Physician Assistant

Most award a Master's degree

Medical providers who are licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease and to prescribe medication for patients.

For descriptions of this profession, see: Admissions section of the Physician Assistant Education Association or Explore Health Careers.

Length Of Program

Varies by school, but typically programs last 2 years.

Course Requirements

Requirements vary by school. You can check the Physician Assistant Programs Directory. Generally, the coursework should include general biology, general chemistry, and sometimes organic chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology, statistics, social sciences, and humanities.

Application Timeline

For admittance directly after DePauw: Prerequisite courses completed by the end of senior year; although, preference may be given to applicants who complete the required courses sooner. Apply summer between junior and senior years.

Application Service

Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)

Available mid-April
Each school selects an application deadline, typically ranging from August through July. Confirm the deadline with the school.
For schools not participating in CASPA, apply directly to the school.
Apply early! Do not wait until the application deadline.

Standardized Test

Usually the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) revised General Test, but can vary by school.

The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning (Score 130–170), Quantitative Reasoning (130–170), and Analytical Writing (Score 0–6). The test takes approximately 4 hours to complete and is offered year-round at computer-based test centers. You can register online. Unofficial scores are given on test day, with official scores available in 10–15 days.

Free and low-cost preparation materials:

ETS
Check with the Hubbard Center

Admissions Criteria

GPA – check the Physician Assistant Programs Directory for numbers
GRE scores – check the Physician Assistant Programs Directory
Personal statement
Letters of recommendation
Health-related experience (500–2000 hours); type and amount vary greatly by school – check the Physician Assistant Programs Directory
Interpersonal, communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and leadership skills
Sincere desire to enter a helping healthcare profession