Information for Students Interested in Physician Assistant

You can find more information about physician assistant at the American Academy of Physician Assistants website. Click here

A listing of the accredited physician assistant programs can be found at the AAPA website. Click here

Here is a summary of the prerequisites for entry into a graduate program in PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT.

To be competitive for entry into a bachelors or masters program in physician assistant, students must complete an undergraduate degree, complete a specified set of prerequisites and obtain hours in the field working with medical professionals. To meet the requirements for a number of programs, students complete:

• 2-3 courses in general chemistry (Chem 121, 122, 123)
• 1-2 courses in organic chemistry (Chem 251, 351, 352, 353),
• 2-3 courses in general physics (Physics 114, 115, 116),
• anatomy and physiology (Bio 348, 349),
• statistics (Math 240 or KIN 307)
• 2-3 courses in psychology (Psych 101, Psych 230 or 250)
• 1000+ hours of clinical experience

A summary of the prerequisites for physician assistant programs in the country can be found in the document below. Download this into your computer. This information is updated every other year so check the AAPA web site for the most recent prerequisites.

Summary of Prerequisite Courses for PA Programs (Updated February 2007)

If your question isn't answered here, please contact Kathy.Knutzen@wwu.edu.