Explore Physician Assistant
Post-baccalaureate degree: Masters
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Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs provide physical exams, order and administer tests, make diagnoses, and treat illnesses. PAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and surgical centers. They are qualified to practice in over 60 specialty areas.
See also: Academic and Career Information for Physician Assistant (PDF)
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Minimum Prerequisites for Admission
The following are general prerequisites. Please consult the for specific program requirements.
- bachelor's degree
- each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details
- general course prerequisites:
- English, one year
- general biology with lab, one year
- general chemistry with lab, one year
- anatomy and physiology
- psychology and/or sociology
- microbiology with lab
- statistics
- biochemistry with lab
- medical terminology
- clinical health care experience (direct patient contact experience), about 1000 hours
Test Needed
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - . Required by most schools.
Application Service
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