The following is a general guide for courses you may need to apply to a PA program. Requirements vary from school to school. So, it is always necessary to consult the websites of PA schools where you know/think you want to apply.
Consider using our four-year planner to map out your coursework and extracurricular activities.
Mathematics
Most PA schools require statistics. Some require another math course as well (e.g., Math 112). NOTE: Math 112 is a prerequisite for Chem 103.
For Statistics, we recommend Statistics 301, Statistics 371, or an introductory statistics course in your major department.
Chemistry
General Chemistry
Most schools require 2 semesters with lab. Some require 1 semester with lab. Choose one of the following sequences:
- Chemistry 103-104
- Chemistry 109
Organic Chemistry
Most schools require 1 semester, some with lab. Less than 10 schools require 2 semesters. Choose one of the following sequences:
- Chem 341 & 342: Elementary Organic Chemistry with Lab
- Chem 343, 344, & 345: Introductory & Intermediate Organic Chemistry with lab
Biochemistry
Many schools require 1 semester. A few require 2 semesters. Choose one:
- Biochemistry 501
- Biochemistry 507-508
Biological Sciences
General Biology
Choose one of the following sequences:
- Zoology 101-102 + Additional bio-science course
- Options include: Genetics, Microbiology, Cell Biology, Immunology
- Note: you may need to do an additional bio-science course with lab
- Biology 151-152
- Biocore: Students must apply to enroll in Biocore. For more information, visit their website.
- Biocore 381-382 AND 383-384 satisfies Intro to Bio requirements
- Biocore 485-486 Organismal Biology lecture/lab (Satisfies I/A bio)
Microbiology
Choose one of the following sequences:
- Microbiology 101-102
- Microbiology 303-304
Anatomy/Physiology
- Physiology (Anat&Phy 335/435 [both include lecture and lab])
- Anatomy (Anat&Phy 337 [lecture] & 338 [lab])
I/A Bioscience
A number of PA programs recommend immunology, cell or molecular biology, virology, pathophysiology, or other upper-level bio-science coursework.
Behavioral and Social Sciences
PA schools require coursework in psychology and/or human development. Check individual schools for specific requirements. Schools may require one or more of the following:
Psychology
Most PA schools require an introductory psychology course. Others require one or more of the other courses listed here:
- Introductory Psychology: Psych 202
- Human Development: HDFS 262 (HDFS 362 prior to Fall 2023) OR HDFS 263 (HDFS 363 prior to Fall 2023), Ed Psych 320, Psych 460
- Abnormal Psychology: Psych 405
Social Sciences
- Introductory Sociology course
English
Many programs require 3-6 credits of English composition or literature.
Other Coursework
(Not required by all programs):- Medical Terminology: Classics 205 or options available off campus
- Genetics: Genetics 160 or Genetics 466
Patient Care
PA programs also require patient care experience. Patient care is defined as having some level of responsibility for patients. There is a spectrum of these experiences, ranging from some volunteer situations to others for which you earn a license to practice the position (e.g., CNA, EMT). PA programs vary in how many hours they consider to be competitive and what they count as patient care.