Preparing for physician associate programs
College of Health
Getting into PA school takes planning. Here's how to make the most of your time.
What you need to know about physician assistant programs
PA programs are master's degree programs, typically requiring about two years of combined academic and clinical work from an accredited program. Most programs require 1,000-2,000 direct patient hours before you can apply.
What are the prerequisite courses for PA programs?
Programs share many prerequisites in common, though requirements vary by school. In general, plan on completing:
- A full year of anatomy and physiology
- A full year of biology
- A full year of chemistry
- At least two terms of physics, all with labs
- At least one course in microbiology with a lab
- General psychology
- Statistics
A few important notes: sciences should generally be completed within seven years of application. If you have AP or IB credit in any prerequisite area, check each school's policy carefully. Schools vary on whether they accept these credits.
Do I need field experience before applying?
Yes, and this is one of the most important parts of your application. PA programs require direct patient care experience, meaning hands-on care rather than shadowing or observation. Common ways to build this experience include:
- Becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA)
- Earning EMT or paramedic certification
- Obtaining a phlebotomy license
- Working as a medical scribe (accepted by some programs but not all)
Most programs require between 1,000 and 2,000 hours. OHSU requires 2,000 hours completed at the time of application. The earlier you start, the better.
How competitive are PA programs?
PA admissions are highly competitive. Strong applicants typically have:
- A competitive cumulative and science GPA
- Significant direct patient care hours across multiple settings
- An average of several years of healthcare work experience
Do I need to take the GRE?
Most PA programs require the GRE. A handful do not, and some will accept the MCAT in its place. Some programs are also beginning to adopt the PA-CAT. Check each program's requirements carefully.