Choosing the Right Undergraduate Major for Physician Assistant School
The path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a rewarding but demanding one. While there's no single "best" undergraduate major for aspiring PAs, understanding the requirements and strategically planning your education is crucial. This article outlines the key considerations for selecting an undergraduate major that aligns with PA school prerequisites and enhances your application.
Academic Foundation: Meeting Prerequisite Requirements
PA programs typically require specific prerequisite courses. These courses lay the scientific groundwork necessary for success in PA school. While the exact prerequisites can vary between programs, common requirements include:
- Biology: A full year of general biology with laboratory is often required. All biology coursework with a relationship to the human body is accepted. Microbiology is most strongly recommended. General biology, cell, genetics and some intro classes are other examples of acceptable biology courses.
- Chemistry: A strong foundation in chemistry is essential. Many programs require a year of general chemistry with lab, and some may also require organic chemistry and/or biochemistry. All chemistry coursework is accepted, including intro, general, inorganic, organic and biochemistry. Chemistry laboratory can be taken with either Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry. If your institution has a combined General Chemistry I and II course that is less than the required 8 credits, you must complete another general chemistry course to meet our credit requirements.
- Anatomy & Physiology: A comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology is critical. Human Anatomy, four semester credits - Must be human and with a lab; animal or comparative anatomy courses are not accepted. A mixed combination of the above courses will not be accepted. Applicants must take AP I & II or human anatomy and human physiology separately to meet the requirement. (Example: AP I [four credits] + Physiology [four credits] = a mixed combination. Anatomy and Physiology courses taken before the start of the 2019 academic year (fall 2019) and earlier must be repeated no later than fall semester of 2026. There is no need for repeated coursework to be verified by CASPA, or to be completed before applying. Labs are not required for repeated coursework. If invited to interview with us, coursework completion (spring or summer), or verification of enrollment (fall 2026) will be requested.
- Microbiology: This course explores the world of microorganisms and their impact on human health.
- Statistics: PA programs require a statistics course to equip students with the skills to interpret research and understand healthcare data.
- Other Science Courses: Some programs may also recommend or require courses in genetics, psychology, or other related science fields.
It's important to note a few key details regarding prerequisite coursework:
- Accreditation: Applicants must complete a Bachelor’s Degree at a college or university that is accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The School of Physician Assistant Studies does not accept foreign degree equivalency evaluations.
- Completion Deadlines: All prerequisites must be completed by the end of the fall semester in the year of application. A maximum of two prerequisite courses (one non-science and one science) may be planned or in-progress at the time of application. Completion of all prerequisites prior to matriculation. Applicants with more than four (4) outstanding prerequisites cannot be considered for admission. The CASPA application must include a plan for completing the remaining prerequisites prior to enrollment.
- Course Format: The Utah PA Program has always accepted online coursework from regionally accredited institutions and community colleges. Online prerequisite courses, including labs, are equivalent to traditional in-person courses when they meet our content requirements. The UF SPAS reserves the right to request course syllabi for verification purposes.
- AP Credit: Students who take Advanced Placement (AP) courses at the high school level and complete the examination by the Educational Testing Service are awarded credit based on the score and course equivalent(s); only scores 3 and above are accepted.
- Grading: Prerequisite courses must be completed from a regionally accredited institutions of higher learning, including community colleges, in the United States or Canada for a letter grade. Foreign prerequisite coursework is not accepted. All courses must be entered on the CASPA application. Letter grades of less than C (such as C-) are not accepted for prerequisites, no exceptions. We do not accept AP, CLEP, or audited coursework.
Strategic Major Selection: Balancing Interests and Requirements
While a science-based major like biology or chemistry might seem like the most direct route, it's not the only option. Many successful PA applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds. The key is to choose a major that you are passionate about while ensuring you fulfill all prerequisite requirements. Here's a breakdown of popular major choices and their benefits:
- Biology: A biology major provides a comprehensive foundation in the life sciences, covering many of the prerequisite topics in depth. This can be particularly helpful for the more challenging science courses in PA school.
- Chemistry: A chemistry major offers a strong understanding of the chemical processes underlying biological systems. This can be beneficial for understanding pharmacology and other medically relevant topics. Note: *Chemistry laboratory can be taken with either Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II or Biochemistry.
- Health Sciences: These majors are specifically designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. They often include relevant coursework in medical terminology, healthcare ethics, and public health.
- Other Science Majors: Majors like nursing, exercise science, or biomedical engineering can also provide a solid foundation for PA school, as long as you ensure you complete all the necessary prerequisites.
- Non-Science Majors: Don't be discouraged if you're interested in a non-science field like psychology, sociology, or even English. As long as you complete all the required science prerequisites, your major is less important. In fact, a non-science major can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate a well-rounded education.
Beyond Academics: Essential Experiences and Attributes
While academic performance and prerequisite completion are critical, PA schools also look for candidates with strong interpersonal skills, healthcare experience, and a commitment to service.
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- Healthcare Experience: The UF SPAS requires a minimum of 1000 hours of direct patient care experience by August 1st of the application year. A minimum of 2,000 hours of health care experience, acquired as of the August 1st application deadline, is required for an applicant to be considered. Note that the national average for healthcare experience is in the 4000 to 5000 hour range. All forms of health care experience* are accepted and considered toward the minimum requirement, with direct hands-on patient care experience being most preferred. Health care hours are subject to verification: the program may contact supervisors to confirm reported hours. Hands-on patient care experiences may come from a variety of places. The extent to which an applicant is actually involved in patient care will be weighed based on the description of the applicant’s duties during those hours.
- GPA: Meeting the minimum GPA requirements does not guarantee an interview or admission. USF PA Program utilizes the GPA’s as calculated by CASPA. We do not recalculate GPA’s. We require total and science GPAs calculated by CASPA to reach a minimum 3.0 threshold, as calculated by CASPA. Exception to this policy will be granted only to those who possess a science GPA equivalent to the matriculated class average of 3.50 or higher for their most recent 30-semester credits of science coursework. Science GPA is emphasized and competitive applicants will tend to fall within higher GPA ranges of cumulative and science GPAs.
- Letters of Recommendation: The UF SPAS requires a minimum of three letters of reference to be submitted through the CASPA application. Three (3) letters of reference are required and must be submitted directly to CASPA. At least one letter must come from a practicing physician assistant or physician (MD/DO) and one must come from a college professor or instructor.
- CASPer Assessment: Completion of the CASPer assessment. Applicants will register for the assessments for CSP 10101, Professional Health Sciences.
- TOEFL: All non-native speakers must produce a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. Applicants for whom English is not their native language will not be considered without a TOEFL score of 550 (written), 230 (computer) or 80 (internet). Test scores should be submitted with the CASPA application or sent directly to UPAP by October 2026.
- Personal Qualities: PA programs seek applicants who are compassionate, ethical, and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Navigating the Application Process
The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) is the primary application portal for PA programs. Familiarize yourself with the CASPA application process early on and pay close attention to deadlines.
- Application Deadlines: *The application cycle for Spring 2027 is open in CASPA. The final application deadline is April 1, 2026. All prerequisite coursework must be complete at the time you submit your application by the August 1 submission deadline.
- Transcripts: International students or domestic students with credentials from institutions outside the United States are required to have those credentials evaluated by a professional evaluation service. must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and submitted to CASPA.
- GRE: UPAP does not require the GRE, or other standardized test. The name of our program on ETS: University South Florida PA Program CASPA GRE code 8854. GRE scores are due in your application no later than our program’s application deadline date.
- Diversity: In alignment with the PA program’s mission and goals, we strive to appreciate and encourage diversity in the student body and the PA profession.
Additional Considerations for Specific Programs
- Foreign Coursework: We do not accept foreign prerequisite coursework. All prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. For candidates holding foreign degrees (minimum 4 years of study), a total of 30 semester credits (approximately one year) at a regionally accredited US college or university must be completed as well, prerequisite credit included.
- Transfer Credits: Transfer credit or Admission with Advanced Standing from another PA or MD program is not accepted.
- Veterans: Veterans are encouraged to apply, and as all other applicants, must meet all the prerequisites for admissions. Veterans with questions regarding prerequisite course work should contact the PA program. Please provide a copy the Joint Services Transcript with course descriptions to determine if the course in question satisfies the prescribed prerequisite.
- Permanent Residents: Permanent US Resident: an individual who was granted lawful permanent resident status.
- Clinical Sites: Students may make suggestions to the Clinical Director for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so.
- Pass/Fail Grading: For applicants whose institutions had adopted a short-notice pass/fail grading system for the spring/summer 2020 due to the pandemic, we accept "pass" or "credit" marked on transcripts to meet prerequisites during this temporary emergency period.
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