Pre-PA

PA programs look for students who have a desire to study, work hard, and to be of service to their community.  Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have previous health care experience and some college education. The typical applicant already has a bachelor's degree and approximately four years of health care experience. Commonly nurses, EMTs, and paramedics apply to PA programs.

Programs offering baccalaureate degrees require a minimum two years of college credits, and virtually all require health care experience prior to admission.

Programs offering master’s degrees require appropriate undergraduate credits with a minimum GPA and virtually all require previous health care experience.

Students interested in preparing for a PA program should contact individual programs for a list of specific prerequisites. The Online Program Directory published by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is a comprehensive listing of physician assistant educational programs in the U.S.

Suggested studies prior to applying to a PA program include:

Anatomy
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
College Math
Computer Sciences
English
Humanities/Psychology

Medical Terminology
Nutrition
Organic Chemistry
Physiology
Social Science
Statistics

Applying to PA Programs

Students applying to a PA program must use the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).  CASPA offers applicants a convenient, state-of the-art, Web-based application service that will allow you to apply to any number of participating PA educational programs by completing a single application. The on-line application was specifically designed for your ease and convenience. With far less paperwork, streamlined processing, and ongoing communication with applicants, CASPA offers you the ability to apply to multiple programs across the country.

CASPA is a service of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA). PAEA is the only organization representing physician assistant educational programs nationwide.