Pre-Physician Assistant
Preparation for Physician Assistant School
What should I major in if I want to be a physician assistant? There is
not a specific major that is required for admittance in a PA program.
With your advisor’s assistance you can design a program that meets the
requirements to enter physician's assistance school while studying what you are
most interested.
Students who have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess
analytic and synthetic thinking ability, life-long learners who are
enthusiastic, and understand the interpersonal aspects of medicine are they type
of students most PA schools seek. Your major does not
determine your success in being accepted to a {A.
Undergraduate Preparation
The “pre-PA” checklist is a beginning point for students.
There are certain criteria that must be fulfilled for admittance to a PA school.
You and your academic advisor will need to examine your interests, your academic
record and the requirements to determine the best academic path for you.
Most Tennessee schools require courses in biology, chemistry, human anatomy and
physiology, and psychology. It is important to check each school's
admission requirements to make sure you are on track to apply to the respective
PA School.
Early in your academic career you will need to research some of the PA
schools you are interested in attending in order to insure you will meet their
criteria for admission. Some basic factors common to all
professional schools include:
- Good undergraduate grades (overall GPA of 3.0 minimum)
- Test scores (GRE)
- True interest in profession as demonstrated by shadowing or volunteering
in the field
- Service-related experiences in people-oriented environments – long term
service preferred to short bursts of unrelated service activities
- Exceptional communication skills
- Strong reference letters from professionals who know your character, as
well as, your work ethic
Tennessee Physician Assistant Programs
Kentucky Physician Assistant Programs
