*  PA program overview

*  Getting into a PA program

*  What should I major in?

*  What courses should I take?

*  NCC resources

*  Links

*  Back to health science page

Health Sciences:

Physician Assistants

What is a Physician Assistant? How do I become one?
 
[Doctor] Physician Assistants (PAs) are becoming an increasingly common and increasingly important component of medical care, especially primary care. A PA holds a master's degree in medicine, rather than an MD degree, and is licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. "Supervision," however, does not mean that a physician must be physically present, and PAs typically work independently to diagnose and treat patients. Unlike an RN, they are permitted to prescribe medication. A PA can work in nearly any field of medicine. This field is growing rapidly, and although the training required is intensive, admission is not yet as competitive as for medical schools.

A North Central, student interested in becoming a Physician Assistant would follow a program similar to that of a pre-medical student, meeting entrance requirements for a PA master's program. After receiving a bachelor's degree from North Central, it will typically take two years to obtain an advanced degree and become licensed as a PA.

How do I get into a Physician Assistant program?
 
[Owl] The courses listed below would typically meet the entrance requirements for a master's program leading to qualification as a Physician Assistant. If you are considering this option, you should research some programs you would be interested in (start with the links below) and meet with a premedical advisor to ensure that your academic program will meet the PA program requirements. Admission to a PA program usually requires either the GRE or the MCAT test. Many programs also have a specific minimum GPA requirement, typically 3.0 in the required courses.

What should I major in?
 
[Student] Like medical schools, PA programs typically require a four-year undergraduate degree but do not specify any particular field. However, because of the many biology and chemistry courses required for admission, most students major in either Biology or Biochemistry. A well-rounded undergraduate program in the liberal arts can often be an advantage.

What courses should I take?
 
[Student] Entrance requirements vary somewhat from program to program, so you should investigate the specific requirements of the particular programs you are interested in. The list below would meet the typical requirements of many masters programs:

Additional recommendations would include biomedical ethics and either child development or adolescent psychology.

What resources does North Central have to help me?
 
[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the transfer process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?
 
Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your career!