How to Become a Physician Assistant Starting at a Community College

1. Earn an A.S. degree and then go on to a Bachelor’s degree in sciences.

While having a non-science degree is acceptable in PA programs, having a science or medical-related degree gives you a more competitive edge. Essentially you would follow the Pre-Med science course plan which includes BIO 111/1111 and 112/1112, CHE 111/1111 and 112/1112 and PHY 111/1111 (Algebra-based Physics). See the Pre-Med Course Sequences web page. 

2. Job shadow a Physician Assistant.

Most PA schools require at least 50 hours of job shadowing. It will be up to you to make that connection with a physician or a medical organization. PPSC does not set up job shadowing for students. You should do this early so that you not only meet an admissions requirement, but also gain in-person experience to see if being a Physician's Assistant is really what you want to do.

3. Transfer to a college/university that has a Pre-Physician Assistant track.

When you find colleges or universities that have programs designed to move you toward this area, make sure that you contact them often to stay current with their application requirements and processes.

4. Anticipate the requirement of taking the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

This is particularly true if you look at out-of-State PA programs. Preparing for this during the last two years at your university is a good idea. There are always great study guides and test prep resources. It is recommended that you check with your target PA school at least once a year to see the score requirements.

5. Apply to PA schools through the CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).

Applications are only accepted one time a year and usually in March or April.

The choice of PA schools in Colorado is limited to three: Red Rocks Community College, Rocky Vista University, and University of Colorado School of Medicine.

What to Do Now

• Review application requirements for the colleges in which you are interested.
• Make note of the application dates for each.
• Feel free to contact each college for specific questions.
• Contact your PPSC Health Sciences Advisor as you take prerequisite courses and prepare to apply.

Resources

Andrew Rodican's books on getting in to Physician Assistant schools are some of the best resources. These books cover the early stages of preparation all the way through applying to and acceptance into a Physician Assistant school.