A career as a physician assistant is an excellent path for those who love patient care and working as part of a healthcare team. With a balance of autonomy and teamwork, this profession provides the chance to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.
The steps below will help you navigate the process of preparing for PA school. If you have any questions along the way, feel free to reach out to the Pre-Health Advisors.
Additionally, if you are a current student, consider joining the Pacer Pre-Health Organization on campus. This organization provides assistance throughout your time at USCA, offering resources such as meetings, volunteer opportunities, campus visits, professional panels, mock exams, and more to help you succeed in reaching your professional goals. To join the organization, reach out to your Pre-Health advisors.
Pre-Health Advisors:
- Mary Katherine (MK) Mills, Ph.D. – [email protected]
- Susan Glenn, Ph.D. – [email protected]
Step 1: Choose Your Program(s)
Select 3-4 physician assistant programs you’re interested in applying to. These programs will guide your course selection and shadowing/patient care hours.
Step 2: Identify Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses vary by program. Review the requirements for each program you're considering.
Commonly required courses include:
- Introductory Biology (BIOL A121 and BIOL A122)
- Physical Chemistry (CHEM A111 and CHEM A112)
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM A331, CHEM A331L
- Prerequisites: Physical Chemistry (CHEM A111 and CHEM A112)
- Biochemistry (BIOL A241)
- Prerequisities: Organic Chemistry (CHEM A331 and CHEM A331L)
- Microbiology (BIOL A330)
- Prerequisite: Physical Chemistry (CHEM A111)
- Anatomy and Physiology (BIOL A243, BIOL A244)
- Corequisite: CHEM A101 or CHEM A111
- Psychology (PSYC A101)
- Abnormal Psychology (PSYC A320) may also be required
- Medical Terminology (EXSC A201)
Step 3: Identify Hour Requirements (if necessary)
Many programs require specific volunteer, shadowing, or patient care hours. Each program may have different requirements, so start early to plan your spare time and summers.
- Shadowing – Observation of a physician assistant at their practice
- General guideline: 40 hours
- Patient Care – Direct interaction with patients
- General guideline: 1000-2000 hours
Step 4: Navigate your courses and get your hours
- Focus on maintaining a strong GPA and accumulating your hours gradually.
- There are no major exams (like the GRE) required until your junior year, so use your time wisely to build your foundation.
Step 5: Study for your exam (if applicable)
- Starting the fall of your junior year, you can begin studying for the GRE if your programs require it.
- Check the specific exam requirements for your chosen programs.
Step 6: Start Your Application
- You can begin your application in the spring of your junior year. Application requirements include:
- Writing a personal statement
- Securing letters of recommendation
- Navigating the CASPA system
Step 6: Submit Your Application
- Once everything is complete, click submit!
Step 7: Prepare for Interviews
- After submitting your application, be prepared to wait for responses
- Some programs may require follow-up essays or conduct interviews before making final decisions
Step 8: The Fork in the Road
- Option 1: Acceptance – Congratulations! Relax until you are officially admitted into the program.
- Option 2: Non-Acceptance – Don’t be discouraged. Many students do not get accepted on their first try. Identify how you can improve your application and attack the next round with confidence.