Physician Assistant

The American Academy of Physician Assistants defines a physician assistant (PA) as an authorized person who can practice medicine as part of a team with physicians. PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery and write prescriptions. Currently, most PA programs utilize an application system called the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants otherwise known as the CASPA.

Pre-physician assistant students typically obtain a bachelor of science (BS) or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree while completing the requirements for admission to PA programs. PA programs at the master's level do not require nor prefer a particular undergraduate degree.

Professional Associations and Resources

Physician Assistant Education Association

American Academy of Physicians Assistants

List of Physician Assistant Programs

How do I apply to physician assistant school?

Students apply to PA school through a centralized application system called the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Similar to the common application for undergraduate school, students can apply to the majority of PA programs through a single application on the CASPA. However, there is a handful of programs that do not utilize the CASPA. The CASPA application opens in April.

The CASPA application cost: $179.00 for one school and $56.00 for each additional school/program.

What are the prerequisites for applying to physician assistant programs?

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact that school directly.

Course
General Biology with lab	1 year
General Chemistry with lab	1 year
Organic Chemistry with lab	2 quarters to 1 year
Biochemistry	1 quarter
Microbiology	1 quarter
Anatomy	1 quarter
Physiology	1 quarter
Statistics	1 quarter

Do I need to take an entrance exam?

Although many Physician Assistant Programs are moving away from standardized tests, some may require students to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). However, students should check each individual school to learn their specific requirements.

Cost: The GRE costs $205.00

Where can I find resources to help me study for the entrance exam?

Preparing for the Test

Manhattan Prep

Kaplan

Princeton Review

GRE Vocabulary Podcast

Local Programs

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Midwestern University

Northwestern University

Rush University

Southern Illinois University

Sample Timeline - Traditional 4 Year

Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest.

Below is a sample timeline for a Health Sciences major. Please be aware that PA programs do not require or prefer a specific major and the below timeline should not be used to replace regular meetings with your academic advisor.

Sample Timeline - Accelerated 3+ with RFUMS

Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest. Below is a sample timeline and should not be used to replace meeting with your academic advisor.

Accelerated 3+ physician assistant program with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is only available to Pathways Honors students majoring in Health Sciences.