Explore Physician Assistant
Post-baccalaureate degree: Masters
![physician assistant discussing test results with colleague](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_450w/public/images/2024-08/hpao-physician-assistant.jpg?itok=06Qu_FKU)
Physician assistants (PAs) are health care professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs provide physical exams, order and administer tests, make diagnoses, and treat illnesses. PAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and surgical centers. They are qualified to practice in over 60 specialty areas.
See also: Academic and Career Information for Physician Assistant (PDF)
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Minimum Prerequisites for Admission
The following are general prerequisites. Please consult the PAEA Program Directory for specific program requirements.
- bachelor's degree
- each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details
- general course prerequisites:
- English, one year
- general biology with lab, one year
- general chemistry with lab, one year
- anatomy and physiology
- psychology and/or sociology
- microbiology with lab
- statistics
- biochemistry with lab
- medical terminology
- clinical health care experience (direct patient contact experience), about 1000 hours
Test Needed
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) - Online GRE Registration. Required by most schools.
Application Service
California Physician Assistant Schools
- California Baptist University
- California State University, Monterey Bay
- Chapman University
- Charles R. Drew University
- Dominican University of California
- Loma Linda University
- Marshall B. Ketchum University
- Samuel Merritt College
- Southern California University of Health Sciences
- Stanford University
- Touro University - California
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, San Diego
- University of La Verne
- University of the Pacific
- University of Southern California
- Western University of the Health Sciences
Explore ALL Physician Assistant Programs
The PAEA Program Directory is a valuable resource for prospective applicants and current PAEA members, used to find information about all PA programs in one place.