How to Become a Physician Assistant

A physician assistant studies student listens to a patient's lungs using a stethoscope.

Physician Assistants provide personal, compassionate support to all who seek it, helping communities thrive through accessible healthcare. See what it takes to earn a PA degree and begin your career in this rapidly-growing field.

Considering a healthcare career? Physician Assistants can make up to $134,000 a year on average and do not have to attend medical school! Browse prerequisite coursework and get your application ready.  

Combining varied settings, innovative specializations, and one of the highest job growth forecasts of any healthcare profession, a career as a Physician Assistant is perfect for those wanting to help those in need receive compassionate and accessible medical care. 

Becoming a Physician Assistant enables you to create treatment plans, interact directly with patients, and explore concentrations in everything from pediatrics to surgery. 

All without requiring medical school or a lengthy clinical residency.

Completing PA school and securing a place in one of the best healthcare careers available has become more attainable than ever with flexible programs and attention to job-training. 

So, how can you become a PA? Let’s look at the roadmap. 

WHY I CHOSE PACIFIC FOR PA SCHOOL

1. Complete PA School Prerequisites Courses

Physician Assistants are trained generalists, which means that their education covers a wide range of health topics, systems, and procedures. 

To support that learning, most PA schools require students to complete prerequisites in math and science before applying.

These prerequisites often leave students asking: what bachelor’s degree do I need to become a Physician Assistant?

Simply put, it doesn't matter what degree you are pursuing when you apply to PA school. 

However, there are some majors and degree paths which are especially good at preparing students for the application process, including:

  • Pre-Physician Assistant Studies. This specially-designed track allows aspiring PAs to transition smoothly into graduate school by fulfilling prerequisites naturally alongside an accompanying bachelor’s degree.

  • Biology. Incorporating coursework in math, science, and physiology, biology majors are well-suited for the rigorous coursework at the PA school level.

  • Public Health. Combining elements of sociology, psychology, and healthcare, public health majors have unique insight into the specific challenges facing Physician Assistants.

  • Psychology. Trained to facilitate healthcare at both the mental and physical level, psychology majors can provide well-rounded care.

Applying to PA School Without a Bachelor’s Degree

Unlike some other professional healthcare programs, a completed bachelor’s degree is not required to gain acceptance to Pacific’s School of Physician Assistant Studies.

Instead, you can choose Pacific’s bachelor’s degree completion option, which allows you to begin PA school as soon as possible without having to wait for openings in general education classes that can fill up quickly.

Prerequisite coursework in math and science is still required. 

2. Fulfill PA School Requirements

Academic prerequisites are only one aspect of PA school requirements. 

Equally important application elements include healthcare experience, professional evaluations, and a written essay.

Previous Healthcare Experience

Pacific requires a minimum of 1,000 hours spent in patient care settings prior to applying. 

Letters of Recommendation

Generally, two professional evaluations are required, one of which must come from a PA who you have shadowed or worked alongside.

Application Essay

The standard PA school application includes an essay section where you can demonstrate your interest and understanding of the field.

Pacific University does not require GRE or MCAT scores.

3. Research Physician Assistant Programs and Apply Using CASPA

Two female physician assistant studies students observe a training dummy.

There are many specializations and outcomes within PA school, so it’s important to find and research the programs that closely match what you want to do with your degree.

Finding PA programs where the interests of the faculty match your own can jumpstart your career and help hone your passion.

Similarly, exploring schools that have concentrations and special tracks that align with your career ambitions can greatly influence your ability to find a job once certified.

You should also prioritize PA schools that offer advanced degrees within the PA field, like the DMSc, a doctoral degree designed specifically for Physician Assistants.  

Recent graduates from Pacific’s PA program can go on to earn their DMSc in just one additional semester.

Applying to PA School with CASPA

Like many professional healthcare programs, PA school requires applicants to utilize an application service, in this case the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).

The CASPA allows you to apply to multiple programs at the same time, meaning that you won’t have to send out transcripts, letters of recommendation, or personal essays more than once.

Pacific is everything I wished it would be and more. The pass-fail system really supports a cooperative learning environment as opposed to a competitive one. The faculty and staff are incredibly supportive and receptive to feedback. I also really enjoy that Pacific is on the cutting edge of medical education and practice.

– Mariah Hill ‘23

4. Make the Most of Your PA Program

Congratulations, you’re in! PA programs are one of the most competitive professional healthcare schools, so making the most of your time there is paramount.

Some ways you can maximize your PA school experience include:

  • Volunteering. Whether in local clinics or at events in your metro area, participating in local communities can not only provide fruitful learning opportunities, but also allow you to network with healthcare professionals in your area.

  • Pursuing PA internships and clinical rotations. Practicum experiences are included in the PA degree path, but finding other ways to grow skills and gain real-world experience you can put on your resume is crucial.

  • Exploring specializations. Pacific’s central healthcare campus means that students from many different fields are often sharing experiences and knowledge.

    Pacific’s Concentration in Interprofessional Education makes use of that community, creating healthcare workers primed to tackle specific problems through interprofessional training.

5. Get Physician Assistant Certification and Start Your Career

After graduating, the next step in becoming a licensed Physician Assistant is to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). 

Pacific students (who graduate at a rate of 98%) consistently pass this exam at a rate above or meeting the national average, due in no small part to the careful attention and preparation they receive while in school. 

Between both first-time test takers and those attempting the exam a subsequent time, 100% of Pacific PAs routinely pass the PANCE, primed to land a career doing something they truly love. 

The program allowed me to travel to different regions of the country during my clinical year —  places I wouldn't have traveled to had I not been given the opportunity. Every region practices medicine differently and I am grateful to have gained a variety of perspectives on patient care.

– Crystal Carroll ‘22

Ready to start your healthcare journey? Inquire today and speak with an expert admissions counselor who can answer all of your questions about what it means to become a Physician Assistant at Pacific.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FAQS