Physician Assistant (PA) Course Requirements

Always check for specific course requirements for each school you are going to apply to—this is only a guide.

Class	Semesters	Skidmore Course(s)	Notes
Chemistry	variable with three to four semesters with lab often required, including general, organic chemistry, and/or biochemistry (sometimes at upper level)	CH 125 or CH 126 CH 221 CH 222 CH 341	Must take placement diagnostic. Schools that require two semesters of general chemistry will typically count CH 341 as the second semester (CH 115 does not fulfill the requirement).
General biology	two semesters with lab	BI 107 BI 108
Microbiology	one semester	BI 246
Genetics	one semester	BI 245
Anatomy and physiology	two semesters with lab	HP 126 HP 127	HP 126 is now a prerequisite for HP 127.
Upper-level physiology	one semester	HP 311 or BI 306
Psychology	one semester	PS 101

Physician assistants deliver a range of medical and surgical services in private practices/clinics, hospitals, HMO's, and federal government agencies/the armed forces. Some physician assistants pursue additional education in a specialty. A physician assistant must be a graduate of an accredited program and certified by the NCCPA to pursue this option.

Tests

The General Records Exam (GRE) is a computer-adaptive test offered hundreds of time per year in a variety of locations. There is a fee-reduction program that discounts the exam by 50% for those who qualify. Please note: You must apply for fee assistance well in advance of taking the GRE, at least 30 days.