Preparing for a Career as a Physician Assistant
Learn more about a career as a Physician Assistant
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Requirements vary widely by school so it is important to look at the requirements of programs you are considering to be sure you include those courses in your academic career at The University of Arizona.
Specifics regarding individual programs from this link to the PAEA's Program Directory.
Learn about The University of Arizona’s new Physician Assistant Program.
NAU also offers a PA program. See NAU PA General prerequisites here.
Physician Assistant School Common Prerequisites
| REQUIREMENT | GENERAL DESCRIPTION | U OF A COURSE NUMBERS |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 8 Semester Hours |
MCB 181R & 181L ECOL 182 R & 182L |
| Chemistry (usually will accept Gen Chem and/or Organic) |
8 Semester Hours Many schools require Biochemistry (BIOC 384) which, at UA, has a prerequisite of 1 semester of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 241/43A). |
CHEM 151 or 141/143 CHEM 152 or 142/144 |
| Microbiology with lab | 4 Semester Hours with lab | MIC 205A & 205L |
| Psychology | 3-9 Semester Hours usually including introductory, developmental, abnormal) |
PSY 150A1 or PSY 101 (introductory) PSY 200/240 (developmental) PSY 381 (abnormal) |
| English | 6 Semester Hours |
English 101& 102 or English 109H & additional English class, usually composition |
| Mathematics | 6 Semester Hours |
Math 112 (College Algebra) and Math 163 or 263 (statistics/biostats) |
| Anatomy/Physiology |
8 semester hours Required for some schools instead of General Biology |
PSIO 201 and PSIO 202 |
| Medical Terminology | 0-3 Semester Hours | CLAS 116B |
| Additional Biology, Chemistry, Physics | 30-40 units required for some schools | See your pre-health advisor & school websites |
Application Pathway
The standardized test required for most PA programs is the GRE General Test. For more information about that exam see the GRE section of the Educational Testing Service web site.
Resources
Look up Physician Assistant Programs on the PAEA (Physician Assistant Education Association) web site.