Physician assistants are medical providers who diagnose illnesses, manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often act as a patient’s primary healthcare professional under physician supervision. PAs collaborate closely with licensed physicians across various medical settings and specialties to contribute to improving healthcare access and quality.
Application Service
To apply to most physician assistant schools in the U.S., you must use CASPA. This allows applicants to apply to multiple programs by submitting a single online application.
Graduate Records Exam (GRE)
The Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is required by some physician assistant programs. It evaluates a candidate’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GRE may be a factor considered for admission decisions.
Required Courses:
One year of General Biology: BMS 130L & BMS 131L (with Lab)
One year of Anatomy & Physiology: BMS 310L & BMS 311L (with Lab)
One year of General Chemistry: BMS 140L & BMS 141L (with Lab)
One year of English Composition: ENG 111 & ENG 112
One semester of Statistics: MTH 150
One semester of Microbiology: BMS 320L (with Lab)
One semester of College Algebra or higher: MTH 126 or MTH 130
One semester of Psychology: PSY 141
One semester of Sociology: SOC 141
One semester of Medical Terminology: BMS 113
Recommended Courses:
Biochemistry: BMS 303L
Organic Chemistry with Lab: BMS 210L
Spanish: COM 131
Requirements often vary from one school to the next. Students should verify course selection with individual programs.
About the Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Program
In this program, students will learn and acquire clinical skills in a variety of healthcare settings and will obtain experience in disease management, disease prevention, and health promotion. A strong emphasis on compassionate care and social justice in the curriculum will prepare students to address complex needs of patients.
The CDU PA program established in 1971 and holds the distinction of being the first PA program in the state of California. Threaded throughout the 2-year curriculum are social medicine modules that stimulate awareness, critical thinking, and action related to the social determinants of health.
