How to Get Into PA School: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting into physician assistant (PA) school requires careful planning, a strong academic record, and a clear commitment to the healthcare field. And with a growing demand for skilled PAs, admissions committees are looking for applicants who demonstrate both a solid foundation in the sciences and a genuine passion for patient care.

When it comes to applying to programs, knowing what each step of the process entails — from satisfying prerequisites to submitting your application — can give you a leg up on the competition. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to improve your chances of getting accepted into a PA program. With the right preparation and a clear strategy in place, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the admissions process and put your best foot forward.

Step 1: Make Sure You Fulfill All Prerequisites

Step 2: Start the Application Process

Step 3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Step 4: Prepare for Interviews

Step 5: Avoid Common Application Mistakes

PA School Application Tips

FAQs

Ready to Start Your PA School Journey?

Step 1: Make Sure You Fulfill All Prerequisites

When preparing for PA school, meeting each program’s prerequisites — in terms of coursework and beyond — is a must.

Complete Required Coursework

Completing this required coursework as part of your undergraduate education isn’t only a condition for acceptance into PA programs, it also helps you prepare for the material and topics you’ll cover once enrolled.

Though specific prerequisites will vary by school, most will require the following:

• Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry: Provides an understanding of chemical processes and reactions
• Calculus or Statistics: Builds the analytical skills needed for data interpretation
• Genetics: Establishes the foundational knowledge of genetic factors and inheritance needed to diagnose hereditary conditions
• Human Anatomy and Physiology: Necessary for understanding body structure and function
• Microbiology: Provides insight into pathogens and infection control
• Psychology: Covers basic knowledge of human behavior and mental health, aiding in patient interactions

In addition to these core requirements, some programs may also require prospective students to take social sciences or humanities courses prior to applying.

Accumulate Clinical Hours

All PA programs require applicants to have hands-on experience working in a clinical setting. This requirement is measured by the number of hours worked, with some programs mandating a higher minimum than others. While you can typically expect this to be anywhere between 1,000 and 2,000+ hours, it’s always a good idea to verify clinical hour requirements for each school you’re considering.

The number of clinical hours is only one piece of the puzzle — PA schools also often look at how you spent those hours. Admissions officers will expect to see a certain balance of patient care experience (PCE) hours and healthcare experience (HCE) hours on applications.

The difference between the two types boils down to patient interaction:

• PCE hours involve taking direct responsibility for a patient’s care, and include duties such as taking vitals, drawing blood, or assisting with procedures. Typically, these are the type of clinical hours that fulfill PA school experience requirements.
• HCE hours include work in healthcare settings that isn’t related to direct patient care, such as clerical duties, filling prescriptions, or volunteer work. This type of experience is generally considered to be supplemental to your PCE hours.

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Take & Pass Standardized Admissions Tests (If Required)

When it comes to admissions tests, PA schools may (or may not) require applicants to submit certain testing scores.

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): This is the test that’s most frequently required for PA school admission. While individual programs are at liberty to set their own minimum score requirements, in 2021 (the most recent year with data available), the average GRE score for accepted students was 305.4 — so it’s in your best interest to strive for a competitive grade.
• Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT): The PA-CAT assesses knowledge of key prerequisite subjects, including anatomy, physiology, general biology, chemistry, and behavioral sciences. Though this test is more focused on relevant medical topics than the GRE, it is less frequently required by PA programs.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Even though the MCAT is mostly associated with medical school admissions, some PA schools allow prospective students to submit scores from this test as part of their application materials.

Meet GPA Requirements

A competitive GPA is a crucial part of your PA school application, since it serves as an indicator of your academic performance. Many programs require applicants to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to be considered for admission, but oftentimes meeting the bare minimum isn’t enough. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Aim for higher, if possible: While 3.0 is a common minimum, a GPA closer to 3.5 or above is recommended in order to stand out or for a better chance at making the cut if you’re applying to more competitive programs.

• Your science GPA is also a factor: Many PA programs look specifically at applicants’ science GPA, which is determined by the grades earned in all science-based courses. A high science GPA demonstrates strength in the skills needed to succeed in PA school.

• So is your BCP GPA: Some programs also consider your biology, chemistry, and physics (BCP) GPA when making admissions decisions. This subset GPA is often used to assess mastery in healthcare’s core science disciplines.

Finally, like other PA school prerequisites, GPA requirements will differ between programs, so it’s in your best interest to do your research and understand how competitive your GPA is relative to each program you’re considering.

Step 2: Start the Application Process

Preparing Your Application

PA school applications include a range of different required materials, and consolidating them all into a single submission involves meeting deadlines, preparing personal statements, securing references, and much more. To ensure you cover all your bases, here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to include in a typical PA school application:

• Proof of Bachelor’s Degree Receipt: The majority of PA programs require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to enrolling. To fulfill this requirement, make sure you complete your degree before the application deadline.
• Completion of Prerequisite Coursework: PA programs expect that specific course prerequisites will be completed prior to matriculation.
• Transcripts from Postsecondary Institutions: You’ll need to submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended. These should reflect all completed prerequisite coursework, as well as your GPA.
• Test Scores: For programs that require standardized tests, you’ll need to send scores directly to each institution individually. This can typically be done via the testing organization’s website.
• Descriptions of Relevant Activities: One of the most time-consuming aspects of your application will be documenting your clinical hours and any other relevant activities you participated in, such as volunteer or healthcare work. Be prepared to detail the nature of these experiences, your specific role, and the skills you gained.
• Reference Letters: PA programs typically require 3–5 letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your clinical skills, academic achievements, and personal character. Ideal choices include supervisors from your clinical work or other healthcare-related experiences or professors.
• Personal Statement: The personal statement is your chance to demonstrate your motivation for becoming a PA, your understanding of the profession, and what makes you an ideal candidate. A compelling, well-structured statement can make a strong impression.
• Interview: If you progress to the interview stage, expect a formal discussion of your background, goals, and fit for the program. Be prepared to answer questions about your experiences and motivations, and to show a clear understanding of the PA role.

Staying On-Track

There’s a lot to keep track of when applying to PA school, which can make the process difficult to manage. But following a clear timeline can help you meet deadlines and stay on track. Here’s a sample timeline to help you get started:

• At Least 4 Years Prior to the Application Deadline
  • Identify potential PA schools: Research programs to get a better idea of potential matches, admissions requirements, acceptance rates, and program strengths.
  • Make a plan to complete course requirements: Map out the prerequisite courses you’ll need, including any specific lab requirements or advanced sciences.
  • Start accumulating clinical hours: Begin accruing the clinical hours required by your target programs, focusing on PCE hours first.
  • Explore other healthcare-related activities: Look for shadowing opportunities, volunteer work, or paid roles in healthcare to strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

• 1 Year Prior to the Application Deadline
  • Complete the minimum clinical hours requirement: Ensure you meet or exceed the clinical hours minimum set by each program.
  • Finish required coursework: Make sure you complete all necessary coursework, especially prerequisites.
  • Continue with extracurricular healthcare activities: Maintain your involvement in any healthcare-related activities you’ve been participating in over the past 3 years. This demonstrates commitment and will only strengthen your application.
  • Take any required tests: Schedule and sit for the GRE, PA-CAT, or MCAT if required, and allow enough time to retake the test if needed.
  • Choose references: Identify individuals who you know well enough to provide meaningful, supportive recommendations.

• 6 Months Prior to the Application Deadline
  • Request recommendations from your references: Give your chosen recommenders ample time to write their letters, leaving enough time for yourself to pivot to any backups if your first choices are unable to help.
  • Begin writing your personal statement: Conceptualize, craft, revise, and refine your essay.
  • Continue building up clinical hours and participating in extracurriculars: Any additional hours or activities during this time can further improve your application.

• 1 Month Prior to the Application Deadline
  • Submit your application: Aim to submit your application early to avoid any last-minute panic.
  • Order transcripts: Ensure official transcripts are sent directly from your school(s) to each PA program you’re applying to.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Personal Statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to show admissions officers who you are, explain why you want to become a PA, and highlight your experience. For an essay that stands out, don’t forget to:

Be clear about why you’re pursuing a career in medicine, and as a PA specifically.

Admissions committees want to see a clear, genuine desire for a career as a PA. Explain why the role appeals to you over other healthcare careers, like nursing or becoming a doctor. Reflect on the unique aspects of the PA profession that align with your goals and interests — whether it’s the collaborative nature of the role, the flexibility to work across specialties, or the emphasis on patient-centered care.Admissions committees want to see a clear, genuine desire for a career as a PA. Explain why the role appeals to you over other healthcare careers, like nursing or becoming a doctor. Reflect on the unique aspects of the PA profession that align with your goals and interests — whether it’s the collaborative nature of the role, the flexibility to work across specialties, or the emphasis on patient-centered care.

Draw inspiration from your experiences.

Use specific examples to illustrate your journey to becoming a PA thus far. This could include clinical experiences, challenges you overcame, or memorable moments in your healthcare work that left a lasting impact. Describe not only what happened, but also what you learned from the experience and how it has prepared you for the PA profession. Personal insights like these contribute to the authenticity of your statement and make it unique to you.

Tell a story.

Weaving your experiences into a narrative helps keep readers engaged and is a great way to show your growth over time. For example, rather than listing reasons you want to become a PA, tell a story that connects those reasons together. Begin with a pivotal moment or an interaction that sparked your interest in healthcare, then build on how subsequent experiences reaffirmed your passion for the field. A cohesive story will make your statement memorable and more impactful.

Make it personal.

Avoid broad statements that anyone can make, such as “I want to help people,” or vague explanations that lack depth. Instead, focus on the unique aspects of your healthcare journey and highlight specific details that apply only to you. A distinctive and sincere statement not only helps your essay stand out, it can make it memorable as well.

Start strong, finish stronger.

Your opening lines should capture attention and set the stage for the story you want your statement to tell. Consider starting with a personal anecdote or a compelling statement about what drives you. Similarly, your conclusion should leave a lasting impression, tying the main points of your story together and reinforcing your commitment to becoming a PA.

Stay true to your personality and voice.

While the overall tone of your essay should remain formal, there are no rules against letting your personality come through in your writing — in fact, it’s encouraged. The last thing you want is for your personal statement to sound stiff or canned, so it’s good to avoid overly complex language or phrases that feel unnatural to you. This is your chance to show admissions teams who you are, and the best way to do that is to write a statement that’s true to your personality.

Step 4: Prepare for Interviews

Not everyone who applies to PA school gets invited for an interview, so if you’ve made it this far, congratulations! Because of this, an upcoming interview can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking prospect. The key to beating your nerves and acing the conversation? Thorough preparation. When you’re sufficiently prepared, you’ll feel more confident and be better equipped to make a positive impression on the admissions committee.

To help you get ready, check out our interview prep tips and a list of commonly asked questions.

Interview Preparation Tips

1. Find out what you can about the interview format.
   Different schools may use different interview formats, such as traditional, multiple mini-interviews (MMI), or group interviews. Thankfully, most schools will send an overview of the process ahead of time so you’ll know what to expect. However, if they don’t, consider reaching out to the admissions office for details. Knowing the structure in advance can help you tailor your responses and approach accordingly.
2. Prepare answers that reflect key PA qualities.
   Think about the qualities that make a successful PA — empathy, teamwork, resilience, and adaptability, for example. Prepare answers that reflect these traits and can be backed up by your experiences and skills. Use specific examples to illustrate how you embody these qualities, whether it’s in your clinical work, academic achievements, or personal life.
3. Conduct a mock interview.
   Set up a practice interview with a friend, advisor, or through a professional interview preparation service. Mock interviews can help you refine your responses, improve your body language, and give you a chance to practice answering questions when put on the spot. Be sure to request feedback on areas for improvement and dedicate time to strengthening your weaknesses.
4. Research each school and its PA program.
   Admissions committees want to see that you’ve put thought into why you’re applying to their specific program. Take time to learn about the school’s mission, program structure, and any key differentiators. Demonstrating this knowledge in your interview shows genuine interest and helps you answer questions like “Why do you want to enroll in our program?”
5. Stay updated on healthcare topics.
   Being informed on current trends, challenges, and advancements in healthcare shows that you’re engaged, forward-thinking, and invested in the field. Keep an eye on news regarding healthcare policy, PA role expansion, or technology in medicine to be prepared for questions that focus on the future of the profession.
6. Familiarize yourself with commonly asked questions.
   Having a sense of typical interview questions enables you to think proactively about how you’ll answer them on the day. Reflect on your answers, but avoid memorizing them word-for-word to keep your responses natural and sincere.

Common Interview Questions

To help guide your preparation, here are some questions and conversation starters you’re likely to encounter during your PA school interview:

• Tell me about yourself
• Why do you want to be a PA?
• Why do you want to attend this school?
• Why should we offer you a place in our PA program?
• If accepted, what contributions will you make to our program?
• What is your definition of a PA?
• What are you looking forward to most in your future career as a PA? Which aspects of the job do you think will be most challenging for you?
• Walk me through a typical day of a surgical PA and that of a medical PA.
• What changes to the healthcare system do you anticipate over the next 10 years? How will they impact PAs?
• What are the most significant challenges PAs face today and will have to face in the future?

Step 5: Avoid Common Application Mistakes

PA school admissions are competitive, so to increase your chances of acceptance it’s vital to submit a polished application. To ensure you put your best foot forward, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for — and how to avoid them.

• Errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting — these can come across as careless to admissions officers
  • Take time to proofread every component of your application, especially your personal statement. Reading your statement out loud or asking someone else to review it can help catch errors you might have missed.

• Overlooking a prerequisite or other application requirement
  • Double check the requirements for each program well before submitting your application to avoid applying to schools with missing materials. Keeping a checklist for each program and reviewing it as you move through the application process can help you stay on track.

• Rushing through your personal statement
  • Take the time to create a narrative that reflects your personality, experiences, and goals. Approach the writing process thoughtfully and aim to end up with an essay that’s memorable and impactful.

• Submitting an application with inconsistencies
  • Be mindful of details like the number of PCE hours or dates of employment, and make sure they match across all documents the application requires. Any discrepancies could lead to questions about the veracity of your application or give an impression of disorganization.

• Missing deadlines
  • Be aware of the application deadlines for each program, as well as due dates (if different from the overall deadline) for supplemental materials like letters of recommendation. Submit your application well ahead of time to account for any unexpected delays, and confirm that all documents, including transcripts and test scores, are received on time.

PA School Application Tips

All in all, putting together a strong PA school application requires careful planning and thoughtful preparation. Use the following tips for a smooth process.

1. Start early: Starting the application process early gives you ample time to tackle each step thoughtfully, which not only reduces stress but also allows for flexibility if unexpected delays arise.
2. Tailor each application: By demonstrating genuine interest in each program you’re applying to, you show admissions committees that you’ve put thought into why their program aligns with your goals and values.
3. Build strong relationships with your references: A solid relationship will lead to more personalized and powerful recommendation letters that highlight the qualities that make you an excellent PA candidate.
4. Craft a personal statement that stands out: Remember, your personal statement is one of the best ways to communicate your passion for becoming a PA and highlight the unique journey that brought you to this decision.
5. Start interview preparation early: Preparing for interviews well in advance helps you build confidence and present yourself as a knowledgeable, motivated applicant.

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FAQs

How hard is it to get into PA school?

In general, PA school admissions are highly competitive, with many programs only accepting a small percentage of applicants. Admission decisions are based on factors like GPA, clinical experience, recommendations, and personal statements. While getting into PA school can be challenging, thorough preparation and a well-rounded application can make a significant difference to your prospects.


How hard is it to get into PA school with a low GPA?

A lower GPA doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it can present a challenge. If your GPA is lower than a program’s minimum requirement, you can improve your chances of acceptance by excelling in prerequisite courses, gaining substantial clinical experience, and writing a compelling personal statement that highlights your strengths and growth.


How many programs should I apply to?

To increase your chances of acceptance, applying to multiple PA programs is recommended. However, there is no ideal number of applications to send out. Instead of aiming for a certain number, ask yourself what you’re willing to spend on application fees and how much time you have to devote to the application process.


Can I reapply if I don’t get in?

Yes, reapplying is common among PA school applicants, and many students succeed in subsequent application cycles. Use any feedback you receive to strengthen your next application, and focus on areas that may have held you back previously.


How long does the application process take?

The PA application process takes several months, from submitting your application to receiving decisions. Typically, applicants begin preparing their materials a year before they plan to apply.


How many clinical hours do I need for PA school?

While you can typically expect this requirement to be anywhere between 1,000 and 2,000+ hours, it’s always a good idea to verify clinical hour requirements at each school you’re considering.

Ready to Start Your PA School Journey?

Applying to PA school is a challenging but rewarding process that opens doors to a meaningful career in healthcare. Alongside academic preparation, additional medical certifications can deepen your knowledge, enhance your skills, and help you gain relevant clinical experience — helping you strengthen your application.

Our online medical certification courses are designed to help future PA school applicants like you land entry-level healthcare roles that fulfill required PCE hours. All of our self-paced, pre-PA certificate courses can be completed in as little as 8 weeks, which means that you could be working as a healthcare professional sooner than you originally planned.

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