Prequisites

[tzvi]

i know every school can be different regarding which prequisites are needed. is there any prerequisite that is needed universally/

[PaulK]

The most commonly prerequired courses are:

Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
Microbiology
General Chemistry

In addition, schools almost always have an English language/composition requirement, and basic math. Beyond that, it varies more (~organic chemistry, general anthropology, etc.)

[akohler]

I recently found a school that I am in love with; however, they want 9 credits of psychology and statistics. I only took intro to psych and Calc I & II. Any advice?

[TamaraClegg]

My name is Tamara, and I am interested in becoming a PA. I am enrolled in a CMA program now will be finished in November. Currently active duty Army working as a Dental specialist. I have a question and who ever have the answers please feel free to respond. Here is my question:

1) What degree do I need to apply for a PA program? (Do I need a certain degree or level of degree or major?)

[PaulK]

Tamara -

The minimum for a few schools is an AA/AS degree. Very soon the minimum will be a bachelor's degree.

Sciences are a reasonable choice, but don't feel you need to major in a science in order to get in. Pick a major that appeals to you, that you know you can do well in, and that has some connection to medicine. The connection doesn't need to be strong. Nutrition, communications, whatever. If the prerequisite courses that you need for PA school aren't a part of your degree, you can do those at a community college after you graduate.

[PA-S-Kitt]

The mandatory prerequisite courses that most of the PA schools that I've looked into require that each applicant takes:
- human anatomy & physiology I w/ lab
- human anatomy & physiology II w/ lab
- biology I w/ lab
- biology II w/ lab
- microbiology w/ lab
- general chemistry I w/ lab
- general chemistry II w/ lab
- organic chemistry or biochemistry w/ lab
- statistics

Some schools even require the following courses:
- genetics
- psychology
- sociology/anthropology

I took all the above mentioned courses along with human nutrition, human growth & development, medical sociology, intermediate algebra, and college algebra to look more competitive on the application.

[gunderse92]

What exactly counts as general bio II? My school didn't name the courses gen bio I and gen bio II
However, I have taken courses in:
Molecular and cellular foundations
Genetics
Evolution
Ecology
Plant Kingdom
Cellular physiology
Microbiology
Research