Pre-Physician Assistant
General Information
Bachelor’s Degree Required | Yes |
Entrance Exam | PA-CAT (Physician Assistant – College Admission Test) |
Entrance Exam Resources | About the PA-CAT PA-CAT 2021 Program Update PA-CAT Participating Programs |
Patient Care Experience &/or Shadowing Hours | 1,000+ Hours |
Application Systems | CASPA |
Application Timeline & Checklist | CASPA Application Cycle Dates |
Program Directory | Accredited Programs (ARC-PA) PAEA Program Directory |
“Pre-Professional Resource Library” | Coming Soon! |
Professional Associations & Accreditations | American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) |
Additional Resources | Become a PA (AAPA) 6 Steps to Become a PA (AAPA) How to Survive PA School Best Online Physician Assistant Programs |
Recommended Coursework (PDF)
Biology Courses | BIOL211 Principles of Biology w/ Lab (5) BIOL212 Principles of Biology w/ Lab (5) BIOL213 Principles of Biology w/ Lab (5) BIOL231 Human Anatomy & Physiology I w/ Lab (4) BIOL232 Human Anatomy & Physiology II w/ Lab (4) BIOL233 Human Anatomy & Physiology III w/ Lab (4) BIOL323 General Microbiology w/ Lab (5) |
Chemistry Courses | CHEM204 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5) CHEM205 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5) CHEM206 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5) |
Physics Courses | N/A |
Math/Statistics Courses | 300 Level STAT (4-5) |
Social Science Courses | PSY201 General Psychology (4) |
Strongly Suggested Electives/Additional Courses | SCI215 Medical Terminology (3) ***15-99 Credits in 300-400 Level Biology or Chemistry courses is highly recommended!! |
Notes | The Pre-Physician Assistant curriculum is designed to meet the requirements for admission to a Physician Assistant (PA) program. Students must obtain a B.A./B.S. degree prior to being accepted into most PA programs. Students are strongly encouraged to obtain prerequisite requirements for the school(s) to which they will be applying and to work closely with their Advisor when selecting appropriate coursework. |