Pre-Physician Assistant

Course Requirements

Pre-Physician Assistant students are strongly advised to check the specific requirements of the schools they plan to apply to as early as possible, since the requirements can vary greatly.

General school course requirements include one semester of each of the following:

  • General Chemistry with lab
  • Organic Chemistry with lab
  • General Biology
  • General Psychology
  • Sociology/Anthropology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Microbiology (lab recommended)
  • Human Physiology* 
  • Human Anatomy*
  • Medical Terminology#

*Animal Physiology and Vertebrate Anatomy may be substituted
#can be taken as an independent study course from the University of Kentucky

Suggested course work arrangement:

First semester

  • CHEM 1055 Principles of Chemistry I
  • BIO 1204 Integrated Concepts of Biology, Molecules and Cells (can be taken 2nd semester)

Second semester

  • CHEM 1065 Principles of Chemistry II (pre-requisite for CHEM 2155)
  • BIO 1206 Organisms and Ecosystems

Third semester

  • CHEM 2155 Organic Chemistry I

To be taken as schedule allows:

  • PSY 1004 General Psychology
  • SOC 1004 Introduction to Sociology
  • PSY 2114 Human Development: Conception to Adolescence (OR PSY-2104 Lifespan Development)
  • PSY 2124 Human Development: Adulthood to Aging (OR PSY-2104 Lifespan Development)
  • BIO 3046 Microbiology
  • BIO 3065 Animal Physiology
  • BIO 3016 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
    or
  • EXSC 2094 (BIO 2014) Anatomy and Physiology I
  • EXSC 2104 (BIO 2104) Anatomy and Physiology II

All coursework must be completed before applying. 

GRE

The GRE is generally taken in the summer after third year in order to matriculate in the winter following graduation. 

The GRE tests the following subject areas:

  • Verbal Reasoning
    • Sentence completion
    • Analogies
    • Antonyms
    • Reading comprehension
  • Quantitative Reasoning
    • Arithmetic
    • Algebra
    • Geometry
    • Data analysis
    • Problem solving
    • Quantitative comparison
  • Analytical Writing
    • Present your perspective on an issue
    • Analyze an argument

Competitive applicants

  • Overall GPA: 3.4
  • Science GPA (Biology, Chemistry): 3.4
  • Overall GRE: 1050-1100

Factors that increase competitiveness:

  • Community service/volunteer work
  • Clinical experience
  • Leadership
  • Strong communication skills

IMPORTANT LINKS

American Academy of Physician Assistants
Physician Assistant Education Association
Information about the GRE

In-state schools:
University of Kentucky Physician Assistant Program

Transylvania University | Academics