NOTE: This information is based on the Physician's Assistant talk presented by Richard Aguirre and hosted by M.O.S.S. on 4/5/2017. Please use this information to get an idea of how to approach applying to a physician's assistant program, not as an absolute resource. Consult any and all resources available to you (advisors, career center, online resources, etc.).
Introduction
- What is a physician assistant (PA): A physician assistant or physician associate is a healthcare professional who practices medicine as a part of a healthcare team with supervising physicians and other providers.
- Is being a PA a certification, or does it require a graduate degree: Previously, being a PA required a certification. However, law now requires that PA programs need to be accredited as master's programs.
Requirements for PA Programs
These are general requirements that may by required PA schools. Please consult advisors and websites of schools for actual requirements.
- Type of Major: You can be any major as long as you fulfill the course requirements.
- Common Courses Required: BIO 1, BIO 2, *BIO 22, *BIO 131, *BIO 139, CHEM 1A, CHEM 1B (* = courses given extra attention)
- Additional Courses Required: 1+ years of Spanish, organic chemistry, biochemistry, medical terminology (not offered by Sac State), psychology and genetics
- Clinical Experience: These experiences can be shadowing working PAs, volunteering at hospitals or a hospice and paid experiences such as being a CNA or EMT. Schools may require only one form of clinical experience while others require 2 or all 3. Also, schools may require a certain amount of hours, so research the requirements of any schools you may be interested.
Cost to be aware about
- GRE: $205.00; required because PA programs are now graduate programs
- Prep Course (optional): ~$1299+; to prepare for the GRE
- CASPA Applications: Initial application is $175.00 with an additional $50.00 for every school you apply for after your first.
- Non-CASPA Applications: ~$0-$75+; depends on the school
- Transcripts: Official Sac State Transcripts are $8.00
- Supplemental Application Fee: ~$0-$75+; depends on the school
- Interviews: Costs for travel and hotel
- Seat Deposit: $0-$1500+; to hold your acceptance to a school
Researching PA Programs
- Google search programs
- Visit school websites
- Visit the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Program Directory
Application process
Determine where the application is located.
Determine who will be writing your letters of recommendation.
- Consult the website of the school you'd like to apply to
- If the application is on CASPA, you will need to create a personal account.
- CASPA opens up April and closes in March the following year.
Determine who will be writing your letters of recommendation.
- Some programs will require a letter from a PA.
- Example prompt: Using your own words, write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant.
Ways to help pay for pa school
- Fee Assistance Program
- Scholarships
- Loans
- Service Commitment scholarships Program
- Loan Repayment Programs
events coming up
There is a PA Virtual Fair being hosted by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) on the following dates:
- April 19th-20th
- July 18th-19th
- Register an account for CareerEco.
- Then visit the virtual fair schedule page to participate on the given date. (April Link; July Link)
- Check the schedule page for dates and times certain schools will have their live-streamed video chats.