Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

• Many PA programs require the following courses:
  • General Chemistry I and II and labs
  • Organic Chemistry I and labs (some also require organic chemistry II)
  • General Biology I and II and labs
  • Anatomy and Physiology I and II
  • Microbiology with lab
  • Statistics
  • Up to two semesters of College Level Math
  • General Psychology
  • Medical Terminology
• Many PA programs are now requiring direct patient care as part of the admission requirements.  For example, some PA programs require 500 hours, while the University of South Alabama currently requires a minimum 100 direct patient care hours.  This is in addition to traditional shadowing of a PA or physician.
• Some schools require higher level science, behavioral and math courses such as cell biology, comparative anatomy, genetics, embryology, mammalian or animal physiology, microbiology, histology, reproductive physiology, parasitology, immunology, cell biology, statistics, calculus and/or behavioral sciences. 

It is important that you research the requirements for those schools in which you are interested.  Your pre-health advisor can help you with this research.

• Specific requirements for some area schools can be found at the following links:
  • University of South Alabama Department of Physician Assistant Studies     
  • UAB School of Health Professions Physician Assistant Studies
  • Mississippi College Physician Assistant Program
  • University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies

Further information about these and other programs can be found at the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Program List.

• Many U.S. physician assistant programs welcome international applicants.  For example, University of South Alabama, UAB and Mississippi accept applications from international students but University Florida does not.  However, international students may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of their admission.
• There also may be degree verification required as well as other requirements.
• In order to receive financial aid students must be a permanent resident or citizen of the U.S.  Many physician assistant program, that do accept foreign applicants, may require that students prove the ability to finance the entire program prior to matriculation. 

The Physician Assistant Program List through PAEA provides information on whether or not a program accepts international students.  This is a great resource for those international students interested in pursuing a physician assistant degree in the United States.