Application Requirements

Applying to Physician Assistant (PA) programs may seem overwhelming due to various core requirements, but we are here to provide you with an overview of each component. While PA program requirements vary among schools^[1], there are common elements applicable to most programs, including academic prerequisites, patient care hours, healthcare experience, community involvement, letters of recommendation, PA shadowing, and standardized tests. We will briefly cover general information for each topic, with more in-depth discussions in our sessions and upcoming blog posts. Stay tuned for our detailed insights on these topics over time.

Bachelor’s Degree/Academic Requirements

Obtaining a bachelor's degree, whether in a science or non-science major, from a four-year university is a fundamental requirement for all PA programs. Additionally, successful completion of prerequisite courses demonstrates your academic competence for success in their rigorous curriculum. Commonly required science prerequisites include Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Microbiology. It is important to note that certain programs impose expiration dates on science courses. If a course surpasses this timeframe, it becomes invalid and you are required to retake the course.

Common non-science requirements include Statistics, English, Psychology, and Sociology. Ensure you check each school's specific criteria, as some may require additional courses such as Spanish, organic chemistry, genetics, or others. Many students opt for a gap year after graduation to complete prerequisite courses. Our advice is to verify course equivalency^[2] before enrollment to ensure you are taking the right class. Additionally, meeting the program's minimum cumulative GPA is crucial for consideration, with most schools requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. Nevertheless, always check the program’s website for any variations. It is common for students to retake courses to improve their GPA or pursue a post-baccalaureate program. We will cover these topics more extensively in our sessions.

Patient Care Experience (PCE)

This requirement is critical for showcasing your practical experience in the medical field, and your understanding of its demands. While required hours vary among programs, aiming for around 2,000 patient care hours is often recommended. Falling below this benchmark shouldn't discourage you; meeting the minimum requirements for your chosen program is the priority. Striving to surpass these requirements can increase your likelihood of acceptance. Common jobs students pursue include Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, and Certified Nursing Assistant. However, there are many other avenues to accumulate patient care hours. Explore our Patient Care Experience blog post for more details!

Healthcare experience (HCE)

Healthcare experience is a common requirement for PA programs. It's crucial to understand the distinctions between Health Care Experience (HCE) and Patient Care Experience (PCE). According to CASPA, HCE involves "paid or unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient's care, but may still have patient interaction." The key is how you describe your experience and the narrative you convey. For instance, a medical assistant with direct patient contact, such as taking vital signs, falls under PCE, while one primarily involved in front-office administrative tasks is classified as HCE. Most volunteer work in a healthcare setting falls under HCE, as it typically involves a limited scope of practice in direct patient care.

Community Involvement/Leadership

Each PA program defines its mission, seeking students who embody it. They assess your suitability through your community involvement and leadership roles. Consider volunteering at housing programs, hospitals, school events, or soup kitchens to diversify your application. Meaningful experiences enhance learning and provide compelling personal statement material. Assume leadership roles to demonstrate your ability to lead and collaborate—essential traits for PAs. Explore leadership opportunities at volunteer sites, jobs, or programs to develop effective collaboration skills and make decisions that benefit the entire team. Explore our Volunteer Experience blog post for more details!

Letters of Recommendation

PA programs typically expect three to five letters of recommendation, although specific requisites can vary. Certain institutions may require letters from both academic professors and practicing PAs. We advise establishing professional connections throughout your medical experiences to secure recommendation letters. Prepare for a contingency plan to address unforeseen circumstances that may interfere with the completion of a letter. Maintain consistent communication with professors to ensure a more personalized, positive, and impactful statement.

Shadowing Experience

To ensure PA programs are confident in students' understanding of the profession, shadowing a PA is highly recommended. Although the minimum requirement of PA shadowing hours varies among schools, incorporating this experience into your application is advisable. Review each institution's specific requirements on their websites. Finding a willing PA to shadow can be challenging, especially when working in a medical facility with PAs. In these instances, it is recommended to establish rapport before seeking the shadowing opportunity. If your workplace doesn't have PAs, proactively contact facilities with PAs via email, LinkedIn, or phone to explore potential shadowing opportunities. Regularly check online for available shadowing opportunities in your area.

Standardized Testing

Review each school's requirements to determine if the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is mandatory. If planning to take the GRE, create a focused study plan, stick to a deadline, and explore online resources like Magoosh for effective study plans. Alternatively, you can opt for more affordable GRE study prep books on Amazon. Some schools may also require the CASPer exam, but it is less commonly mandated compared to the GRE. The CASPer assesses qualities such as professionalism, ethics, communication, and empathy. Further details on standardized tests will be discussed in an upcoming blog post.

Effective planning and organization are essential for a successful application process. Develop a thorough plan with achievable goals, regularly reassess, and make adjustments as necessary. Consider using the myPAbox platform to track requirements for each school, simplifying the process. Keep in mind that meeting requirements is a gradual journey, so embrace the process and appreciate each step. Explore our Application Timeline blog post for more details!

References

1. Kevin (2023) Admission requirements, Charles R.Drew University of Medicine and Science. Available at: https://www.cdrewu.edu/academics/program/master-of-science-physician-assistant/admission-requirements/
2. Admission (2023) Physician Assistant Program. Available at: https://keck.usc.edu/physician-assistant-program/admission
3. Physician assistant program prerequisites. Pacific. (n.d.). https://healthsciences.pacific.edu/healthsciences/programs/master-of-physician-assistant-studies/physician-assistant-program-prerequisites
4. Casper for 2023/24 Test Takers - Take Casper. (2023, August 18). Take Casper. https://acuityinsights.app/casper/