Physician Assistant

Providing patient-centered medical care across specialties.

Career Overview

This career offers the opportunity to work directly with patients while playing an active role in diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans and managing care across a variety of medical specialties. One of the most appealing aspects of the profession is its flexibility, allowing providers to work in areas such as emergency medicine, surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics and primary care. The role combines medical knowledge, clinical reasoning and patient interaction in collaborative healthcare environments. It is well-suited for students who are adaptable, compassionate and interested in fast-moving clinical settings.

Typical Degree- Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Application Platform- CASPA

Common Prerequisites

  • Microbiology with laboratory: MCB 3020/L
  • Biology I with lab: BSC 2010/L
  • General Chemistry I & II with labs: CHM 2045/L and CHM 2046/L
  • Organic Chemistry with laboratory: CHM 2210/L 
  • Organic Chemistry II OR Biochemistry – CHM 2211/L OR BCH 3053
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with laboratory: BSC 2085/L and BSC 2086/L
  • Statistics: STA 2023
  • Medical Terminology: HSC 4537

* Specific requirements vary by institution. Always verify with individual programs.

Academic Performance

  • 14–16 credit hours per semester
  • 8–11 credit hours of science prerequisite courses per semester
  • No D or F grades
  • C grades may be accepted, but repeated low grades weaken applications
  • Avoid withdrawing from prerequisite courses
  • Strong semester GPAs that match competitive averages 

Why does it matter?
Admissions committees want to see that you can succeed in science-heavy course loads similar to graduate health programs. The term GPA’s for these semesters will also be reviewed

Competitive Profile

Competitve Applicants Typically Have:

  • GPA: 3.5+
  • Science GPA: 3.48
  • GRE: >300 / >55th percentile 
  • Minimum of 500 direct patient care hours
  • Strong letters (often from providers)
  • Healthcare employment experience preferred

This program prepared me to work with individuals in our community while building a strong foundation I will carry throughout my career.

Paige Glossop, CSCS

Internships

  • Gain direct patient care experience (CNA, MA, EMT, PCT roles)
  • Work or volunteer in hospitals, clinics, or urgent care settings
  • Shadow physician assistants in multiple specialties
  • Prioritize hands-on roles involving patient interaction and care
  • Build consistent clinical hours over time (1,000+ highly recommended)
a close up of 2 health professional's hands one holding a pen with a clipboard and a stethascope