Pre-PA

PAs are medical providers who are licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease, and to prescribe medication for patients, working in a variety of settings. Forbes and U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks PA as one of the top healthcare careers, with a median annual salary of $98,000 and projected growth rate of 30% through 2024 (http://www.bls.gov/).”  NAAHP Fact Sheet

• Quick Links
  • American Academy of Physician Assistants
  • CSULA Pre Physician Assistant Association
  • PAEA Program Directory
  • Calculating Your CASPA GPAs

• Pre-requisite courses
  • Successful completion of all General Education Requirements
  • Required
    • BIOL 1100 - Principles of Biology I
    • BIOL 1200 - Principles of Biology II
    • BIOL 2010 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BIOL 2020 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II
    • MICR 3100/BIOL 3100 - General Microbiology
    • CHEM 1100 - General Chemistry I
    • CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry II
    • BIOL 3400 - Cell Biology and Genetics
  • Recommended *varies significantly by school
    • MATH 2740 - Introduction to Statistics or BIOL 3000 - Biostatistics
    • PSY 1500 - Introductory Psychology
    • CHEM 2200 - Organic Chemistry I
    • CHEM 2201 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
    • CHEM 4310 - Biochemistry I
    • Medical Terminology - not offered at Cal State L.A.

• Entrance Exam: Some programs require GRE
• GPA Mean for admitted students: 3.5

Clinical Experience is required most PA programs. Clinical experience is can be completed through working as an EMT, Phlebotomist, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), Respiratory Therapist, Medical Scribe and COPE Health Scholar. Having at least 1,000 hours of experience in any of these professions is strongly recommended, and most applicants have significantly more. This is not a comprehensive list, please refer to your preferred program's website.