Pre-Physician's Assistant

Overview

The journey to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is both challenging and rewarding. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for students aspiring to enter a PA program, covering educational requirements, healthcare experience, the application process, and tips for success.

1. Educational Requirements:

Undergraduate Degree:

  • Major Selection: While no specific major is required, common choices include biology, health sciences, chemistry, or other related fields. Choose a major that interests you and in which you can excel.

  • Prerequisite Courses: Complete the necessary coursework typically required by PA programs. Common prerequisites include:

    • 1 Year General Biology with Lab: COC’s BIOSCI 106 AND BIOSCI 107
    • Human Anatomy with Lab (min. 4 semester units): COC’s BIOSCI 201 OR both BIOSCI 204 and BIOSCI 205jeremy-alford-O13B7suRG4A-unsplash
    • Human Physiology w/ Lab (min. 4 semester units): COC’s BIOSCI 201 OR both BIOSCI 204 and BIOSCI 205
    • 1 Year General Physics: COC’s PHYSICS 220, 221, AND 222
    • 1 Year General Chemistry with Lab: COC’s CHEM 201 AND 202
    • 1 Year Organic Chemistry with Lab: COC’s CHEM 255 AND 256
    • 1 Year beginning Spanish language: COC’s SPANISH 101 AND 102 (or higher)
    • 1 Semester Microbiology w/ Lab (min. 4 semester units): COC’s BIOSCI 221
    • 1 Semester Statistics: COC’s MATH 140
    • 1 Semester Psychology – Introduction or General: COC’s PSYCH 101
    • 1 Semester Sociology – Introduction or General: COC’s SOCI 101
    • 1 Semester of College Level Math (Varies on school program)

2. Gaining Healthcare Experience:

Direct Patient Care Experience:

  • Types of Experience: Most PA programs require hands-on patient care experience.
    • Approved common roles include:
      • Registered Nurse
      • Licensed Vocational Nurse
      • Certified Nurse Assistant
      • Respiratory Therapist
      • Physical Therapist
      • Occupational Therapist
      • Physical Therapy Aide
      • Psychology or Radiological Technician
      • Paramedic
      • EMT- Emergency Medical Technician
      • Back Office Medical Assistant
      • Military Medic/ Corpsman
    • Non-approved roles:
      • Administrative Duties
      • Message Therapist
      • Personal Trainer
      • Home Care Aide
      • Home Health Aide
      • Pharmacy Technician
      • Shadowing Medical Professionals
      • Research with no patient contact
      • Hours in training programs
  • Required Hours: The number of hours varies by program, typically ranging from 500 to 2,000 hours. Aim to gain diverse experiences to strengthen your application.

    • For Pre-PA students, it's crucial to understand that preparing for PA programs isn't a quick journey—it's more like a 5-6 year (or longer) process for most. Many students are surprised to learn that they need thousands of hours of patient care experience to stand out in PA school admissions. Some think a couple of summers working as a medical assistant or a CNA will suffice, but successful applicants often have 3000 – 6000 hours of experience.

      PA programs list their minimum required hours on their websites, but admitted students usually exceed these numbers significantly. It's essential to research these requirements thoroughly. On average, students entering PA programs in 2021 had over 3000 hours of direct patient care experience, along with other crucial experiences like shadowing PAs and community service.

      A great resource for understanding PA school admissions is the website "Who Gets Into PA School?" It provides valuable insights based on recent data. Besides focusing on prerequisite courses, aspiring PAs should prioritize gaining diverse experiences to strengthen their applications.

      Students should aim for around 1000 hours of paid experience as a realistic minimum for applying. Working full-time during the application year can help them reach the 3000-hour mark by matriculation. Understanding the depth of experience required is key to succeeding in the PA school admissions process.

3. Academic Excellence:

Maintain a Strong GPA:

  • GPA Requirements: Most PA programs have a minimum GPA requirement (often around 3.0), but competitive applicants usually have higher GPAs, particularly in science courses.
  • Grade Improvement: If you have a low GPA, consider retaking courses or taking additional coursework to improve your academic record.

4. Standardized Tests:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

  • Requirement: Some PA programs require the GRE. Check the specific requirements of the programs to which you are applying.
  • Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for the GRE to achieve competitive scores. Consider using prep courses, study guides, and practice exams.

5. Letters of Recommendation:

Securing Strong Recommendations:

  • Sources: Obtain letters from healthcare professionals, professors, and supervisors who know you well and can speak to your qualifications and character.
  • Timing: Request letters well in advance to give your recommenders ample time to write thoughtful and detailed recommendations.

6. Personal Statement:

Crafting a Compelling Statement:

  • Content: Explain your motivation for becoming a PA, your relevant experiences, and your career goals. Highlight what makes you a unique and suitable candidate for PA school.
  • Revisions: Write multiple drafts and seek feedback from advisors, mentors, and peers to refine your statement.

7. Application Process:

CASPA (Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants):

  • Platform: Many PA programs use CASPA for applications. It allows you to apply to multiple programs with a single application.
  • Components: Ensure you complete all sections, including personal information, academic history, work and volunteer experiences, and personal statement.

8. Interview Preparation:

Preparing for Interviews:

  • Research: Learn about each program to which you apply, including their mission, values, and curriculum.
  • Practice: Conduct mock interviews with advisors or mentors to practice common interview questions and improve your communication skills.

9. Additional Considerations:

Financial Planning:

  • Cost of Education: Understand the financial commitment required for PA school, including tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Financial Aid: Research scholarships, grants, and loan options available for PA students.

Networking and Support:

  • Professional Organizations: Join organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) to access resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.
  • Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout your pre-PA journey and beyond.

CA PA Schools

California PA Programs Links to an external site. 

Resources

Websites