Pre-Physician Assistant

Under a physician’s supervision, physician assistants (PAs) perform many tasks which are traditionally conducted by physicians, including physical exams, diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and assisting with minor surgery.

PAs work in all areas of medicine (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, pediatrics, dermatology) as well as surgery and sub-specialties. PAs are able to do most of the same things that physicians can do but the scope

Skills and characteristics important to this profession are critical thinking, problem-solving skills, empathy, ability to work quickly and make good decisions under pressure, excellent time management skills, the ability to work with a team of caregivers, effective interpersonal communication, and the willingness to invest in continued education as healthcare methodology and technology changes.

The PA profession is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States and is projected to increase 31% from 2022 to 2030.
Physician assistants are educated at the master’s degree level and must obtain a license to practice.
Visit American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for more information on the PA profession.

Programs Centre grads have attended*

- University of the Cumberlands - Northern Kentucky Campus
- George Washington University
- Lincoln Memorial University - Harrogate
- Wichita State University
- Mount St. Joseph University
- University of Kentucky

*A Sampling of Recent Graduates

Faculty Advisor

Pre-physician assistant students should consult with faculty advisor Erin Wachter and can reach her by email here. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Wachter here.

Admissions Requirements

What Courses Will I Take?
Students interested in pursuing a career as a physician assistant after Centre should expect to take courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and other disciplines.

Recommended in Your First Year

- CHE 131, MAT 130, or BIO 110

Suggested Courses

- Evolution, Biodiversity, Ecology (BIO 110)
- Genetics (BIO 210)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 226 and BIO 227)
- Microbiology (BIO 340)
- Biochemistry (BMB 210)
- General Chemistry I (CHE 131)
- General Chemistry II (CHE 132)
- Organic Chemistry I (CHE 241)
- Introduction to Statistics (MAT 130)
- Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110)
- Medical Terminology (not offered at Centre)

See the Course Requirements for PA Schools for more information about when each course is offered at Centre College.
* GPA is an important factor in your competitiveness for admission into PA school.

Patient Care Experience

To be considered competitive for PA school, you need to have hands-on patient care hours. The number of hours are generally in the thousands but depend on the school. Even if a school does not formally require hours, you should look at the statistics for the latest class to see how many hours were reported.

You might consider becoming certified as an EMT, CNA, etc. to work in a healthcare setting and obtain your hands-on patient care hours. Additionally, you should take the time to shadow/interact with a physician assistant, nurse practitioner AND a physician to have a clear understanding of how the three professions differ.

For more information, schedule an advising meeting with Dr. Wachter! You should also start to look at each school you intend to apply to and keep track of what schools require what. See the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) website for a nice guide on what each program requires and information on what makes for a competitive applicant at that particular school.

Pre-Physician Assistant