Pre-Physician Assistant

General Information

Bachelor’s Degree RequiredYes
Entrance ExamPA-CAT (Physician Assistant – College Admission Test)
Entrance Exam ResourcesAbout the PA-CAT
PA-CAT 2021 Program Update
PA-CAT Participating Programs
Patient Care Experience &/or Shadowing Hours1,000+ Hours
Application SystemsCASPA
Application Timeline & ChecklistCASPA Application Cycle Dates
Program DirectoryAccredited Programs (ARC-PA)
PAEA Program Directory
“Pre-Professional Resource Library”Coming Soon!
Professional Associations & AccreditationsAmerican Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA)
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)
Additional ResourcesBecome a PA (AAPA)
6 Steps to Become a PA (AAPA)
How to Survive PA School
Best Online Physician Assistant Programs

Recommended Coursework (PDF)

Biology CoursesBIOL211 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 CoursesCHEM204 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5)
CHEM205 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5)
CHEM206 General Chemistry w/ Lab (5)
Physics CoursesN/A
Math/Statistics Courses300 Level STAT (4-5)
Social Science CoursesPSY201 General Psychology (4)
Strongly Suggested Electives/Additional CoursesSCI215 Medical Terminology (3)
***15-99 Credits in 300-400 Level Biology or Chemistry courses is highly recommended!!
NotesThe 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.