Physician Assistant (PA) Course Requirements
Always check for specific course requirements for each school you are going to apply
to—this is only a guide. NAARP has a .
| Class | Semesters | ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Course(s) | Notes |
| Chemistry | three to four semesters with lab often required, including general, organic chemistry, and/or biochemistry (sometimes at upper level) | CH 125 or CH 126, CH 221, CH 222, & CH 341 |
Must take placement diagnostic. Schools that require two semesters of general chemistry will typically count CH 341 as the second semester (CH 115 does not fulfill the requirement). |
| General biology | two semesters with lab | BI 107 & BI 108 | |
| Advanced life sciences | one to three semesters (check with programs applying to - microbiology is often required, genetics is also a common requirement/recommendation, and some programs require or recommend an additional physiology course) | Often BI 246 and/or BI 245; Maybe BI 306, BI 343, HP 311, HP 313, HP 316, or HP 318 | Often need to take a microbiology course with lab (BI 246) and or a genetic class (BI 245). Some programs want an additional physiology course (e.g., BI 306, BI 343, HP 311, HP 313, HP 316, or HP 318). Check programs applying to. |
| Anatomy and physiology | two semesters with lab | HP 126 & HP 127 | HP 126 is a prerequisite for HP 127. |
| Psychology | one semester (sometimes two, check wth programs applying to) | PS 101 & maybe PS 206 or PS 214 | Introductory pscyhology is often required (PS 101) with some schools requiring or recommending Developmental Psychology (PS 206) or Psychological Disorders (PS 214, may be referred by programs as Abnormal Psychology). Check with the programs you are applying to. |
| Social science | recommend a semester | Rec. SO 101, AN 101, or SW 212 | Check programs applying to. |
| English writing | one semester | EN 105, EN 105H, EN 110, or WI course | Check programs applying to. |
Physician assistants deliver a range of medical and surgical services in private practices/clinics, hospitals, HMO's, and federal government agencies/the armed forces. Some physician assistants pursue additional education in a specialty. A physician assistant must be a graduate of an accredited program and certified by the NCCPA to pursue this option.
Tests
The General Records Exam (GRE) is a computer-adaptive test offered hundreds of time per year in a variety of locations. There is a fee-reduction program that discounts the exam by 50% for those who qualify. Please note: You must apply for fee assistance well in advance of taking the GRE, at least 30 days.