PA School Requirements 2025: Courses, Clinical Hours, and How to Get In

Thinking about becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)? It’s a highly rewarding career—offering strong job security, excellent salaries, and the flexibility to work in nearly any medical specialty. But first, you need to meet the right academic, clinical, and personal milestones to get into PA school.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PA school requirements in 2025, including prerequisite courses, patient care hours, admissions strategy, and how international internships with Go Elective can boost your application.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA and PA Internships Abroad

What Do You Need to Get Into PA School?

Physician Assistant programs have a competitive admissions process, but with the right preparation, you can build a strong application. Here's what most accredited programs will expect:

A completed bachelor’s degree
A minimum cumulative and science GPA (typically 3.0–3.5)
Completion of required prerequisite courses
Between 500–2,000 hours of direct patient care experience
Letters of recommendation
A strong personal statement
Interview performance (often MMI-style)

Some programs may also require the GRE, though many have dropped standardized testing requirements in favor of holistic review.

Core Prerequisite Courses for PA School

Most PA programs require the following foundational courses, usually with lab components:

Course	Credit Hours
General Biology I & II	8–10
General Chemistry I & II	8–10
Organic Chemistry	4–5
Biochemistry	4–5
Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II	8–10
Microbiology	3–4
Psychology (General/Abnormal)	3–4
Statistics	3–4
Medical Terminology	1–3 (recommended)

Recommended electives: Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology

Each school sets its own requirements, so always check with the specific programs you're applying to. Use the PAEA Program Directory for the most accurate admissions information.

GPA Expectations for Competitive Applicants

While some programs accept a 3.0 minimum GPA, successful applicants typically exceed this. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association, the average GPA for accepted students is:

Overall GPA: 3.6+
Science GPA: 3.5+

If you're below these averages, you may still be competitive with strong patient care hours, a compelling personal statement, and global health experience.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a PA?

Here’s a general timeline:

Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
Patient care experience: Often 1–2 years (can overlap with undergrad or gap year)
PA master’s program: 2–3 years
Licensing exam (PANCE): Completed after graduation

Total time investment: 6–8 years from start to licensure.

Direct Patient Care Hours: A Critical PA School Requirement

PA programs value applicants with hands-on experience. Roles that qualify for direct patient care experience (PCE) include:

EMT/Paramedic
CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Medical Assistant
Phlebotomist
Physical Therapy Aide
International clinical interns (with verified patient contact)

You’ll need 500–2,000 hours, depending on the school. Keep a detailed log of your hours and responsibilities.

For an unforgettable experience, explore Go Elective’s international PA internships in Kenya and Tanzania—where you’ll shadow physicians in high-volume teaching hospitals and gain real-world healthcare exposure.

Global Internships: Boosting Your PA School Application

International experience gives you a unique edge in a competitive applicant pool. With Go Elective, you’ll:

Log supervised patient care hours in underserved communities
Shadow doctors in surgery, pediatrics, emergency, and OB/GYN
Develop cultural competency and adaptability
Learn healthcare delivery models in low-resource settings
Strengthen your personal statement and interviews with real stories

Explore how pre-PA internships abroad can build your clinical and cultural confidence.

Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation

Your personal statement should clearly articulate:

Why you want to become a PA
What experiences led you to this decision
How your background and values align with the PA profession

Back this up with 3 strong letters of recommendation, ideally from:

A licensed PA or physician you’ve worked with
A professor familiar with your academic abilities
A supervisor in a clinical setting

Need help writing your personal statement? See our comprehensive guide.

Interview Preparation: Make It Count

Many schools use Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) or traditional formats. Prepare by:

Practicing ethical decision-making and clinical scenarios
Reviewing your personal statement and application
Rehearsing clear, confident answers to common questions
Staying calm and authentic under pressure

Mock interviews with mentors or current PAs can help build confidence.

Optional but Valuable: Research, Leadership, and Service

Top PA programs look for well-rounded applicants. Strengthen your profile with:

Research: Contribute to healthcare research or public health projects
Leadership: Hold roles in campus organizations or community initiatives
Volunteer service: Serve underserved populations at home or abroad
Shadowing: Observe licensed PAs in multiple specialties

These experiences showcase your initiative, compassion, and commitment to medicine.

CASPA Application Tips and Timeline

Most PA schools use the CASPA application system. Here’s a general timeline:

Action	When
Research programs	Sophomore/Junior year
Complete prerequisites	Junior/Senior year
Gain patient care experience	Junior year onward
Draft personal statement	Spring before applying
Open CASPA application	Late April
Submit application	May–June (early!)
Interviews	August–November
Accept offers	Winter/Spring

Applying early gives you the best shot at interviews and financial aid offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

#!. How competitive is PA school?

Very. In 2024, the average acceptance rate was about 30%, making preparation and standout experiences essential.

#2. Do I need to take the GRE or MCAT?

More schools are dropping the GRE. Always check specific requirements. If not required, focus on your GPA, PCE, and personal story.

#3. Can online courses count for prerequisites?

Many programs accept online coursework, but in-person labs are often preferred. Check with each school for their policy.

#4. Is a science major required?

No, but you must complete all science prerequisites. Many students major in biology, health sciences, or psychology.

#5. Do international internships count for patient care hours?

Yes—if properly structured and supervised. Go Elective’s internships include verified clinical hours that have helped past students succeed in PA admissions.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to PA School Success

Meeting the core academic and experiential requirements is just the beginning. To truly stand out in the next admissions cycle:

Build strong clinical experience
Cultivate leadership, service, and global perspectives
Craft a compelling personal narrative
Apply early and confidently

Whether you're looking for patient care hours or ready to shadow clinicians abroad, Go Elective can help you build a competitive profile for PA school and beyond.

> Explore our Physician Assistant Internships to take the next step in your healthcare journey.