Prerequisites
List two common prerequisites required for PA school
Biology, chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, statistics
Name one role of PAs
Conduct physical exams, prescribe medications, work as a member of a health-care team, perform minor procedures, assist in major procedures, order and interpret lab results, and many more
What is CASPA?
Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants. The platform used to apply to most PA schools
Name one component of a PA school application
Personal statement, LORs, PCE/HCE, volunteer hours, transcripts
PAs are assistants to physicians and only assist with small tasks
Myth
What is an example of an upper-level biology course?
Cell biology, histology, parasitology, genetics, immunology
Name 3 specialties PAs can work in
Cardiology, dermatology, surgery, primary medicine, internal medicine, women's health, family medicine, ortho, pediatrics, ENT, aesthetics
2-3 years
What is the prompt of the personal statement?
Why do you want to be a PA?
PAs can work only in the state they attended PA school at
Myth
Are labs required for every prerequisite?
Trick question: depends on the school! Some schools require labs for certain prerequisites
Name one difference between a PA and MD
Schooling structure and length, ability to switch specialties, autonomy
What is the PANCE?
Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. The exam graduate PA students need to pass to become certified PAs.
What is the difference between PCE and HCE?
PCE is patient-care experience and requires hands-on interaction with patients. HCE is health-care experience and is any experience in a healthcare setting.
As a cardiology PA, you can apply to a dermatology PA job without extra schooling
Fact
Can you take your prerequisites at a community college?
Depends on the school, but typically yes as long as the credits transfer to your four-year institution transcript
Name one difference between a PA and NP
Medical model vs. nursing model, autonomy, schooling structure and prerequisites
What's the difference between didactic year and clinical year?
Didactic year is classroom learning and scientific foundation, clinical year is rotations in different specialties
Is a pharmacy technician (filling medications, checking out customers, etc.) considered PCE or HCE
HCE; no hands-on patient contact
LORs don't roll over to the new cycle for CASPA
Fact!
As a Rutgers student, do you need to take organic chemistry if you want to apply to PA school?
Yes! It is a prerequisite for common PA school prerequisites like biochemistry
What institution graduated the first class of PAs?
Duke University
If you want to attend PA school in the Fall of 2027, when should you apply?
Summer/fall of 2026
Name three interview styles
PAs must have the collaborating physician in the office/clinic if they are seeing patients
Myth!