Physician Assistant (PA)

Sample 4 Year Plan

    Explore & Build Foundations


    Academics

    • Meet with a pre-health advisor

    • Begin science prerequisites:

      • General Biology I & II + Lab

      • General Chemistry I & II + Lab

      • Psychology or Sociology

    • Take English Composition or Writing


    Experience

    • Begin exploring the profession:

      • Shadow PAs in different specialties

      • Start volunteering (e.g., hospitals, clinics, food banks)


    Involvement

    • Join a Pre-PA or Pre-Health Club

    • Start a resume and log hours (clinical, shadowing, volunteer)

    Start Clinical Work and Deeper Academics


    Academics

    • Continue prerequisites:

      • Anatomy & Physiology I & II

      • Microbiology

      • Statistics or College Math

    • Maintain a strong GPA (3.4+ is competitive, 3.6+ is ideal)


    Experience

    • Start paid clinical experience (many schools require 500–2,000+ hours):

      • EMT, CNA, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, ER Tech, Scribe

    • Continue shadowing and volunteering


    Involvement

    • Take on a leadership role in a club or campus activity

    • Build relationships with professors for letters of recommendation

    Prepare for Applications


    Academics

    • Take remaining or upper-level science courses (Biochemistry, Genetics, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, if required by target schools)

    • Meet with advisor to evaluate GPA and prerequisites


    PA School Research

    • Use PAEA Directory to find programs and their requirements. By knowing the program well, you enhance your chances of acceptance because you have solid reasons to justify why you are a good candidate for that program and what are the reasons that you are interested in that particular program.

    • Make a list of 10–15 programs aligned with your GPA, experience, location, mission.


    Experience

    • Continue clinical hours (aim for 1,000+ total)

    • Shadow 2–3 PAs in different specialties

    • Request letters of recommendation from:

      • PA or healthcare provider

      • Science professor

      • Supervisor (clinical or volunteer)


    Prepare CASPA Application

    • Draft your personal statement (why PA?)

    • Prepare a resume and document experiences

    • If needed, register for the PA-CAT or GRE (check if required by programs)

    Apply & Finalize


    Summer Before Senior Year

    • Apply via CASPA (May–August is ideal for early admission)

    • Submit transcripts and letters

    • Begin prepping for interviews (MMI or traditional)


    Senior Year

    • Continue clinical work or volunteer hours

    • Attend PA school interviews

    • Complete degree requirements (most schools require a bachelor’s degree before matriculation)

    • Consider a gap year if you need more experience or a stronger application