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Physician Assistant

Overview:

AAPAPhysician assistants are medical providers who are licensed to diagnose and treat illness and disease and to prescribe medication for patients. They work in physician offices, hospitals and clinics in collaboration with a licensed physician. The physician-PA relationship is fundamental to the profession and enhances the delivery of high-quality health care. Because of their advanced education in general medicine, modeled after physician education, physician assistants can treat patients with significant autonomy. In a primary care setting, physician assistants can provide nearly all of the clinical services a doctor does. In addition to primary care, Physician assistants also work in specialties including medical and surgical specialties and sub-specialties.

Recent graduates of PennWest Clarion have been accepted to the following Physician Assistants programs:

Arcadia University Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
and Health Sciences
Chatham University Mercyhurst University
Gannon University Seton Hill University
Lock Haven University University of Pittsburgh


TYPICAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS PROGRAM:

Required Coursework: Semesters:
Biology w/Labs 2
General Chemistry w/Labs 2
Organic Chemistry w/Labs 2
General Microbiology 1
Biochemistry 1
Anatomy and Physiology w/Labs 2
Physics w/Labs 2
English 2
Psychology 2
Recommended Coursework:
Psychology 1 additional semester
Medical Terminology 1
Biochemistry 1 additional semester
Introduction to Nutrition & Fitness 1
General Sociology 1
Public Speaking 1
Elementary Statistics 1
Program Requirements:
GPA Minimum:  3.2; Average:  3.5
Average GRE 310
Average Job Shadow Hours 75+
Average Clinical Hours 300+

 

TYPICAL CLARION DEGREE PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS CONCENTRATIONS:

While it is required to be awarded a four year undergraduate degree, there is no specific degree associated for any medical program admissions. Therefore, a student may seek any four year degree program as long as they obtained the required coursework listed above. However, below are the most common degree programs associated with a pre-physician assistant concentration. Click on the link to view a typical four year plan that schedules the degree as well as the medical program requirements.
BS Biology BS Chemistry
BS Molecular Biology BS Chemistry:  Biochemistry Concentration
BA Sociology  BA Psychology
BS Psychology  BS Nutrition and Fitness

 

RESOURCES:

Professional Organization:
Common Application Service:
Entrance Exam:
Financial Aid Programs:
Other Online Sources:
Last Updated 5/26/23