Pre-Physician Assistant Track

What a Pre-Physician’s Assistant Student Studies

• One year of general chemistry (lecture and lab)
• One semester of pre–organic chemistry
• One year of organic chemistry (lecture and lab)
• One year of biology
• Microbiology (lecture and lab)
• One year of anatomy and physiology
• Psychology
• Math/Statistics
• One semester of medical ethics or medical terminology

For more details on coursework, download the Pre-Health Professions Handbook (PDF).

How to Get the Required Health Care Experience

To gain the required health care experience for becoming a PA, focus on direct patient care roles.

These may include working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant, phlebotomist, EMT/paramedic, or scribe.

Volunteering in clinics, hospitals, or community health programs can also provide valuable exposure.

Some PA programs require paid experience, so research specific program requirements.

Certification or training may be necessary for certain roles, so plan to meet prerequisites. Aim for quality, hands-on interactions with patients to develop skills and insight into the PA profession.

What Are Physician Assistant Degree Options

Physician assistants are trained at a master’s degree level.

The degree titles vary greatly and include Master of Science in health science (M.S.H.S.), physician assistant studies (M.P.A.), health studies (M.H.S.), and medical studies (M.M.S.).

Visit AAPA for more on how to become a PA.

How to Prepare for the GRE and the PA-CAT Exam

Most physician assistant programs require a competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Visit the ETS GRE prep center.

The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is a specialized discipline-specific exam that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school.

Visit PA-CAT for information.

How to Apply to Physician Assistant Schools

The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is a service of the PA Education Association (PAEA), the only national organization representing physician assistant (PA) educational programs.

Candidates interested in applying to PA school can use CASPA to apply to multiple programs with only one application.

Visit CASPA.

What to Expect at Physician Assistant School

Physician assistant school typically takes between two and three years, and is divided into two phases: didactic (classroom-based) and clinical.

The didactic phase, typically the first year, focuses on foundational medical sciences and clinical medicine. You’ll study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and medical ethics, alongside courses in clinical skills, patient communication, and diagnostics. Expect a fast-paced learning environment with lectures, lab work, and case-based discussions. Developing efficient study habits and time management is crucial for success during this phase.

The clinical phase involves rotations in various medical specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, emergency medicine, and women’s health. Under supervision, students apply their knowledge to real-world patient care, honing skills in taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and developing treatment plans. Each rotation lasts several weeks, providing a broad exposure to different fields of medicine.

PA school is demanding, requiring long hours of study, clinical practice, and self-discipline. Students must also prepare for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is essential for licensure.