These vary based on the school, but here are some common pre-PA courses to consider.

1. Anatomy & Physiology  (2 semesters)

2. Biochemistry  (1 semester)

3. Foundations of Biology  (2 semesters)

4. Microbiology (1 semester)

5. General Chemistry (2 semesters)

6. Organic Chemistry  (2 semesters)

7. English Composition/Writing

8. Genetics  (1 semester)

9. Medical Terminology

10. Psychology (general, 1 or 2 semesters)

11. Statistics (1 semester)

Many PA programs also require prior healthcare experience with hands-on patient care.

https://www.aapa.org/career-central/become-a-pa/ 

Great information here!

https://alliedhealth.llu.edu/academics/physician-assistant/physician-assistant-admissions-information 

Helpful brochure:  Click here for Program information in a PDF file.

 Patient Care Experience (PCE)

• Documented paid patient care experience of 2,000 hours minimum is required

by August 1 of the year of matriculation 

https://kc.edu/academics/physician-assistant/ 

https://kc.edu/academics/physician-assistant/admission-requirements/ 

Completion of Patient Care Hours (250 to 1,000 hours recommended)*

*Quality and quantity of patient care hours: Applicants will be rated on both the type of patient care hours and the number of completed experiential hours at the time of application. There is no requirement for minimum number of patient care experience hours, however it is highly recommended that applicants complete at least 250 hours, which could be obtained in, but not limited to the following roles: STNA, CNA, EMT, or paramedic, lab tech/phlebotomist, medical scribe, EKG technician, surgical technician, pharmacy technician, respiratory care practitioner, radiological technologist, medical mission worker. It is also highly recommended that the applicant gain some exposure to the PA profession by shadowing a PA.