Physician 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.
Physician 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.