Pre-Physician Assistant Program at Messiah College
Description of Profession
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http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm
Course Requirements
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Requirements vary by institution. Most schools require a combination of 1
year general biology / 1 year A&P / 1 year general chemistry / 1 year organic
chemistry / 1 year general physics / social sciences and humanities.
You must research schools of interest to obtain the updated requirements:
http://directory.paeaonline.org/.
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Application Timeline
PA school directly after Messiah College:
 Required courses completed by end of first semester of senior year.
 Apply during the June between the junior and senior years.
Standardized Test
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Application Service
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Graduate Record Exam (GRE) revised General Test (www.ets.org/gre). Some
schools will also accept the MCAT.
Given year-round at computer-based test centers.
3 sections : Verbal Reasoning / Quantitative Reasoning / Analytical Writing.
GRE Information: http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_info_reg_bulletin.pdf.
Most physician assistant programs participate in the Central Application
Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) (www.caspaonline.org ).
Available ~ mid-April
Application deadlines and start dates vary by school.
Some PA programs that do not participate in CASPA, and application must be
made directly to the school.
APPLY EARLY! This is a very competitive program: Do not wait until the
application deadline.
Admissions Criteria
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Overall and Science GPA (check http://directory.paeaonline.org/ )
GRE scores (check http://directory.paeaonline.org/ )
Letters of evaluation are submitted directly to CASP by LOE-writers.
Interview
Extracurricular activities
PA-related experience – Required experience hours vary greatly by program.
Research experience
Degree
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Most programs confer a master’s degree after approximately two years of
year-round study.
Additional Resources
Physician Assistant Education Association (www.paeaonline.org)
American Academy of Physician Assistants (www.aapa.org)
PA Shadow On-line (www.pashadowonline.com )