Physician Assistant (PA) program candidates require the completion of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and must take the following prerequisite courses:
- English or Writing - 2 semesters
- Biology with Lab - 2 semesters
- Chemistry with Lab - 3 semesters
- Biochemistry - 1 semester
- Math + Statistics - 2 semesters
- Human Anatomy & Physiology with Labs - 2 semesters
- Microbiology - 1 semester
- Medical Terminology - 1 semester
Some PA programs may have additional or recommended prerequisite courses such as psychology, physics, etc. It is highly advisable for students to review the specific admission requirements for each program they are considering, as they can vary significantly. For more information on accredited PA programs, please visit the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) website.
| Attend Pre-Health Information Sessions |
Students are encouraged to visit the Pre-Health Advising Office and attend the Pre-Health Information Sessions/Workshops (101, 201, and 301). These sessions will provide valuable insights into your chosen track and help you open a pre-health file. Once your file is created, you will gain access to the pre-health Blackboard page.
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| Academic Performance |
Develop effective study habits and skills to ensure strong academic performance. Students need to showcase their academic ability through a high science GPA and a solid cumulative GPA. The Camner Center provides peer-to-peer tutoring support for registered undergraduates at no cost. |
| Clinical & Shadowing Experience |
Gaining firsthand experience in a clinical setting is crucial for confirming your decision to pursue a healthcare career. Shadowing healthcare professionals and interacting with or serving patients will provide you with valuable insights into the field.
Ideally, you should shadow at least three professionals, spending a minimum of 40 hours with each. Joining a pre-health student organization is an excellent way to connect with local physicians for shadowing opportunities, find observerships at nearby hospitals, and engage in community service or volunteer activities. Choose experiences that you enjoy and are passionate about. Be sure to document your experiences in a journal or resume for future use in your applications.
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| Extracurricular Activities |
Professional schools value the quality of your involvement in activities, both on- and off-campus, more than the number of organizations you join. Admissions committees seek applicants who demonstrate compassion, commitment, leadership, responsibility, and overall well-roundedness. Stepping out of your comfort zone is an effective way to develop strong interpersonal skills.
Pre-health students benefit from participating in service groups, cultural and academic clubs, employment, and athletics. For details on pre-health clubs, click here.
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