Physician Assistant (P.A.)

Medical Terminology (KINE 2200)

Spanish (SPAN 1111 and SPAN 1112)

Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (SOC 1000, ANTH 1002)

General Psychology (PSYC 1100)

• Scholarships.com: Physician Associate Scholarships

PAEA Program Directory

American Academy of Physician Assistants

Physician Assistant Education Association

CASPA is a service for the Principle Application Service for Physician Assistants. Most PA programs use this service to receive applications as it simplifies the process by allowing candidates to submit to multiple programs with one application.

Review the CASPA instruction manual for tips and guides on how to: start your application, send transcripts, and successfully submit your application.

The latest PAEA data demonstrates that the overall average GPA for matriculants is 3.6, the average science GPA is 3.5, the average non-science GPA is 3.6, and the CASPA biology, chemistry, and physics (BCP) GPA is 3.5. Check the GPA expectations of your programs of choice before you apply, and keep track of your GPA in each category as you prepare for your applications.

PA applicants are expected to demonstrate versatility, community engagement, and altruism by participating in a variety of extracurricular activities. As a PA candidate, you should aim to have at least 2000 hours of hands-on patient experience at the time of application. 

Note: some physician assistant programs require these hours to be paid and will not accept volunteer work towards the required 2000 hours. Volunteer experience is highly recommended, though, in order to enhance your application.

For the last several years, physician assistant programs in Southern California have averaged 3500-4000+ hours.  

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Becoming a CNA is a great option for undergraduate students. Not only do you collect the necessary clinical hours, but you also earn extra cash. CNA certification programs are available in most colleges, so check your own school and local community colleges to find the right program for you. Each program has its own schedule and length.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Becoming an EMT is also possible during your undergraduate studies, as these programs do not require an undergraduate degree to qualify. First, you will need to enroll in an EMT program at a local college. Upon completion, you will need to pass a certification exam that allows you to work as an EMT. 

Personal Care Aides: Whether you work/volunteer at a long-term care home or a hospital, becoming a caretaker exposes you to patient-centric healthcare and provides you with insights into the challenges that such institutions face. For example, becoming a caretaker for a patient with chronic illness can teach you about the staggering cost of their medications, medical procedures, and nutrition. Such knowledge inspires empathy and compassion – qualities highly valued by all PA programs. 

Hospice Volunteer: working in a hospice is not for the faint of heart. A patient’s demise is the most difficult time for the physician, not to mention the patient’s family and loved ones. As a hospice volunteer, you will interact with patients, their families, and loved ones and learn how to communicate with them in the most vulnerable and painful times of their lives.

Other roles include:

Athletic Trainer, Clinical Care Exenter (CCE), COPE or other Health Scholar, Dental Assistant, Dietitian, Emergency Department Technician, License Vocational Nurse, Medical Assistant, Medical Scribe, Military Medic, Non-US physician, Ophthalmic Assistant, Physical Therapy Aide, Radiology Tech and/or Respiratory Tech.

For more information on Patient Care Hours and how to become a more competitive applicant, please visit: Admission Helpers - Direct Patient Care Experience for PA School Admission