PA School Prerequisites: What Programs Actually Require (and What Expires)

November 24, 2014 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 94 Comments · Updated: August 2, 2026

* To build your own prerequisite plan against every accredited PA program, free and with no sign-up, use the PA School Prerequisite Planner.

Let's start with the thing nobody tells you.

There is no national prerequisite list. None. ARC-PA — the body that accredits every PA program in the country — had exactly one standard that even mentioned prerequisites, and they rescinded it in August 2025. What each program requires is entirely that program's business.

Which is why you're here, staring at a browser with nine tabs open, trying to work out whether the biochemistry you're signed up for next term is going to count anywhere.

I remember that feeling. In my case it was organic chemistry — a subject that beat me up so thoroughly at the University of Washington that I switched off the pre-med track in the spring of my junior year, partly out of strategy and partly out of self-preservation.

Here's what I wish someone had shown me back in 2001: most PA programs don't hard-require organic chemistry at all. More on that in a minute, because the numbers genuinely surprised me.

This post is part of my 5 steps to PA school series, to go from zero to PA school hero:

Complete the necessary prerequisite coursework ← you are here
Obtain the required medical and hands-on patient care experience
Successfully prepare for and take the GRE (or avoid it)
Obtain at least 3 high-quality letters of recommendation
Complete the CASPA application essay and all supplemental materials on time

What do PA schools actually require? Here are the real numbers.

For years the honest answer to this question was "it depends, go look them up." So we went and looked them all up — every accredited program, read off that program's own admissions page, with the source link recorded next to it.

Here is how often each course appears. This table is generated live from the PA School Finder database every time this page loads, so it reflects what programs publish today, not what they published when I wrote this paragraph.

Read that bottom section twice.

Physics and calculus are almost never required. Two per cent and one per cent. If you have been white-knuckling your way through a physics sequence because you assumed PA schools wanted it — they mostly don't. That is a semester of your life, and a chunk of your science GPA, back in your pocket.

The top five are your non-negotiables. Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics and general chemistry will get you in the door almost everywhere. Everything below general chemistry on that list is a strategic decision, not a requirement — and which ones you take should depend entirely on where you're applying.

Upper division prerequisite requirements can be completed at a four-year institution, community college, or online courses from regionally accredited institutions. We do not look down on community college coursework. It will be factored in the same way. - Penn State PA ProgramClick To Tweet

Do I really need organic chemistry?

Probably not. This is the finding that surprised me most.

Across every accredited program:

38% hard-require organic chemistry.
29% will accept biochemistry instead.
27% don't require it at all.
6% don't publish a clear policy.

So the course that has terrified pre-PAs for two decades — the course that redirected my own undergraduate career — is a hard requirement at fewer than four programs in ten.

Don't misread me. If organic chemistry interests you and you'll do well in it, take it. It keeps every door open and it's decent preparation for pharmacology.

But if you are choosing between a C+ in organic chemistry and an A in biochemistry, the A in biochemistry is worth more to you. It satisfies almost as many programs and it doesn't drag your science GPA down a tenth of a point.

That is a real strategic choice, and until now nobody could see the landscape clearly enough to make it.

The three prerequisite rules nobody tells you about

Course names are the easy part. These three are what actually cost people a cycle.

1. Your credits have an expiration date

Most applicants have no idea this exists. Across accredited programs:

24% never expire your prerequisites — a course you took in 2011 still counts.
12% expire them in 5 years or less.
20% expire in 6–7 years, and 38% in 8–10 years.

If you are a career changer, that first line is the most valuable sentence in this post. Roughly one program in four will count the coursework you already have, in full, no matter how old it is. Those are the programs your list should start with.

No directory will sort them for you either, because that information sits in prose on hundreds of different websites. If your oldest science course is eight years old, this single fact opens or eliminates dozens of programs before you have thought about GPA, location or tuition.

We will accept humanities credits that are older than 5 years. Science credits must be taken within 5 years of applying. - Touro University PA ProgramClick To Tweet

2. A pass isn't always a pass

Ninety-three programs publish a minimum letter grade for every prerequisite. For most of them that's a C — but thirteen programs require a B- or better, and at those a C simply doesn't count, no matter how good your overall GPA looks.

Worth knowing before you decide whether a course needs retaking.

3. AP and CLEP credit is a coin flip

45% accept AP/CLEP credit for prerequisites.
46% accept it with limits — most commonly "only if it appears on your university transcript with a grade."
15 programs won't take it at all.

If you tested out of general chemistry in high school and never took it again in college, you need to know which bucket each of your target programs falls into before you build your list. This is one of the most common ways a strong applicant discovers in March that they are short a prerequisite.

Remember: If you fail to plan early and appropriately, you may find yourself frustrated, having to go back to take courses you missed and in greater debt later on.

Build your prerequisite plan in ten minutes instead of ten hours

This is the part of this post that used to say: make a list of fifteen schools, open the program directory, look each one up, and fill in a worksheet by hand.

You don't have to do that any more.

→ Open the PA School Prerequisite Planner

Pick the programs you're applying to, tick off the courses you've already completed, and it hands you back:

exactly which courses you still need, ranked by how many of your schools require each one — so you know which class to sign up for first
a warning if any of your programs will expire the coursework you already have
a school-by-school table you can print or download as a CSV
every program's real prerequisite list, searchable, with expiration, the organic chemistry rule, AP/CLEP policy and minimum grade side by side

It's free, there's no sign-up, and it reads the live database rather than a snapshot.

Then take the printout to your academic adviser. That conversation is still the most valuable hour in this whole process — you're just walking in with the research already done instead of doing it in the meeting.

What if you don't know where you want to apply yet?

Fair. Most people don't, and "pick fifteen schools" is easy advice to give and hard advice to follow.

Prerequisites are only one of the things that decide where you should apply. GPA, patient care hours, location, tuition, deadlines and whether a program even counts your kind of experience all matter, and they interact with each other.

The PA Program Match AI takes your whole profile — GPA, hours, the coursework you've finished, where you can move to, what you can afford — and scores every accredited program against it. It tells you which ones you're genuinely competitive at, which are reaches, and the part I like best: which single fix opens the most programs for you. Sometimes that's 200 more patient care hours. Sometimes it's one chemistry class.

If you'd rather just browse and filter for yourself, the free PA Program Match tool does that too — including filters for organic chemistry, prerequisite expiration, biochemistry, genetics, medical terminology and minimum grade.

Is there a "standard" prerequisite list I can trust?

Sort of, with a caveat that matters.

CASPA publishes a Common Prerequisites List of twelve courses: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, general biology, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, English composition, genetics, medical terminology, general psychology and statistics.

Here's the caveat, in CASPA's own words: the list is "non-exhaustive, courses not on the Common Prerequisites List may still be included." It is a naming convention — a way of standardising how your courses get labelled inside the application — not a statement of what programs require. Plenty of advisers and blog posts present it as a requirements list. It isn't one.

Use it to understand how your coursework will be categorised in CASPA. Use the programs' own pages, or the planner above, to find out what they actually require.

And while we're on directories: the old PAEA Program Directory is now the CASPA Program Directory. It is still free and still worth knowing about — it's the best single source for tuition, class size and deadlines straight from the programs.

Should I take upper-level courses?

Yes, if you can. Here's why, and it's personal.

My wife was pre-nursing. On her academic adviser's recommendation she took all lower-level science courses — they satisfied the stated requirement, so why not? When she applied to the University of Washington School of Nursing, then ranked number one in the country, her prerequisite coursework paled next to applicants who had taken the upper-level series.

To her boyfriend's dismay 🙂, she wasn't admitted. She went to Seattle Pacific University's School of Nursing that year instead and has had a wonderful career — but she'd tell you herself it was an avoidable detour.

Take chemistry at the University of Washington as an example. Chem 110 and 120 are the introductory series — "lower level." Above them sit Chem 142, 152 and 162: the year-long general chemistry series with labs that pre-med students are required to take. Same subject. Very different signal on a transcript.

Organic chemistry works the same way (Chem 220 versus the 237–239 series), and so does biology (the 100 series versus the 200s). You will find that pattern at almost every university and community college in the country.

The rule: meeting the minimum requirement and being a competitive applicant are two different goals. Some programs — George Washington among them — require upper-level coursework outright. Taking the harder series keeps every door open and tells an admissions committee something a transcript otherwise can't.

What major should I choose to get into PA school?

Whichever one you'll actually enjoy and do well in.

PA programs are flexible about your major. Like medical schools, they care that you excelled in it and that it reflects a genuine interest. I've advised applicants who majored in everything from dance to biochemistry, and both got in.

Three things worth weighing:

Pick something you'd still want if this doesn't work out. Not everyone gets in the first cycle. Your major is your plan B.
Pick something that helps you get patient care hours. Most of the common routes — phlebotomist (that was me), EMT, CNA, medical assistant — need a certification, not a degree. Nursing is the other well-worn path: work intensively for four or five years, finish your PA prerequisites along the way, then apply.
An upward trajectory beats a flawless start. A rough freshman year is survivable. What committees look for is what happened next.

My own pre-PA coursework at the University of Washington

For what it's worth, here's what I actually took — quarter system, four years, and a change of direction in the spring of my junior year when I finally sat down with an adviser and admitted I wanted to be a PA rather than a physician.

Anatomy and physiology
Upper-level biology — 1 year
Cellular biology elective
Microbiology with lab
Upper-level general chemistry with lab — 1 year (3 quarters)
Upper-level organic chemistry — 2 quarters, then a strategic retreat to the short program senior year
Upper-level physics with lab — 3 quarters (which, per the table above, virtually nobody required — live and learn)
Genetics
Calculus — 2 quarters, plus a quarter of statistics
Sociobiology and biomechanics
Foreign language — 1 year
General and abnormal psychology
English composition

Leaving the pre-med track opened up genetics, physiology, biomechanics and microbiology — courses that both raised my GPA and made a stronger application. Changing direction wasn't a setback. It was the best academic decision I made.

Your next step

Four things, in this order:

Run the prerequisite planner. Even if your school list is a rough guess, you'll see the pattern in ten minutes. Pay attention to the expiration column.
Book time with an academic adviser and bring the printout. Ask specifically about your school's course numbering — which series is the upper-level one.
Sequence the gaps by leverage. Take the course that unlocks the most programs on your list first, not the one that's most convenient next term.
Check the calendar. The 2026–2027 CASPA cycle opened April 30, 2026 and closes April 1, 2027. Most programs want prerequisites finished — or at most one or two outstanding — by the fall of the application year.

No more than two prerequisite courses can be outstanding at the time of application and they need to be done by the fall of the application year. - Case Western Reserve PA ProgramClick To Tweet

You do not need a perfect transcript. You need a plan, an upward trajectory, and enough foresight that you aren't discovering a missing prerequisite in March.

Now go take a look at where you actually stand. I think you'll find you're closer than you think. 🙂

Thanks for reading — I'm here for you.

— Stephen Pasquini PA-C

Prerequisite figures on this page are drawn from the PA School Finder database, where every program's requirements were read from that program's own admissions page and recorded with the source. Programs revise prerequisites every cycle — always confirm on the program's site before you register for a course. There are 330 ARC-PA accredited entry-level PA programs as of ARC-PA's April 2026 meeting.

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Comments

Mustafa A says

December 12, 2017 at 9:58 am

Hello Stephen,

I am an IMG , just got my MD certificate but match in the US for me is kinda impossible. Thats why I started my PA study journey. Online courses vs In campus is my main concern here. Any idea?

Thanks .

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  March 26, 2018 at 7:54 am
  
  Hi Mustafa, it depends to some extent on the schools you will be applying too. Most schools accept online courses but there are some that don’t and to make it more difficult they do not always tell you on their website so you have to do some digging. In that regard, most school also accept community college courses but there are again, some that do not. Start by doing finding schools that accept International students and meet your requirements. You can do that here at my PA program picker: https://www.thepalife.com/pa-program-picker/
  
  Then check that against the list here at the PAEA directory website: http://directory.paeaonline.org/programs?utf8=%E2%9C%93&state=&degree=&caspa=&gre=&health_xp=&bach_required=&min_gpa=&start_month=&intl=1
  
  Export your list of schools on the PA program picker into an Excel Spreadsheet and start doing some research. Contact the schools and find out there list of prerequisites and if they do take online coursework. This will give you a good foundation from which to work from!
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
Kesha says

December 7, 2017 at 3:16 pm

Hello,
I’m not sure how old this post is, but I have a question regarding the upper division prerequisites.
I just recently graduated with my BS in Public Health and have always had the goal of becoming a PA.
I have leadership experience and have healthcare experience working as a CNA, health scholar at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, and also working in cancer research.
Unfortunately, I did not take upper division Bio courses as I have seen most schools require, such as genetics, when I was at the university.
What would you recommend for this, other than of having to go back and get a second bachelor’s because I did not take one science course that was required?
Please advise! Thank you!

Reply
Ama says

October 16, 2017 at 7:23 pm

Hi Stephen,
I am trying to transition into the PA program from what I am currently doing. I have a masters degree in Social work from Catholic University of America and I am working as a social worker. However, I did science in high school after which I studied microbiology in my undergraduate for a short period of time. I would like to know the classes or courses to take for a PA program. Thank you.

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  October 31, 2017 at 8:05 am
  
  Hi Ama, a good place to start is at the PAEA PA Program Directory website. Here is an example from Arizona School of Health Sciences http://directory.paeaonline.org/programs/1023. You can see what prerequisites are required by each school. Make a spreadsheet (you can use the download included with this post: https://s3.amazonaws.com/palife-downloadables/PA+SCHOOL+PREREQUISITE+WORKSHEET.docx). Community college coursework is just fine!
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
Hannah says

September 21, 2017 at 9:02 am

Hi Stephen,
I am planning on applying for a Bachelor’s program soon, but cannot decide on a degree to choose! I am considering just getting my Bachelor’s in biology from a local university near me, but am now wondering if a more specialized degree would make me more competitive for PA school (such as microbiology or nutrition). Would a degree in biology be adequate? Also, would a degree in nutrition count?…… would that be acceptable as well?

Reply
Randy says

August 17, 2017 at 8:05 pm

Stephen,
I am a non-traditional (32 y/o) student who has suddenly awakened to realize I want to become a PA. Over the last couple of weeks I have taken in a lot of information and the website in particular has helped me immensely. Because I’m a non-traditional student who requires a Full time job, I cant completely throw myself into full time schooling (for bachelors degree) although I know I will have to find a way in PA school.

I have worked in the medical field for nearly 13 years as a nurses aide, basic EMT, Monitor tech and Food and nutrition manager responsible for a 450 bed facility and 110 direct reports. So my questions are:

1) Would this kind of experience stand out on an application for PA school?
2) Because working full time during this transition is a must, am I in danger down the road to PA or is this a realistic opportunity? Given my schedule I’m looking at a 6-8 year adventure to PA
3) I spent 4 years at the Pittsburgh institute of Art in the Video game design program. I had a 3.25 GPA after 91 credit hours. would this hurt me when applying?

Thanks in advance for any information you could provide.- Randy

Reply
Daniel says

August 15, 2017 at 5:40 pm

Hi Stephen,
How would the breakdown of the college schedule look like on a semester system since my university doesn’t go by quarters?

Reply
Aesha Desai says

August 9, 2017 at 2:58 pm

Hey Stephen,

I’m planning to take additional courses to boost up my science gpa along with taking an additional psychology course for certain programs. My question for you is whether programs prefer students to take courses at an accredited university (i.e University of South Carolina, Lander University,) or would a technical college or community college (i.e Spartanburg Community College, Central Piedmont Community College) be okay since I’ve already graduated from a 4-year university.

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  August 10, 2017 at 8:16 am
  
  Funny you should ask as I have a blog post to answer this question in the works. In my interviews with admin directors all say that community college credit’s are just fine and considered to be equivalent to those taken at a four year university. Especially if you are taking additional courses or retaking courses this can be a very effective (and more cost efficient way) to go about it.
  
  I wish you the best of luck!
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
Sunny says

August 4, 2017 at 8:45 am

Hey Stephen:

Great website….Needed some advice from the prerequisite classes you took to get into PA school…
.
I am currently retaking classes at a pre-requisites at a community college….(my classes are expired now).

Did you take an Intro to Biochem class? Will that be acceptable at all PA schools (if I take it a community college….200 level course (Chemistry 260, that’s what it is called)?

Also the following Upper-level courses you took:

Upper-level Biology – 1 year
Upper-Level General Chemistry with lab – 1 year (3 quarters)
Upper-Level Organic Chemistry 2 quarters with a change to the short program my senior year.
Upper-Level Physics with lab – 3 Quarters

Could you pls expand upon them…..as to what you mean upper level? Were they intro classes, but just for science majors that’s why you call it upper level?

I am planning to take science courses for science majors (introductory level) at a community college. Will that be ok to fulfill the pre-req’s for all PA schools?

I was hoping to take classes so that it could be accepted broadly….without any difficulty when I apply to any school….Would really appreciate your recommendations.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Reply
John says

April 27, 2017 at 7:30 am

Thanks for the informative article. I am currently an Environmental Public Health major and was on the pre-med track. I am currently a sophomore finishing up Organic Chemistry 2 as well as the lab. I know I am most likely retaking it as I’ve struggled all semester. I have a B- in General Chemistry 1 and a C- in general chemistry 2 (i know I’ll have to retake that as well). Other than that I have B’s in Ochem 1 and Bio 1 and will soon pass Bio 2 with either a B+ or A-. My school’s Chemistry department has actually been under probation for failing to many students, most of the professors spend little time teaching and are here for research but I know it’s no excuse for my poor performance. My current major is very demanding and has little room to retake classes so I will most likely be graduating late.I plan on taking an STNA course over the summer as well as volunteering at a hospice center. I’ve recently done some soul searching and realized I wanted to pursue PA school. Any tips on what to do here? I can retake Organic 2 with grade forgiveness but my school won’t allow grade forgiveness for general chemistry 2. Should I take this at CC? The only possible HCE I have previously was that I volunteered at a hospice center in Highschool, would those hours count? Am I too late?

Reply
Elizabeth says

March 28, 2017 at 2:02 pm

Stephen,

I want to thank you for your articles. They are very positive, yet realistic about the expectations of becoming a PA. I am seriously considering the option of Pre PA school after being a stay at home mom with a child who has communication disorders. My degree is in business however! I always found myself “humanizing” the business world because of my need to help people in a meaningful way. I am looking forward to this journey!!!

Reply
Anita says

February 24, 2017 at 12:49 pm

Dear Stephen,
Do you know if most PA programs need their prerequisites taken within a time limit of for example five years or so?

Reply
Sarah says

January 28, 2017 at 9:05 am

Hello,

I have a question about taking prerequisites as a graduate. I am currently a senior at a state liberal arts school in NY. I only recently discovered that I think a career as a PA would suit me, but I’m about to graduate with a BA and no prerequisites done. So, I was wondering if you had any insight on what would look better on a PA school application: if I were to take the prereqs as a non-matriculated student at a different university, or, if I should consider applying to a post-bac program?

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  February 1, 2017 at 2:33 pm
  
  Hi Sarah,
  
  This is a great question! As long as you get your prerequisites done it doesn’t really matter where they come from, community college is a perfectly fine option as well. I would just make sure to choose the “upper level” science courses that would be considered part of a pre-medical curriculum… PA schools like to see that you are able to thrive in the face of challenging courses. I also think as a “non-traditional” major you have you a bit of an advantage, especially if you can turn around and crush it on your prerequisites while making sure you have a sufficient about of hands on healthcare experience.
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
Anne says

January 19, 2017 at 3:51 pm

Hi Stephen,

I am trying to strengthen my sGPA (it is 3.23). My prerequisite GPA is currently 3.8. I want to take science classes at Community College but I am afraid it will look bad because they’re lower division. But I am also planning on taking Ochem and Biochem. So it’s not like I am trying to slack off with the upper division courses. The courses at the university is really expensive, and I can’t afford it. So my question: is it okay to take lower division courses to raise my sGPA?

Thank you,
Anne

Reply
anahi says

January 11, 2017 at 3:18 pm

Hi Stephen!
I am currently a first year bio major but I am considering changing to human bio and society and my school offers a BA or BS. Does one of these look better when I apply to PA school or does it have no affect?

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  January 18, 2017 at 8:17 am
  
  I would probably lean towards a BS degree although in all actuallity it probably doesn’t matter. Most schools are going to look at your science and overall GPA and just make sure you have all the requirements completed. At the end of the day applicants start looking a lot alike so you are going to want to focus on things that can set you apart… Often times is lies outside the realm of coursework.
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
Haley says

January 3, 2017 at 1:34 pm

Hey!
I am a sophomore in college at Reinhardt University in Georgia. I am majoring in General Biology, and minoring in math and Spanish. I want to become a PA. What do I need to do to prepare and be ready to apply to Pa programs? I currently have a 3.7 GPA ,while playing a sport in college. I have been working on volunteer hours to add to my resume. Some PA programs require paid experience hours, what would you suggest I do for that? I want something quick and easy, but that will still look good on my resume. Please let me know if you have any other thoughts or info to help me out!
Thanks!!

Reply
Cody says

December 14, 2016 at 11:02 pm

Hi,

Quick question, I ended up receiving a B in a statistics course. Should I consider retaking it as I work on my application for PA school?? Between my medical scribe job and college athletics I slipped up on the final and didn’t finish as strong as I could have. Kind of freaking out about it

Reply
- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  December 16, 2016 at 6:56 am
  
  Hi Cody,
  
  I don’t think this is a big deal at all, and personally (although I may be wrong) I don’t think repeating it would be a good use of your time. There are so many other things you could do instead that would beef up your “resume” and a B is a 3.0. If you got a D, I may change my response, but I wouldn’t fret about it.
  
  Stephen
  
  Reply
  - chris says
    
    January 5, 2017 at 7:20 pm
    
    What other ideas do you have to beef up the resume?
    
    Reply
    - Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
      
      January 7, 2017 at 7:32 am
      
      Hi Chris,
      
      An admission director from Ketchum University PA program said this: “All applicants look the same with their GPA, HCE and LORs. What sets you apart, to me, is your leadership positions. I will always extend an invite to the class or established medical club president.”
      
      I like to see activities that demonstrate compassion and community involvement such as unique volunteer activities – working in underserved communities, global health experience, time spent in the children’s hospital, working with special needs patients, veterans, working with HIV/AIDS populations, senior centers, homeless shelters… anywhere and everywhere there is a need. Going above and beyond the general call of duty shows initiative.
      
      Also, an amazing letter of recommendation can make a big difference. Here is one I pulled off the PA forums. Read this and tell me if you would like to interview this candidate?
      
      To Whom It May Concern,
      
      It is my pleasure to submit this letter of recommendation for Ms. JamieNicole3x. I direct the Chemistry Success Center (CSC) at [University], a center that provides free walk-in chemistry tutoring services. Jamie works as a tutor in the CSC, and I have been her supervisor since August 2014. Scientific knowledge is a prerequisite for employment as a tutor, and Jamie demonstrates an excellent understanding of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. However, the traits that make Jamie stand out as a truly exceptional tutor extend far beyond her strong scientific background. In the ten months I have known Jamie, I have been greatly impressed by her professionalism, communication skills, and initiative.
      
      Jamie consistently demonstrates an incredible level of professionalism. Jamie is, without a doubt, the most dependable and responsible student I have had the privilege of supervising. She is punctual and responds to all communications quickly and professionally. This past semester, Jamie opened the CSC two days per week. I typically stop by the CSC every morning to make sure things are set up and running smoothly. However, I quickly realized that I did not need to check in on the CSC on days when Jamie opened the center – I could rely on her to get things done correctly.
      
      Jamie also stands out as an excellent communicator. She is personable and approachable, and students feel comfortable asking her questions. Additionally, she is adept at communicating with both her peers and chemistry faculty members. She manages to connect with people through humor, excellent listening skills, and a positive demeanor, all while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Students appreciate Jamie’s strong communication skills, and she consistently receives praise on student evaluations for her ability to explain things clearly.
      
      Finally, I would be amiss not to mention Jamie’s initiative. Jamie excels at recognizing where help is needed, and never hesitates to deliver needed assistance. Whether it’s stepping in to help when another tutor needs support in dealing with a difficult student or taking the time to organize CSC resources, Jamie always pitches in to help without being asked. She truly leads by positive example.
      
      I am confident that JamieNicole3x possesses the personal characteristics and academic preparation needed to succeed in a physician assistant graduate program. I recommend her for admission to your program without reservation.
      
      Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional information.
      
      Best wishes,
      
      [Name Removed]
      
      Affiliate Professor of Chemistry
      
      Reply
      - Jamie Murawski, PA-S says
        
        January 23, 2017 at 7:26 pm
        
        Very weird to find my letter of rec copied and pasted. If you’re interested in me, I’m jamienicole3x on all social media, including Reddit where this post was taken from.
        
        Reply
Monika K says

December 2, 2016 at 3:27 pm

Hello Stephen! I’ve been wondering about an aspect of the pre-reqs, and I haven’t found the answer here or on other PA blogs… Does it matter where you complete your pre-reqs at? I graduated with a B.S. in Biology last year and am currently living at home on the other side of the state now. So, ideally I was thinking of taking pre-reqs at a Community College near me..

1. Does it look good if you take pre-reqs at a Community College vs. a University?
2. Will PA schools accept your pre-reqs regardless of where they were taken? Or do they need to be taken at a partner school, or a full-fledged university? Do different schools have different requirements of where you take your pre-reqs? – Does it work the same as “transferring” credits between a CC and undergraduate program? Or is it just a “check-mark” that you completed the necessary courses anywhere?
3. Does it look bad if you take your pre-reqs at different places? Ex: If I decide to go to one CC for a certain course or two, decide I don’t like it, and decide to take my other courses at another CC?

I want to sign up for some pre-req courses soon, preferentially a winter course, so I can finally get my career path rolling again. I kindly await your reply!! Thank you!

Reply
Andrew Johnson says

November 29, 2016 at 1:03 am

Hello Stephen,

I have curiosity about becoming a PA. I have about nine and a half years experience as a x ray tech in the military but no degree. I know each school has their own specifics as far as transferring experience and military schools to college credits. I’m curious if my experience as an x ray tech would be sufficient to meet the required medical experience? I have performed those duties for orthopedic surgeons, emergency room traumas, fluoroscopic procedures, and regular diagnostic imagery.

Also what would be a good start and path. I am 35 years old and almost ready to retire from the military and pursue a new path. I currently live in Tacoma and see you are very familiar with the schools in Washington state. Any help or guidance would be great. Thank you for your time.

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katie says

November 27, 2016 at 4:49 pm

Hey! Stephen!

I am currently in Canadian High school, and I’m submitting university application very soon. (I’m applying to Canadian uni only)
I’m applying to Kinesiology as my first choice, and General Science as a second choice, but I was wondering if Kin is a good choice for Pre-PA degree. Also, do I have to have strong Physics background for PA school?

Thank you so much for your help! 🙂

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- Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
  
  November 27, 2016 at 9:32 pm
  
  Hi katie,
  
  Kinesiology is a wonderful major for PA school. My cousin went that route and even worked as part of her college football teams training team. She is now a very successful orthopedic PA. As far as physics is concerned review some of the prerequisites required by the programs to which you are applying. I took 1 year of pre-medical physics and really enjoyed it. You can find a lot of information regarding prerequisite coursework on the PAEA directory pages or by visiting the school specific website.
  
  Warmly,
  
  Stephen Pasquini PA-C
  http://www.thepalife.com
  http://www.smartypance.com
  
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Marianna says

August 22, 2016 at 4:22 pm

Hey Stephen! I’m trying to transition into the PA field from what I’m currently doing. I’ve been working as an experienced pharmacy technician for two years. My original goal was to become a pharmacist, but I don’t think it’s the right fit for me anymore.

I’m trying to get more experience on the side. Applied to some part time jobs dealing with phlebotomy and also gonna volunteer at my local hospital. I’m also trying to get my pre-reqs done at the same time. My top school is Northeastern, but I’ve been looking at others just in case. I’m trying to go for the more realistic options (because some schools ask for different kinds of pre-reqs and such). I was a chemistry major in undergrad, so I need to complete A&P and Microbiology.

What is your opinion on taking them at a community college? I’ve been looking to take A&P with lab this semester, but I’m depressed over the costs per credit. At the same time I’m afraid of taking the risk in taking them at a CC and not having them accepted. They say an accredited 2 year university suffices in some of the pre-reqs so I wonder if that’s okay.

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