incomplete when you submit your application.

Should I consider a gap/growth year?

What if i’m not a strong applicant by the end of my time at miami.

Just because you’re not a strong application by the end of your time at Miami doesn’t mean you won’t be a strong applicant someday. It’s important to understand why you aren’t a strong applicant, and if you are able to address those reasons. Time can be spent after completing your bachelor’s degree taking additional courses, participating in research, working in healthcare, etc. This is something you can discuss individually with our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor, Tailyn Walborn ([email protected])

What do I need to do to become a strong applicant for a professional healthcare program

Although there is no secret equation to gaining acceptance into a healthcare professional program, there are important factors to focus on during your time as a pre-health student. Admissions committees look at metrics , community service , healthcare experience , research , extracurricular involvement , and other activities to determine whether or not you will make a successful professional healthcare program student.

Metrics: The first thing admissions committees are looking at are your admissions test score, cumulative GPA, and science GPA. There is no value that guarantees admittance, but some programs do have cut-offs. Work with our office to determine whether or not your metrics are competitive for your professional healthcare program of choice.

Community Service: Healthcare providers are leaders within their communities, who have a drive for helping people. Admissions committees want to see that applicants have already stepped up as leaders within their community, and a great way to do this is through community service. You can participate in any combination of community service activities, they don’t all have to be healthcare related, but you should show a long-term commitment.

Healthcare Experience: Although healthcare experience isn’t necessarily required by all professional healthcare programs, it is a great way to strengthen your application while making sure that healthcare is the correct path for you. There are some programs that absolutely require direct patient care experience as well, so you’ll want to make sure you’re working with our office to determine how much, if any, is necessary for your pathway.

Research: Although not all professional healthcare pathways require research, it is a great way to apply concepts you learn in your classes, develop relationships with faculty and graduate students, and become familiar with the process of producing reliable studies that can be replicated by colleagues. Healthcare is a profession that is constantly changing, and it’s important that you understand how to interpret and apply future studies, and some programs want to see that you’re committed to furthering your profession through research.

Extracurricular Activities: The term extracurricular refers to activities that take place outside of/separate from the classroom. Some of what we’ve discussed above technically fall into this category, but are often considered separate by admissions committees. Typical extracurricular activities include student organizations, arts and music, and athletics. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who have been able to balance a challenging course load while continuing involvement in activities that they are passionate about. It is recommended that you get involved with a pre-health focused student organization so that you have a support system, but there are no guidelines for what else you can be involved with. Show the professional healthcare programs you apply to who you are by participating in activities that you feel connected to.

Do I need perfect metrics to get into a professional healthcare program?

You do not need perfect metrics to get into a professional healthcare program, as admissions committees often take a holistic (whole person) approach to reviewing your application. That being said, they are looking for a demonstration that you will be able to handle the rigorous coursework of their program, and perform well on any required exams, so good grades and test scores are important.

What courses do I need to take?

Requirements for professional healthcare programs can vary between programs and specific schools, so it’s important that you work with our office and do your own research to make sure you are meeting the minimum requirements for the schools you plan on applying to. That being said, requirements are just the minimum admissions committees expect to see, and there are other courses that can benefit you on your admissions test and in future classes, so here is a list of courses that are typically either required or recommended for all pre-health students (this is not an exhaustive list, so please work with our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor, Tailyn Walborn ( [email protected] ) to make sure you are taking everything you should):

• BIO 115 - Biological Concepts: Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, and Diversity (4)
• BIO 116 - Biological Concepts: Structure, Function, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (4)
• BIO 201 - Human Anatomy (4)
• BIO 203 - Introduction to Cell Biology (3)
• BIO 305 - Human Physiology (4)
• BIO 342 - Genetics (3)
• MBI 201 - General Microbiology (4)
• CHM 141/144 - College Chemistry Lecture and Lab I (5)
• CHM 142/145 - College Chemistry Lecture and Lab II (5)
• CHM 241/244 - Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab I (5)
• CHM 242/245 - Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab II (5)
• CHM 332 or 432 - Biochemistry (4)
• PHY 161 - Physics for Life Sciences with Laboratory I (4)
• PHY 162 - Physics for Life Sciences with Laboratory II (4)
• STA 261 - Statistics (4)
• PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology (3)
• SOC 153 - Sociology in a Global Context (3)
• PHL 131 - Introduction to Ethics (3)

Is it okay to withdraw from a class?

Can i take a class as pass/fail, should i put my social activities on the backburner, can i use ap to fulfill pre-health course requirements.

It is recommended that you take biology, chemistry, and physics at Miami, even if you’ve received AP credit for these courses. There are three main reasons for this.

• Not all professional healthcare programs will accept AP credit for prerequisite courses.
• Just because you are awarded credit for a specific course doesn’t mean your AP course actually covered everything that is covered in that specific course. Being that a lot of these courses are the first in a series of courses, and are prerequisites for professional healthcare programs, it’s important that you are exposed to all of the content covered in the Miami version of these courses.
• Even if you had a wonderful AP course, which did cover all of the content Miami’s course covers, you are still allowed to take that course at Miami, which would hopefully be an easy A, and give you a leg up for your GPA.

Will I be able to study abroad as a pre-health student?

If studying abroad is something you’re interested in, you can absolutely do this as a pre-health student, but you’ll need to plan in advance. Miami has a variety of study abroad opportunities for students, offered during all terms - summer, fall, winter, and spring. Some of these are healthcare focused, and some that are not, but there can be just as much of a benefit participating in one that isn’t healthcare focused as there is one that is healthcare focused. It is important to understand that you should not do any of your pre-health coursework abroad, you should only be completing major courses, general education courses, and other elective courses. Because of this, studying abroad during a fall or spring semester can set you back in your pre-health coursework, and that one semester can actually delay your application year for a professional healthcare program by an entire year. There is nothing wrong with that, as we’ve previously discussed how there is no correct timeline for applying, but if you are someone who doesn’t want at least one gap/growth year, you will want to discuss a plan to study abroad with our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor, Tailyn Walborn ( [email protected] ) as early as possible.

Is taking my pre-health classes over the summer beneficial since I can focus on one class at a time?

Although there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of a summer or J-term if you want to get ahead in some coursework, you should avoid taking your pre-health coursework outside of the fall and spring semesters unless it’s absolutely necessary. Admissions committees for professional healthcare programs want to see that you can handle the rigor of pre-health coursework while you are taking a full load of courses, and participating in extracurricular activities. If you continually take your pre-health courses during summer and J-terms that is going to raise some red flags to what you are able to handle. Remember, your academic record is important, as it gives the admissions committees a look into how you will perform as a pre-health student.

Should I avoid challenging courses so I don’t put my GPA at-risk?

Admissions committees want to see that you are able to handle challenging coursework, as the coursework in professional healthcare programs will be just as challenging, if not more. If you are avoiding a relevant science course because you are afraid of the impact it will have on your GPA, you should ask yourself why you don’t have the confidence in yourself to succeed, or why you believe you won’t do well in that course. If it’s a subject area that applies to healthcare, you will absolutely cover that subject in a professional healthcare program, and not having the foundation from a college-level course covering that topic can make the course in professional school even more challenging.

Is it true that I can’t get into a professional healthcare program with a C?

You can absolutely still get into a professional healthcare program with a C. Admissions committees understand that things happen. Whether you had a bad semester, took a while to figure out your studying and time management routine, or you just had a course that you couldn’t seem to get on top of - as long as you demonstrate in other related, upper-level coursework that you can be successful, one or two lower grades is not the end of the world. That being said, some programs may have grade minimums, so if you earn a grade that is lower (often a C-), then you will need to repeat that specific course.

How are repeated courses handled on my application for a professional healthcare program?

Do grades from other institutions count toward my application gpa for professional healthcare programs, as a pre-health student, should i view other pre-health students as competition.

Although there are fewer seats in professional healthcare programs than there are applicants, it’s more important to focus on what you can do to make yourself the strongest applicant you can be, not how you can outshine other students. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, has different narratives, and aligns differently with the missions and visions of different professional healthcare programs. Just because another student has a higher number of extracurricular activities, or a higher GPA doesn’t mean they are a stronger applicant, or that you both won’t get into the right school for you. Comparing one applicant to another is often like comparing apples and potatoes (apples and oranges are both fruits thank you). Unfortunately, there are pre-health students who feel the need to brag about their test scores, or belittle other students because of a grade they earned. At the end of the day, there is no guarantee that any applicant will be accepted - and there are always 4.0 students with high test scores, and seemingly strong extracurricular activities who don’t get accepted for one reason or another, and there are absolutely students with lower GPAs and test scores, and few extracurricular activities who do get accepted, and this can be for a number of reasons. Bottom-line, worry about yourself. You can be there to learn from and be a mentor to others, you’re the only person who impacts the strength of your application.

Should I drop pre-health if I’ve had a horrible semester/year?

There are a variety of reasons someone may have a horrible semester or year. Although it may feel like you are trying to climb out of a hole, admissions committees for professional healthcare programs know that unfortunate things happen, and look for signs of upward trends and resilience. If you know that you are going to finish the semester with lower grades, it’s important to meet with our Assistant Director & Pre-Health Professions Advisor, Tailyn Walborn ( [email protected] ), to discuss the reasoning behind your struggles, and to develop a plan. There’s no reason to lose your confidence, but you do need to work hard to prevent yourself from continuing to earn low grades.

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Preparatory Coursework

Our preparatory course recommendations are not prerequisites for admission, and we will review all applications regardless of prior coursework. However, competitive applicants are ready to succeed academically in our program. We strongly recommend that applicants complete all preparatory coursework prior to applying to the program, and within the last ten (10) years. Please note that coursework in progress or older than ten (10) years will not be considered during the review process. Coursework should be completed at the postsecondary level only; AP credit or coursework completed in high school does not fulfill our coursework recommendations and will not be considered during the review process. The program does not grant   Advanced Placement . Coursework may be completed at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level or through graduate degree work, at any regionally accredited institution of higher education. While we prefer that recommended preparatory coursework be completed in person, we will consider coursework completed online in our review.

Because preparatory coursework is strongly recommended but not required, we do not make exceptions or provide waivers for preparatory coursework. If a course does not meet the criteria described here (e.g., is a specialized psychology or statistics course, or was completed more than ten years ago), we will note the course but it will not satisfy our preparatory coursework recommendation.

Please refer to our admission  FAQ  for more information. 

We strongly recommend that applicants complete the following coursework prior to applying:

This should include at lease one semeser/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of General Biology or Human Biology. 

Microbiology

This should include at lease one semeser/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of Microbiology.

Anatomy & Physiology

This can be completed separately, as at least one semester/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of Anatomy and at least one semester/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of Physiology (including Animal, Human, or Exercise Physiology), or as two semesters/quarters (6-10 units or credits) of a combined Anatomy and Physiology course. We strongly prefer that these courses include a lab component. 

This should include at least one semester/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of General Chemistry or Biochemistry.

Organic Chemistry

This should include at lease one semeser/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of Organic Chemistry. 

This should include at least one semester/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of General Statistics or Biostatistics. Please note that specialized statistics courses, such as Statistics for Psychology, do not satisfy this recommendation. 

This should include at least one semester/quarter (3-5 units or credits) of General Psychology. Please note that specialized psychology courses, such as Developmental Psychology or Psychology of Aging, do not satisfy this recommendation. 

Upper Division Courses

In addition to the courses above, we recommend that applicants complete three (3) additional upper-division bioscience courses (3-5 units or credits each) prior to applying. Common examples of upper-division bioscience courses include, but are not limited to: Cell Biology, Embryology, Endocrinology, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Virology.

Please note that some institutions offer lower-division courses in these areas. Most upper-division courses are offered only to advanced students at four-year institutions and carry a course number of 300 or above. However, there are exceptions (for example, the University of California system classifies courses numbered 100-199 as upper division). To ensure that your coursework satisfies our upper-division course recommendation, please verify that your course is classified as upper division by your institution. Unless the course is explicitly classified as upper division by your institution, it will not satisfy our course recommendation.

Medical Terminology

We suggest that applicants, especially those without strong prior healthcare experience, consider taking a course in Medical Terminology prior to matriculation. No specific course type or units/credits are recommended.

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University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | uwlax.edu

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Physician Assistant Studies

A page within physician assistant studies, become a pa with uw-la crosse, program partnerships.

The UWL PA program represents a unique collaboration with our clinical partners:

• Gundersen Medical Foundation
• Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences
• Marshfield Clinic Health System  

Students benefit from the expertise of dedicated academic and clinical instructors each of the four institutions. In the first year, didactic instruction is completed at the UWL Health Science Center. Second year clinical instruction occurs within the healthcare systems represented by our three clinical partners. 

Accolades for graduate preparation

• Accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) since 1997.
• 99% five-year first-time taker average pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE)
• NCCPA PANCE Exam Performance Summary Report Last 5 years
• Many graduates are now employed with our clinical partners across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. 

What is a physician assistant?

Physician assistants/physician associates (PAs) are licensed, certified healthcare professionals who practice medicine in partnership with physicians. PAs work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and research centers. Duties include:

• Take medical history
• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose & treat illness
• Order & interpret tests
• Develop treatment plans
• Provide preventive care
• Assist in surgery
• Write prescriptions
• Make rounds
• Perform clinical research

A day in the life of a grad student

Our students were challenged to describe their graduate experience with one image and six words. Below are the 2021 "Say it in 6" entries from the Physician Assistant Studies program. 

Contact our program

PROGRAM INQUIRIES & APPLICATION QUESTIONS 

Application Review Specialist 4033 Health Science Center [email protected]

Health professions news feed

Comparing PA Programs: A Spreadsheet

It’s that time of year again; the CASPA application opens at the end of this month!

Last week was the annual North Carolina Health Professions Fair Week. We visited seven schools across the state, from Wilmington to Boone, and many places in between. One thing we heard from quite a few students was how helpful our school comparison spreadsheet is in their planning.

Every PA program has slightly different requirements, as well as different costs, locations, and amenities. It’s hard to keep up!

We have mentioned it in other blog posts, but this seems like the perfect time to highlight it directly.

There is a more comprehensive online version that you can download and edit to add or subtract rows, and there is a shorter, printable version to take with you.

We hope this helps in your journey to becomming a PA!

Click on the thumbnail to download the entire spreadsheet

Or click here for the printable version

The Duke Physician Assistant Program Admissions Blog presents information based on the experiences of Duke PA Program staff and faculty. While the information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, requirements can change. Please visit the Duke PA Program website for the most up-to-date information.

Return to Duke Physician Assistant Program

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Longtime teacher in Montgomery County resigns amid sexual misconduct allegations

Action News attempted to contact the teacher but did not receive a response.

WYNNEWOOD, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- A longtime teacher in Montgomery County resigned on Tuesday amid serious allegations.

Officials with Friends Central School in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania sent an alert to families to let them know of the situation.

A letter sent home reads in part:

"Earlier this academic year, we received an allegation of sexual misconduct relating to events that were reported to have occurred some 20 years ago."

The teacher in this incident was also an ordained minister and board member of Interfaith Philadelphia since 2017, officials say.

Interfaith Philadelphia said on Tuesday she no longer serves on the board and there are no "concerns about misconduct" relating to her role.

Lower Merion police say they received a ChildLine referral about the allegations against the teacher.

Friends Central School officials say, "As soon as we received this report, we immediately notified the authorities and immediately placed the teacher on administrative leave. The actions of this teacher are serious, distressing, and absolutely unacceptable."

Neighbors told Action News that they feel the same way.

"You're dropping your child off and you hope they are safe. It's supposed to be a safe environment for children," said Linda Minier of Springfield.

No official charges have been filed against the former teacher and she has not been identified by authorities.

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Upcoming solar eclipse prompts area schools to adjust dismissal times

• Updated: Apr. 03, 2024, 10:31 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 02, 2024, 5:08 a.m.

Monday's solar eclipse is happening around school dismissal time prompting many districts to dismiss students early before the moon's orbit starts its journey between the sun and the Earth. This image shows the diamond ring signaling the end of totality from the Aug. 21, 2017, total solar eclipse as seen in Madras, Oregon. (Photo Credit: NASA/Gopalswamy) NASA/Gopalswamy

• Jan Murphy | [email protected]

*Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect Central Dauphin and Upper Dauphin school districts’ plans for school dismissal on April 8 as well Harrisburg City School DIstrict’s recent decision to dismiss students early.

Cumberland Valley School District students may be on board their school buses when the solar eclipse occurs on Monday. Some Carlisle and Mechanicsburg students will be walking home. Students in Middletown and Lower Dauphin school districts already will be at home.

The state Department of Education is leaving it up to school districts to decide how to handle what is being billed as a once-in-a-lifetime event, when total or partial darkness falls over Pennsylvania for a few minutes in the middle of the afternoon around school dismissal time.

Carrie Rowe, deputy secretary for elementary and secondary education, jokingly told the State Board of Education last month that the department would be issuing this guidance about the eclipse:

“Don’t look directly at the sun,” she said. Experts say, indeed, you ought not look at the sun with the naked eye or you risk severe injury.

The department’s actual guidance goes further. It advises that if a school district decides to have early dismissal for the solar eclipse , it will be treated the same as early dismissals for inclement weather and count as a full day of instruction.

A survey of area school districts found a mixed bag on how they plan to handle their dismissal schedule on the day the moon’s orbit travels between the sun and the Earth.

Districts that plan to dismiss students early that day are:

East Pennsboro Area School District in Cumberland County; Derry Township, Halifax Area, Harrisburg, Lower Dauphin, Middletown Area and Steelton-Highspire school districts in Dauphin County; Annville-Cleona, Eastern Lebanon, Lebanon, Northern Lebanon and Palmrya school districts in Lebanon County; and Greenwood, Newport, Susquenita and West Perry school districts in Perry County.

Cornwall-Lebanon School District in Lebanon County has a professional learning day scheduled for faculty so there is no school for students on Monday.

Susquehanna Township School District is giving families the option to keep their children home “if they have concerns about safety or wish to enjoy the experience as a family” and it will be considered an excused absence.

Districts that are sticking to their regular dismissal times are Big Spring, Carlisle Area, Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg Area, Shippensburg Area and South Middleton in Cumberland County; Central Dauphin and Upper Dauphin school districts in Dauphin County; and Northern York and West Shore school districts in York County.

But they are sending or posting notices to families to inform them of special efforts being made to keep student safe.

“Upon consultation with our district physician, we have made the decision to keep students indoors for afternoon recess and physical education classes on this day,” officials wrote in a letter sent home to Cumberland Valley School District families. “Additionally, we will educate students on proper safety protocols when walking to/from classes and when boarding the buses to depart school.”

Mechanicsburg Superintendent Mark Leidy’s letter to families encourages families to talk to their chldren about the dangers of looking directly at the eclipse as well as will “educate students on proper safety protocols for their walk or ride home from school.”

West Shore’s Superintendent Todd Stoltz advised in his letter to families that in addition to keeping students indoors for afternoon recess and gym classes, they will review solar eclipse safety, including the proper use of protective eyewear.

At the same time, Stoltz said, “The solar eclipse is an excellent educational opportunity for our students and staff. Our goal will be to create a safe and memorable experience for everyone that day.”

South Middleton’s Superintendent Kevin O’Donnell has advised families in that district that while it plans to follow a normal schedule that day, “if a family has a health concerns or is going to be traveling to view the eclipse, we will excuse the absence.”

Attempts on Monday and Tuesday to contact officials at Camp Hill and Millersburg Area school districts about dismissal times were unsuccessful.

Rowe told the State Board of Education last month that school districts now have more flexibility with their school calendar with the passage of a new state law that dictates schools must be in session for 180 days or 900 hours for elementary grades and 990 hours for secondary grades. Previously, the law stipulated they must meet both the day and hour requirements.

“It may be that schools decide that we can drop below 180 days and this would be an appropriate time for safety reasons to do that,” Rowe said.

What makes this solar eclipse different from the two to four that happen annually, is this is the first time in 218 years that Pennsylvania in the direct line for the path of totality or partial totality. The next total solar eclipse able to be seen in the contiguous United States will occur in 2044.

On Monday, the eclipse will begin around 2 p.m. and conclude around 4:30 p.m. Here’s a more detailed sequence that the Department of Education posted on its website:

2:00 PM: As the Moon’s orbit begins to travel in between the sun and Earth, appearing as a dark shadow increasingly moving into the bright sphere of the sun.

3:00 PM: When the Moon is covering most of the Sun, watch for the ambient light to change and grow dimmer. The change will become more pronounced in the last 15 minutes before totality. The light may look eerie or strange. Even if it’s cloudy and you can’t see the Sun, the skies will still grow darker.

3:15 PM – 3:20 PM: Within the path of totality, the total eclipse phase as the moon completely covers the sun’s surface. The sky will darken much like dawn or dusk for the short duration of the total eclipse.

3:20 PM – 4:30 PM: The phases of the solar eclipse will be played out in reverse.

4:30 PM: The visible eclipse effects will conclude in Pennsylvania.

Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Warren counties sit in the direct line so they will see what will look like nightfall from 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. before skies begin to lighten up. In other areas of the state, including the Capital Region, the skies will become noticeably darker.

An eclipse simulator can provide a preview of the upcoming eclipse experience from various locations. The departments of education and conservation and natural resources have made available other resources as well.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Eclipse2024
• The National Solar Observatory - https://nso.edu/about/
• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration – https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
• Eclipse 2024 – eclipse2024.org

Jan Murphy may be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on X at @JanMurphy.

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