7 answers
Griffin
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Updated
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What kind of grades do I need to have in order to get into become a Physician's Assistant?
#Physician-Assistant #PA #Medicine #physician #medical #healthcare #doctor
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7 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
227
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Griffin,
I see your post is from a while ago. Have you made a decision yet? I'm a relatively recent graduate and have been working as a family medicine PA for almost 2 years, so let me know if you have any specific questions for me. In terms of GPA to apply to PA schools, I've found that most PA programs have information published on their program website about the average GPAs of people who applied vs have been accepted, as well as any GPA threshold. Ultimately though, I would try not to let a certain GPA value discourage you, because acceptance into a PA program takes more than a good GPA, such as your undergraduate coursework and major, healthcare/patient care experience, your motivation, and volunteerism.
Take care,
Hwal
I see your post is from a while ago. Have you made a decision yet? I'm a relatively recent graduate and have been working as a family medicine PA for almost 2 years, so let me know if you have any specific questions for me. In terms of GPA to apply to PA schools, I've found that most PA programs have information published on their program website about the average GPAs of people who applied vs have been accepted, as well as any GPA threshold. Ultimately though, I would try not to let a certain GPA value discourage you, because acceptance into a PA program takes more than a good GPA, such as your undergraduate coursework and major, healthcare/patient care experience, your motivation, and volunteerism.
Take care,
Hwal
Lisa Fellis, MMS, PA-C
Family Practice Physician Assistant
2
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
To answer your question that depends. I had a 3.6 GPA and it still took me 5 years to be accepted to PA school. Most schools require a minimum of 3.0 but unless you have something amazing on the rest of your application, that won’t be competitive.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Griffin,
To pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), applicants typically need to meet certain academic requirements. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the minimum undergraduate GPA for PA programs is generally considered to be 2.8-3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, many programs prefer applicants with higher GPAs and strong performance in science courses.
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is often required for admission into PA programs, although some schools may waive this requirement for applicants with strong academic records. The average GRE scores for successful applicants are usually around 300 for the verbal reasoning section, 146 for the quantitative reasoning section, and 3.5 for the analytical writing assessment.
Applicants should also have relevant healthcare experience, which can include clinical work, research, or volunteer positions. This experience not only strengthens an application but also provides valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit students during their PA education and future careers.
It’s important to note that individual PA programs may have different requirements and preferences regarding academic qualifications. Prospective students should research specific programs to determine their exact prerequisites.
Authoritative References Used:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) - https://www.aapa.org/
Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) - https://www.apaedu.org/
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - https://www.nccpa.net/
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
To pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), applicants typically need to meet certain academic requirements. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the minimum undergraduate GPA for PA programs is generally considered to be 2.8-3.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, many programs prefer applicants with higher GPAs and strong performance in science courses.
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is often required for admission into PA programs, although some schools may waive this requirement for applicants with strong academic records. The average GRE scores for successful applicants are usually around 300 for the verbal reasoning section, 146 for the quantitative reasoning section, and 3.5 for the analytical writing assessment.
Applicants should also have relevant healthcare experience, which can include clinical work, research, or volunteer positions. This experience not only strengthens an application but also provides valuable skills and knowledge that can benefit students during their PA education and future careers.
It’s important to note that individual PA programs may have different requirements and preferences regarding academic qualifications. Prospective students should research specific programs to determine their exact prerequisites.
Authoritative References Used:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) - https://www.aapa.org/
Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) - https://www.apaedu.org/
National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) - https://www.nccpa.net/
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Rija Niazi
15
Answers
Holyoke
Updated
Rija’s Answer
Hello Griffin!
You will need to complete a bachelors degree, in which you can major in anything, as long as you have the prerequisites done. Prerequisites may include biology 1 &2, anatomy and physiology 1&2, general chemistry 1&2, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and/or microbiology. It is best to speak with your college advisor as well because it depends on each of the programs which prerequisites are needed. You will need to have a 3.0 GPA, as that is the minimum but the higher the GPA, the better chance of getting into PA school, just as Matt mentioned above. On top of that, you will need patient care hours, where you will have hands-on experience. Some examples are Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant. Medical Scribe, etc. You will need around 500-2000, but that also depends on each program. Same as GPA, the more hours you have, the better. Good luck! :)
You will need to complete a bachelors degree, in which you can major in anything, as long as you have the prerequisites done. Prerequisites may include biology 1 &2, anatomy and physiology 1&2, general chemistry 1&2, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics and/or microbiology. It is best to speak with your college advisor as well because it depends on each of the programs which prerequisites are needed. You will need to have a 3.0 GPA, as that is the minimum but the higher the GPA, the better chance of getting into PA school, just as Matt mentioned above. On top of that, you will need patient care hours, where you will have hands-on experience. Some examples are Medical Assistant, Certified Nurse Assistant. Medical Scribe, etc. You will need around 500-2000, but that also depends on each program. Same as GPA, the more hours you have, the better. Good luck! :)
Marissa Montilva
Logistics
4
Answers
Dayton, Ohio
Updated
Marissa’s Answer
It is recommended to have B’s and A’s in the required perquisites recommended for the programs your interested in. You can also express in your statement or interview why you retook a class that had a lower grade if you get a C or below.
John Paul
Physician Assistant
1
Answer
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
To be competitive, a 3.5 Science GPA is recommended.
Matt Goetzfried
4
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hey Griffin,
becoming a PA is a great career choice! as a general overview, you will have to complete a bachelors degree and then apply to PA school.
The PA school will really be looking at how you perform in your college courses. they will likjely look at your overall GPA but your Core classes related to becoming a PA may hold more weight.
Applying and getting admitted to PA school can be competitive so the higher your grades, the better likelihood.
Most PA programs may have a minimum GPA requirement (from your bachelors program). The GPA requirment may vary but a 3.0 is a common minimum threshold.
Hope this helps
Matt
becoming a PA is a great career choice! as a general overview, you will have to complete a bachelors degree and then apply to PA school.
The PA school will really be looking at how you perform in your college courses. they will likjely look at your overall GPA but your Core classes related to becoming a PA may hold more weight.
Applying and getting admitted to PA school can be competitive so the higher your grades, the better likelihood.
Most PA programs may have a minimum GPA requirement (from your bachelors program). The GPA requirment may vary but a 3.0 is a common minimum threshold.
Hope this helps
Matt