Leslie Mean is a 25-year-old single white female who presents to the PA school admissions committee on her second attempt to get into PA school.
She has a 3.6 overall GPA and a 3.5 science GPA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, had an SAT score of 1,200, and a GRE score of 303.
She has two years of hands-on clinical experience working as a CNA and a long history of volunteer work, which exemplifies her desire to help her community.
She is kind and considerate and has reference letters that demonstrate her maturity and strong interpersonal skills.
She was accepted into PA school on her second attempt.
Who is Leslie, and why did she get into PA School?
When asking the question: What do I need to do to get into PA school? You would be smart to talk to Leslie.
Leslie is a hypothetical PA school applicant who went on to become a PA school student, an entirely average PA school student.
She also embodies what PA schools across the country are looking for at this very moment.
How do I know this?
Because the most recent data from the PAEA semi-annual report, representing responses from over 85% of PA programs detailing characteristics of the 27,283 PA school applicants and 8,802 students accepted in PA school, show that they are filling their seats with Leslie.
As much as I like to talk about not being average and differentiating yourself from the pack, it's nice to know what average is. Average provides a baseline by which you can measure your progress, set goals, and develop an application timeline.
Does this mean you have to be just like Leslie to get into PA school?
Absolutely not, first, factors such as race, age, ethnicity, etc., are of no importance, and you certainly don't have to be female to get into PA school (I am living proof).
But it is safe to assume that most schools are looking to keep their graduation and certifying exam pass rates high. They have an incentive to take fewer risks, and because of this, anything below average is considered a risk.
Thus, take a good look at Leslie and focus on factors that you can control to differentiate yourself, like your academic standing, your experience, your volunteer activities, your references, and your essay.
If you set the bar at Leslie and end up being a Mother Theresa, I am fairly sure you will be accepted into PA school, although I have no data on religious preference and PA school acceptance rates. 🙂
What are your chances of getting into PA school?
- Approximately 27,283 people apply to PA school in any given year.
- Approximately 20% of all applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle.
- Applying to one PA program gives you about a 25% chance of acceptance while applying to 12 PA programs increases those chances to 49%. There is no statistical benefit to applying to more than 12 PA programs.
- Of the PA students accepted, more than two out of three (65.3%) (a.k.a. the majority) had applied to PA school previously.
- The average PA program's acceptance rate is 7%. However, some schools have much higher acceptance rates, while others have much lower acceptance rates. For example, the acceptance rate at Harvard Medical School is 4%, while the acceptance rate at the University of Central Florida is 65%.
So, what does an average PA school applicant who is admitted to PA school (i.e., student) look like?
Let's take a look:
In studies, the five most influential noncognitive factors known to have an effect on PA school admissions are faculty interactions, career motivation, knowledge of the PA profession, maturity, and professionalism. - Journal of Physician Assistant EducationClick To Tweet→ The average PA school student is 25 years old
- The average age of first-year students ranged between 25 and 28 for all categories
- The median age at application is 25 years old
- The median age of recently certified PAs is 27
- For the past six years, the median age of all certified PAs is 38
Age Range | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
22-23 | 21.6% |
24-25 | 24.5% |
26-27 | 22.2% |
28-29 | 17.1% |
30-31 | 10.8% |
32-33 | 3.6% |
34-35 | 1.1% |
36-37 | 0.6% |
38+ | 0.4% |
→ The average PA school student is female
The gender distribution of first-year students has started to stabilize after a 20-year trend of a gradually increasing proportion of women. In 1980, 36 percent of PAs were female. Today, 65.6% of matriculated PAs are female.
- Female: 65.6%
- Male: 32.9%
- Non-binary: 1.5%
Gender | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Female | 65.6% |
Male | 32.9% |
Non-binary | 1.5% |
As you can see, the majority of matriculating PA students are female. This is consistent with the overall trend in the healthcare field, where women make up a majority of the workforce.
There are a few reasons why there are more female matriculants than male matriculants in PA schools. First, women are more likely to be interested in healthcare careers. Second, women are more likely to apply to PA school than men. Third, women are more likely to be accepted to PA school than men.
However, it is important to note that the number of male matriculants in PA schools has been increasing in recent years. This is likely due to the fact that the PA profession is becoming increasingly popular, and more and more men are choosing to become PAs.
→ The Average PA school applicant has a bachelor’s degree
The majority of PA school applicants hold a baccalaureate degree.
- No academic degree: 8.1%
- Certificate: 0.2%
- Associates Degree: 2.6%
- Baccalaureate Degree: 70.5%
- Master’s Degree: 6.6%
- Doctoral Degree: 0.9%
→ The Average PA school applicant graduated with a degree in Natural Sciences
Most PA school applicants hold a degree in natural sciences (biology, chemistry, etc.), but this doesn't mean you have to!
Major | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Biology | 28.4% |
Health Sciences | 19.4% |
Psychology | 16.2% |
Chemistry | 12.2% |
Sociology | 7.7% |
English | 5.2% |
Other | 9.1% |
The most common major is biology, which makes up 28.4% of all matriculated PA students. This is likely because biology provides a strong foundation in the sciences, which is essential for PA school.
Other popular majors include health sciences, psychology, chemistry, and sociology. These majors also provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in PA school and in the PA profession.
It is important to note that there is no one "right" major for PA school. PA programs are looking for applicants with a strong foundation in the sciences, but they also value applicants with a variety of experiences and perspectives.
Here are some tips on how to choose the best undergraduate major for PA school.
→ Matriculating PA students had an average of 2,669 patient contact experience hours.
PA school applicants come to the table with a variety of medical experiences, especially if they are strong applicants.
It is important to note that the amount of clinical experience required for PA school varies from school to school. Some schools may have no minimum requirement, some may have a minimum requirement of 1,000 hours, while others may require 3,000 hours or more. It is important to research the specific schools that you are interested in to see what their requirements are.
To be a successful PA candidate, you should aim to have at least 2,000 (preferably 3,000+) hours of hands-on patient experience at the time of application. This is 20-30 times more than the number of hours needed for medical school!
Experience in one of the following areas is common:
- Nursing
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Allied Health
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Radiologic Technologist
- Athletic Trainer
- Emergency Services
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
- Emergency Room Technician
- Miscellaneous
- Phlebotomist (that was me!)
- Medical Researcher
- Medical Volunteer
Medical Experience Statistics for PA School Applicants
Of applicants admitted to PA school, 90.5% worked in healthcare before applying to PA school. The most common healthcare experience is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) 30.4% and medical assistant (MA) 26.5%. Among those accepted, 23.3% worked as a scribe, 19.3% had experience as an EMT/paramedic, and 8.9% had experience as an emergency room technician. In addition to paid healthcare experience, 55.2% of matriculating PA students participated in volunteer community service work, such as Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, service-learning activities, and mission work.
Health Care Employment Prior to PA School | Percent |
Nursing assistant | 30.2% |
Medical assistant | 26.5% |
Scribe | 23.3% |
EMT/Paramedic | 19.3% |
Emergency room technician | 8.9% |
Home health aid | 8.7% |
Phlebotomist | 7.3% |
Clinical research coordinator/assistant | 7.3% |
Physical therapist/Physical therapy assistant | 5.7% |
Pharmacy technician | 4.1% |
Athletic trainer | 3.8% |
Medical technician | 3.3% |
Medical reception/records | 2.9% |
Medic or medical corpsman | 1.7% |
Radiology technician | 1.6% |
Dental assistant/hygienist | 1.4% |
Source: 2020 PAEA student report |
Average Health Care Experience Hours of Matriculating Students
According to the latest PAEA program survey and report, for those applicants accepted to PA school, the average student had 2,669 patient contact experience hours. Accepted students had, on average, 1,490 hours of “other healthcare experience,” 378 hours of community service, 1,883 hours of other work experience, and 108 hours of healthcare shadowing.
Experience | Maximum | Mean | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patient Contact Experience | 25,000 | 3,240 | 2,669 | 3,850 | 5,834 |
Health Care Shadowing | 2,807 | 215 | 108 | 152 | 231 |
Community Service | 18,000 | 719 | 378 | 515 | 938 |
Other Health Care Experience | 9,000 | 1,791 | 1,490 | 2,098 | 2,903 |
Other Work Experience | 12,651 | 2,315 | 1,883 | 2,278 | 4,200 |
* 2023-2024 Update: Some recent data suggests HCE hours are significantly declining, with a new average of 1.88 years of healthcare experience among matriculating (accepted) students.
Admissions directors Q&A: What are some of the points that are extremely impressive to you in the application?
Commitment to community, overcoming adversity, a WELL written narrative, great letters of reference from someone that REALLY knows you, ability to juggle many responsibilities simultaneously, and activities that show a particular passion for something are what we look for in a PA school applicant - Penn State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ GRE scores of those accepted into PA school tend to be in the above-average range
The mean GRE scores for matriculated PA students are 152.2 for verbal reasoning, 152.0 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.9 for analytical writing. The 25th percentile scores are 140 for verbal reasoning, 139 for quantitative reasoning, and 3.0 for analytical writing. The 75th percentile scores are 164 for verbal reasoning, 165 for quantitative reasoning, and 4.5 for analytical writing.
GRE Section | Mean | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Reasoning | 152.2 | 140 | 164 |
Quantitative Reasoning | 152.0 | 139 | 165 |
Analytical Writing | 3.9 | 3.0 | 4.5 |
The average GRE score of matriculated PA school students has been trending up over the years.
Year | Average Total GRE Score |
---|---|
2021 | 303.6 |
2020 | 302.2 |
2019 | 301.4 |
2018 | 299.8 |
As you can see, the GRE is the most commonly required exam for PA school admissions. This is followed by the TOEFL, the MCAT, and the SAT.
Exam | Required by |
---|---|
GRE | 57.7% |
TOEFL (Internationl Students Only) | 71.3% |
MCAT or GRE | 14.0% |
SAT | 10.0% |
ACT | 7.0% |
CASPer | 5.0% |
Competitive GRE scores average around a composite score of 300, and scores above 310 are extremely competitive. This averages to about 150 on verbal reasoning, 150 on quantitative reasoning, and 3.5 on writing.
Please note that these scores are averages of past GRE examinations, and you should consider your score competitive if they are above the 50th percentile.
Percentiles are more important than actual GRE scores. Every GRE differs in difficulty, which is why none of them can be considered equivalent, thus, necessitating the need to use a standardized ranking method.
→ The average PA school student has between a 3.5 and 3.6 overall GPA and an undergraduate science GPA of 3.5
- According to the latest PAEA program report, the average undergraduate overall GPA for PA school applicants who were accepted into PA school was 3.6. Accepted students had, on average, a science GPA of 3.5, a non-science GPA of 3.6, and a CASPA BCP (biology, chemistry, and physics) GPA of 3.5
- The average overall GPA for students who were not accepted into PA school was 3.28. Non-matriculant science GPA was 3.17.
Interesting factoid: As the age of applicants increases, their GPA tends to be lower.
GPA type | Average |
---|---|
Overall GPA | 3.6 |
Science GPA | 3.5 |
Non-science GPA | 3.6 |
CASPA BCP GPA (biology, chemistry, and physics) | 3.5 |
GPA | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
3.75 or higher | 56.5% |
3.50-3.74 | 28.5% |
3.25-3.49 | 8.5% |
3.00-3.24 | 4.5% |
Below 3.00 | 2.0% |
→ Most PA school students are Caucasian
As you can see, the majority of matriculated PA students are white. This is consistent with the overall trend in the United States, where white people make up the majority of the population.
However, it is important to note that the racial makeup of PA students is becoming more diverse. The percentage of Asian matriculants has increased in recent years, and the percentage of Hispanic/Latino matriculants is also increasing.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the racial makeup of PA students. If you are a member of a minority group, you may want to consider applying to programs that have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Race | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
White | 67.2% |
Asian | 14.3% |
Hispanic/Latino | 10.3% |
Black or African American | 5.4% |
Native American | 0.8% |
Multiracial | 2.0% |
→ What are your chances of being accepted into PA school?
- If you apply to one PA program - you have a 25% chance of getting in
- If you apply to 12 programs (or more) - you have a 49% chance of getting in
- The average number of PA programs applied to is 8
Interesting factoid: There is little statistical benefit of applying to more than 12 programs!
→ Pucker up, baby. Most PA students are single!
Most students are single (72.2%), though about a quarter are married (24.5%). A little under two percent were divorced, and 1.6% were in a domestic partnership/civil union.
Most students (92.1%) have no legal dependents. For the nearly 7.9% of students that reported having legal dependents other than themselves, the average number of dependents was two, with a range of 1 to 9 dependents.
Legal dependents | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
With | 7.9% |
Without | 92.1% |
Over 30% of respondents said they were considered dependent of their parents.
Marital Status | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Single | 72.2% |
Married | 24.5% |
Divorced | 1.6% |
Domestic Partnership/Civil Union | 1.6% |
Separated but still legally married | 0.2% |
Widowed | 0% |
→ Most PA students are from "The Burbs"
Half of the students reported spending most of their time in a suburban setting. One-quarter of respondents reported spending most of their time in a rural environment, followed by 15% in an inner-city setting.
→ Most PA students don't come from extreme riches
According to the PAEA Student Report, the median family gross income of matriculated PA students was $110,000. This means that half of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $110,000, and half had a family gross income above $110,000.
The family gross income of matriculated PA students varies widely. The 25th percentile family gross income was $85,000, and the 75th percentile family gross income was $135,000. This means that 25% of the matriculated students had a family gross income below $85,000, and 75% had a family gross income above $85,000.
Family Gross Income | Percentage of Matriculants |
---|---|
Below $85,000 | 25% |
$85,000-$110,000 | 37.5% |
$110,000-$135,000 | 25% |
Above $135,000 | 12.5% |
Admissions directors Q&A: Who is the perfect PA school applicant?
Our program will look to utilize a holistic approach to admissions. We look at academic success, life experiences, and community activities to evaluate all candidates. There is no one mold to fit the PA profession. However, PAs need strong communication skills, leadership, grit, and a willingness to support the community - Michigan State University PA ProgramClick To Tweet Students need to be well organized, know how to manage their time and outside influences, and have a genuine desire to help and care for people. PA school is rigorous, so we recommend honest conversations with family and friends ahead of your start. - CWRU PA ProgramClick To Tweet→ PA school students don't smoke pot and are not drug dealers or part of the Italian Mafia
According to the PAEA Student Report, 99% of PA programs require a background check and 92% of PA programs mandate drug testing. This means that the vast majority of PA programs require applicants to undergo a background check and drug test before they can be admitted to the program.
The background check typically includes a review of the applicant's criminal history, driving record, and employment history. The drug test typically screens for illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin.
The purpose of the background check and drug test is to ensure that the applicant is of good moral character and that they are not using illegal drugs. PA programs have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their students, faculty, and patients.
If you are considering applying to PA school, it is important to be aware of the background check and drug testing requirements. You should also be prepared to provide documentation of your criminal history and drug use.
Here is a table that summarizes the background check and drug testing requirements of PA programs:
Requirement | Percentage of Programs that Require |
---|---|
Background Check | 99% |
Drug Testing | 92% |
Some Important Points
It's Not Rocket Science: It is important that a candidate demonstrates reasonable aptitude in the hard sciences such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology. It is more likely that the committee may overlook a grade of C in U.S History or Spanish I. They will be less tolerant of a marginal grade in the sciences.
Show compassion: Your GPA is stellar, and you've amassed an impressive amount of medical work experience in the little spare time you have while keeping your grades pristine, but you still get that dreaded rejection letter. Why?
You didn't do enough volunteer work. Volunteering exemplifies your desire to help your fellow man—the attribute identified by schools as one of the most integral to becoming a successful PA.
Students who have had experience in working with underserved populations, rural or diverse populations, performing volunteer service or disaster relief, or other experiences that illustrate a drive and compassion for others often stand out to the admissions committee!
The view from the top isn't that crowded
It's an easy race to the bottom, so set your sights on the top.
Many people will be set back when they read that only 25% of applicants will be accepted into PA school in any given year, but this should be good news. Being in the top 25% in any field is not nearly as hard as it sounds, simply because the majority of the competition is in the bottom 75% and has bottom 75% qualifications.
For example, you have read this entire post, so you now know what the average PA school applicant who has had some success looks like. You understand what a top 75 percent candidate looks like. Your goal now is to be better than the average 75% and exceed the top 25%.
If you aim high, you will be competing with a much smaller minority, and your odds of getting an acceptance letter will increase dramatically. It also helps if you apply to 12 programs. 😉
*Tables and data were sourced from the latest PAEA Semi-Annual Report.
Emily Ann says
Hey Stephen,
I’m 26 years old. I was a liberal studies major but really pre-med so I have all the pre-reqs and then some for PA. I was considered a “competitive candidate” for medical school according to my university’s pre-health advising office. I took the MCAT and scored at 27, decent enough score and have taken practice GREs and I’m averaging about 160 on both sections. I decided not to pursue medical school due to the lengthiness of it. I am recently married and we are expecting our first this coming February. PA seems like a perfect fit- still get to fulfill my desire to help people but skipping out on the at least 5 extra years. My only real concern when it comes to applying PA programs, is the clinical experience. I have done 60 hours of direct patient contact in the neurology department at a local children’s hospital. My experience is limited due to the fact that I was the primary caretaker for my grandmother who suffers from advanced Alzheimer’s for the past 2 years. My question for you is if I began to shadow now will that be good enough to meet the clinical experience requirement or is some sort of medical certification really what PA programs are looking for even though they don’t directly say it? Thank you so much for help!
Angela says
Happy Holidays
I need some advice on picking what B.S in health science would be common for getting into a P.A. program…… plus I found UF has a 2-yr P.A program and I want this sooooo bad….
Thank you
Angela
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Angela, Happy Holidays to you as well!
Your major isn’t so important, I work with a PA who was a drama major and another who studied art history. Both had to make a little extra effort to complete their prerequisite coursework but I am sure the programs they attended appreciated their varied academic interests.
In truth, your major doesn’t matter so much, in my experience it is easier (and faster) to major in the sciences as much of the prerequisite coursework is already part of your major, which is the main reason for going this route. I chose Zoology, not because I wanted to work in the San Diego Zoo, but because I was able to study biology, genetics, biomechanics and physiology (all my passions) which were not part of a general biology or pre-med track. I got this idea from my college advisor. Advisors can look at your interests, where you are coming from, where you are going and make solid recommendations for you while laying the groundwork to build a schedule to achieve your goals based on what your school offers. The University of Washington (where I attended) didn’t offer a “health sciences” major at the time, only degrees in hard science which you could tailor a bit to fit your individual needs. Your school may have other options available. If you haven’t already I would write down your goals and mandatory prerequisite coursework and make an appointment with your college advisor so you can have a clear picture of where you are going and feel confident about your decision. Of course anything you decide today does not have to be set in stone!
Have a wonderful Christmas, drop me a line if you have any more questions!
– Stephen
p2233 says
Hi, Thank you for all the info! I have a lot of patient experience volunteering with hospice (approx 900 hours), around 150 hours of shadowing, and recently got a job working as a Care assistant at a home for adults with disabilities. I also have done a volunteer mission trip to Louisiana, and do research with a professor outside of classes. I am a creative writing major. Right now my GPA is around a 3.4 ish, not sure what my science vs nonscience GPA is, though, but i have gotten all A’s in my bio classes and all A’s and B’s in my chem and physics classes. I am a junior, and planning on applying this summer. I will still have to take A&P I and II after I apply. What do you think my chances are?
Diana Kuehn says
Hi Stephen,
My situation is a unique one. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a M.D. I got married young, had four sons and am now 50, kids are grown and am now very interested in becoming a PA. I did attend college in my early 20’s and again in my 30’s but didn’t finish. I have over 25 years experience in the medical field in a few different capacities; 5 years as a secretary in cardiology department, 20 years as a medical transcriptionist/medical record editor and 11 years as a certified massage therapist. So, here I am today; 50 y/o, no bachelor’s degree – yet – (I did always have excellent grades in science colleges courses, A&P, chemistry, biology, etc., but realize I would be required to retake all science courses as most of my college credits are over 20 years old), I’m very excited and motivated though to do whatever it takes, but am wondering what your opinion is for my set of circumstances? Thanks so much!
naz says
Hi, I’m a 31 year old who just lost her job and is looking to going back to school to be a PA, I’ve also considered being a DPT…I have an economics degree (2012) but am looking more towards the medical field since there is more job stability and would be more rewarding than the field I am currently in.
I need 6-7 more pre reqs before I even apply…my GPA is acceptable as of now and the science classes I took in the past have been A’s or B’s. I have a year of medical experience (from when I was wanting to get into the medical field originally) from 10 years ago, so that is one concern of mine along with having no volunteer or shadowing experience. And I still need to take the GRE…Can you advise what plan of action I should put together so that I can be accepted into one of the PA programs in TX.
Thanks in advance!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Naz, good for you for making a bold career move and pursuing a new career path you are passionate about. Believing in yourself and giving yourself the permission to move foreword is the first obstacle, the rest is the easy part. ?
Sounds like you know what you need to do, now you must simply develop a concrete plan. It may be good to speak with an academic advisor. Make a spreadsheet comparing the schools you are interested in applying to that combine your academic interests with the prerequisite coursework which fits your profile. Bring this to an advisor and (if you haven’t already) and make a course plan, this will give you a timeline for completion of required prerequisite courses.
In the meantime find a way to start logging health care experience hours. You may have to take a certificate course on the side to do this. I have heard there are options to “test out” for certain careers such as CNA which may give you an opportunity to fast track this process some. Shadowing is all about being persistent, take an online course and get HIPAA certified, this can help.
Not all schools require the GRE so make sure you do, indeed need to take it.
Drop me a line anytime if you have questions along the way!
Stephen
Sammy says
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for all amazing information and advice!
I’ve calculated my GPA and after this semester, my total GPA will be around a 3.33.
I’m worried of my chances of getting into a PA school because I don’t have the best science grades in the world.
Genreal bio- B
Anatomy- C
Physiology- B
Microbiology- B
Gen chem 1 lab: B
Gen Chem 1 lec: B
currently I’m taking gen chem 2 and I feel like I will be getting a C in lecture but an A in lab. I still have Organic chemistry left as well as medical terminology and Genetics. I till have a A LOT of classes to take before I earn my bachelors though. I’m not feeling so stellar with my science grades. Do you recommend that I repeat my anatomy class?
by the time I apply, I will have at least 1,000 clinical hours as a hospice volunteer and anywhere around 300-400 hours of helping the underprivileged + 20 hours of shadowing a PA.
what do you think of my chances? can I do anything to improve?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Sammy,
What’s your major/minor.
Have you spoken with an academic advisor at your school and discussed your concerns?
– Stephen
sammy says
HI Stephen!
sorry, for some reason I never got notified that you replied back to me! 🙁
my major is health science (public health)!
and no, I have not spoken to an academic advisor about my concerns.
Heather says
Hi Stephen,
All of your information is so helpful!! I am in my senior year at a top UC school and I am wanting to go to PA school after I graduate. I currently have a 3.3 GPA with a science GPA of a 3.2. I have a stellar resume with a balance of internships and volunteer work and I am already starting to gain my hours as a medical assistant. I am just a little worried that my GPA will bring me down. I am going retake some classes at community college and take of some of the pre-requisites that were not offered at my school. Is there any advice you can give me on how increase my chances of getting in?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Keep up the great work Heather, I have little doubt that you are on your way to PA school in the not so distant future! Hang in there, stay positive and keep doing exactly what your doing.
– Stephen
Ray says
Excellent article, very insightful, I am an older potential student (36), looking to transition into a more helpful, satisfying career coming from a non-medical, non science background. My undergrad GPA is terrible (appx 2.5-2.7) due to a series of personal issues while in college. However, I have since received a MBA with a 3.95 GPA, if I am able to obtain a similar or higher GPA in all my pre-req and Science courses in preparation for applying to a PA program, what is your opinion on my chances from a strictly academic standpoint? Thanks!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Wonderful!!! I attended PA school with at least 5 classmates in a similar situation as yours and they were all top of the class. Many of our personal statement candidates who receive admissions would say the same. Hang in there and keep up the great work. I am pretty sure it will pay off if you are willing to put in the work to prove to the admissions committee your passion is indeed medicine.
Stephen
Stephen
Kelly says
Hi! I found your article very informative. I currently enrolled in school for a medical coding and billing certificate with continuing on to acquire my bachelors degree in health information technology for health information management. I have always wanted to enroll in a physicians assistant program and seriously considering it even more now. My question would be with this certification and my bachelors degree courses are they considered to be suitable prerequisites to enter a physicians assistant program. In the past (about 17 years+) I have been in school for medical assisting with phlebotomy certification and also a surgical technologist certification . I am currently taking anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology course with future courses in fundamentals of pathophysiology, pharmacology and medical treatment, Health information process with lab, introduction of classification and disease coding 1&2 with labs, current procedural term coding with lab and health insurance and reimbursement. Do you think that this will be enough for me to apply to a physicians assistant program once acquiring my bachelors degree in health information technology or health information management? If not and in you’re opinion what road should I take to get me in a position to actually apply for a physicians assistant program?
Thanks so much for help!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Kelly, sounds like you have some really great experience under your belt, way to go!
The best thing to do is to create a spreadsheet listing the prerequisite requirements of at least 7-10 schools you are considering applying to. You can rank them if you would like.
Once compiled you will easily spot the common denominators as well as any outliers.
From here take this list of what you need and make an appointment with your academic advisor. Create a solid concrete plan that will cover your required prerequisites in the most streamlined way possible. If there are any uncertainties call the schools in question personally and clear them up.
-Stephen
Kelly says
Hi! I found your article very informative. I currently enrolled in school for a medical coding and billing certificate with continuing on to acquire my bachelors degree in health information technology for health information management. I have always wanted to enroll in a physicians assistant program and seriously considering it even more now. My question would be with this certification and my bachelors degree courses are they considered to be suitable prerequisites to enter a physicians assistant program. In the past (about 17 years+) I have been in school for medical assisting with phlebotomy certification and also a surgical technologist certification . I am currently taking anatomy and physiology as well as medical terminology course with future courses in fundamentals of pathophysiology, pharmacology and medical treatment, Health information process with lab, introduction of classification and disease coding 1&2 with labs, current procedural term coding with lab and health insurance and reimbursement. Do you think that this will be enough for me to apply to a physicians assistant program once acquiring my bachelors degree in health information technology or health information management? If not and in you’re opinion what road should I take to get me in a position to actually apply for a physicians assistant program?
Matt says
Hi, thanks for the helpful information on this site. I too am interested in the PA program and have been debating applying. I’m 35 and have a BA in English and associates in Nursing. I have been working full-time as an RN in the Emergency Dept for the last 7 yrs alongside many PA’s and would really like to make the transition. My undergraduate GPA is on the lower end around 3.0 as I did not take my first degree very seriously 15 yrs ago. Science gpa is 3.2. I still need to take some of the pre-req science classes before applying mainly the chem classes which may help my science GPA a bit. I do have a lot of clinical experience and great references from Physicians and PA’s. Just wondering if you had any thoughts on my chances or suggestions to strengthen my profile. Thanks!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Matt,
Your medical experience and strong reference make you an ideal candidate. Be prepared to answer the NP vs. PA question! If you don’t speak Spanish consider adding this to your repertoire while you’re taking your Chemistry courses.
-Stephen
jennifer says
hi, im a freshman at texas a&m university. my major is biomedical sciences. I have always wanted to go to med school but I don’t think med school is for me. My university has the allied health major, do you think I should change to allied health, or should I stay in the biomedical science major? also one of the reasons I don’t want to go to med school is because I would like to have a family and hopefully have a flexible schedule as a PA
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jennifer,
I suggest you make a spreadsheet of your top 7-12 PA schools and cross reference the prerequisites with those of your colleges allied health major. Make an appointment with an academic advisor and discuss your options. Find what gets you the most bang for your buck in the shortest amount of time and let’s you take the level of courses you like and classes you are interested in! Not all Allied health majors are created equal.
-Stephen
docgeo12 says
I had a question. If i were an international medical graduate and wanted to get into PA school, what are my chances as well as do PA school consider being a foreign medical graduate as training.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
It’s a bit harder as a foreign medical graduate. You have to prove without a reasonable doubt that you do indeed want to be a PA. Lots of foreign trained MDs come to the US and see PA as a faster and more direct route. Since you are competing with 1000s of US candidates who want nothing more than to be a PA, I won’t lie, you have your work cut out for you! But it is doable!
-Stephen
Robert says
Steve,
Thanks for all the info in getting in to PA school. I am a 45yo male with 25 yrs. as a certified surgical assistant. I have decided to return to college to pursue my PA degree. I will be graduating with a BS in General Studies because it was the fastest way to finish my degree. I have all the biology and chemistry prerequisites and a GPA of 3.2. I have been working 40+ hours per week while taking 2-3 classes per semester. Do you believe I have a good chance of getting accepted with these stats and without volunteer hours?
Robert
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Robert,
Great work, and I commend you on completing your prerequisite coursework in conjunction with a full-time job while maintaining a strong GPA. Yes, I think you will be an excellent candidate. 25 years of paid health care experience as a surgical assist is excellent preparation for PA school. You will also have the references and shadowing hours you need. Wrap this all up in a well-written personal statement and you shouldn’t have a problem getting an interview. Make sure though you cast a wide net and apply to at least 5-10 PA schools if you can (12 is the magic number). This will increase your chances significantly and you don’t want to have all your eggs in just a couple baskets.
– Stephen
Robert says
Steve,
Thank you for your response. It is good to hear that I may be an excellent candidate for a program. I plan on applying to @ 10 schools that have peaked my interest. In your response you stated that I will have all the shadowing I would need. Are you saying that given my healthcare experience I wouldn’t have to shadow or just that I would need to add that to my resume. Also what are your thoughts on volunteer work in my situation. Recommend it or is it not needed.
Thanks
Robert
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Robert, if you have been able to work alongside PAs this is wonderful and you should mention this in your application. I would use your hospital connections to schedule a couple (or even just one) of one-on-one shadowing opportunities as well, or even just 30 minutes during a lunch break to talk with one of the PAs.
As far as volunteering – if you have the time it certainly doesn’t hurt although I don’t know your situation. For some it is the choice between binge watching episodes of Silicon Valley on HBO Now versus providing meals on Wheels for a couple hours on the weekend. For others it may mean sacrificing limited time with their children. So you have to decide if you have the time and if it makes sense for you.
– Stephen
Chris says
Thank you, Stephen for these great posts. Im a 31 year old male currently in my second year of medical school. I was previously an ER tech for 2 years and Scribing in the same hospital for a year before I began med school. My GPA was 3.8 in Biology and I have around 5000 hours of hands on volunteer work. I would like to transition to PA school for important reasons. I would like to work with patients more closely and be able to be part of the team in the ER rather than running the ER as a doctor managing. At my age family has become a priority and I would like to be able to be there for them and give them my full attention, while still working in a field I adore and helping people who are in need. My friends who are PA’s love their job and love their quality of life. The doctors here at school and the doctors I have worked with tend to be locked into a certain lifestyle they say they “can’t escape” which some love, but many feel deeply depressed about (high suicide rate). They are constantly stressed to the max and end up spending a great deal of time away from there family. I would like to ask you if you feel there would be a chance in transition. I will be taking on another 76K of debt next term and another 150K after that with 6-7 more years of school. I have now shadowed more PA’s than doctors when I go home on breaks because they are so much more patient driven and pleasant to be around. They have time to listen to patients more rather than running from room to room trying to “clear” the floor. Having a career I can begin in 2-3 yrs, and being with family has taken precedence and I would value your input as I will be making a decision at the end of this semester. Im scared that I will not get into PA school from med school and worried about how admissions committees would view my decisions. It reminds me of the movie First Knight. I do not want to be the King of Camelot, I want to be a knight helping the team and enjoying a quality of life. QUALITY of life, it feels good to say. Is this a possible direction?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Chris,
Yes, I know many MD students who have successfully transitioned to PA school for the exact same reasons. The advantage you have is that you can point to a successful 2 years in medical school and then honestly explain your reasons for your change. Your honesty and intentions are completely transparent, if you write your personal statement with the same passion and integrity as you have written this comment here I think PA programs would love to “snatch you up”. Do you have a PA program at your current medical school? If so this can be a great place to start!
– Stephen
Emily says
Hi,
Thanks for your article it was really helpful. I’ve been feeling very discouraged lately about getting into PA school; although I cannot imagine myself in any other field or doing anything else. It simply seems very competitive and that even if I do everything right such as get CNA certified, have volunteer and shadow hours, good GPA and prerequisites, there will always be someone more outstanding than me who will get in.
Do you have any advice for an overwhelmed undergrad?
Also, is it a good idea to have research hours even if they are not super relevant to the medical field?
Thanks again!
AR says
Hello! thanks for the great info. I had a question, would getting a job as a urinalysis technician count as patient care experience?
Thanks again
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Probably not, what schools are looking for is hands on patient care experience outside the lab. Sometimes you can perform lab tech work and combine this with hands on patient care experience through sample collection (i.e phlebotomy), although this is becoming less common.
– Stephen
Steve says
Athletic Trainer shouldn’t be listed as misc. They are allied health and recognized as such by the AMA for the past 25 years
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Thanks Steve,
I went ahead and updated in the table!
– Stephen
Jim says
Hey, quick question: I’m a former Special Operations Navy Corpsman (Fleet Marines), with 6 years in-country. I also have almost 2 years Emergency Medicine under my belt, and Im currently working on my Bachelors in Biology. I heard about MEDEX, up in Washington, and how they cater to guys like me. Any thoughts?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jim,
MEDEX is one of the originals. I used to work in the same building when I was an undergrad at the University of Washington and they have an exceptional program. From my experience they only look at serious candidates with a lot of medical experience prior to application. Jim, you sound like you might be their kind of guy. I would call them, and throw an application their way. You would stand a good chance of at least getting an interview!
– Stephen
John says
Nice article! I am a male and will apply to PA school this spring. I have heard some schools want more males in their programs and that males have one up on females applying. What are your thoughts on this?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
I don’t think it matters to be honest, I think PA schools are looking for the best candidates who are a good fit for their program and make good future PAs. In fields like nursing it does seem to make a bit of a difference because the applicant pool is much less diverse from a gender standpoint that being a male may have some advantages, but even here it is limited. Personally, I think we men are awesome, so who wouldn’t want to take us 🙂 To women who may be reading this, please note I think women are awesome too!!! 🙂
– Stephen