If I want to become a physician assistant, should I major in biochemistry or biology?
I would like to attend a graduate school with enough experience so that i can become a PA.
#medicine #physician-assistant #hospital-and-health-care
6 answers
Richard’s Answer
Siddhartha’s Answer
While there's no definitive "right" major for PA school, each program typically has specific prerequisites for their applicants. Essentially, you can select any major and still qualify for PA school, provided you've fulfilled the necessary credits. These usually include Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Statistics, among others.
If you're interested in an undergraduate degree that will give you an edge in PA school, consider a related major with a minor in science courses. Some of the most popular majors among pre-PA students include Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, and Health Sciences.
Remember, it's not just about qualifying for PA school, but doing so efficiently. Many undergraduate courses overlap with those required by PA schools. For instance, taking courses like biology and anatomy in a science major can satisfy these prerequisites for your PA school application.
Here's a list of the most frequently required prerequisites by PA schools:
- Anatomy (required by 94% of PA schools)
- General Chemistry (required by 84% of PA schools)
- Physiology (required by 83% of PA schools)
- Microbiology (required by 80% of PA schools)
- Statistics (required by 74% of PA schools)
- General Psychology (required by 61% of PA schools)
I hope this information is beneficial for you!
Hwal’s Answer
Jasminne,
As Sandhya said, you can major in either, although only if your choices come down to just these two majors, because you can major in anything in undergrad to apply to PA schools as long as you meet each program's admission requirements.
Good luck!
Hwal
Sandhya’s Answer
Hi Jasminne! The short answer is either one. It depends on which PA school(s) you apply to. Most PA programs require Biology 1 and 2, Chemistry 1 and 2, Anatomy 1 and 2, Physiology 1 and 2 and Microbiology (all with the lab course), So check what your PA programs requires and then go from there. This site might help...
https://www.thepalife.com/pa-program-picker/
Good luck!
Sandhya recommends the following next steps:
Estelle’s Answer
Nurdan’s Answer
A comprehensive Biology (Zoology) program should be able to provide you the necessary background. Biochemistry is a branch of Biology, and will not be sufficient alone to knowledge you with e.g. human physiology.