Pre-Physician Associate/Assistant
PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals. PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. ~ AAPA (American Academy of Physician Associates)
Learn more about what Physician Assistants (PAs) do at the American Academy of PAs and the Physician Assistant Life websites. Use the links below for more information on PA and clinical experience.
What classes do I need to take?
Physician Assistant (PA) program requirements vary widely. Know your PA program early on! Learn their course pre-requisites, clinical expectations, GRE and other requirements. A list of PA programs in the US and their prerequisites is found at the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Program Directory.
Once you have decided on your PA programs, create your own excel spreadsheet of course pre-reqs and other requirements.
UM-Dearborn pre-requisite base courses for PA programs in MI
What is the national standardized test?
Not all PA programs require a national standardized test or score.
Some PA graduate programs require the ETS Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test (not any of the subject tests). The best way to prepare for the general GRE test is to use the ETS free test preparation material to prepare for the general GRE. Re-read what you just read. Free material! Don't buy prep material.
Some PA graduate programs require the Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT). The PA-CAT is the MCAT on steroids. It comprises General Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Genetics, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Behavioral Sciences, & Stats. The best way to prepare for the PA-CAT is to use the supplemental tools on the PA-CAT URL.
What else should I know?
It is important that you learn and incorporate the Association of American Medical Colleges Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students in your pre-requisite courses and extra-curricular activities. PA programs are highly competitive so one way to stand out is to have a high level of professional skills along with clinical and academic skills.
More information, such as what you should major in or how to handle repeats or withdrawals at UM-Dearborn, can be found in our FAQ section.