Pre-Physician Assistant

Why choose pre-physician assistant at WSU?

• You will be adequately prepared for post-graduate studies in a pre-medical professional field.
   
• You will have resources such as facutly, staff and advisors who have years of experience in the medical field and can offer expert advice and insight.
  
  
• You will be getting involved in a field that is exciting and can make a difference to many individuals.
  

What do physician assistants do?

A physician assistant is a licensed health care provider who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. A PA is trained to perform physical exams, make a diagnosis, treat, teach preventative medicine, order tests and procedures, assist in surgery and write prescriptions. A PA works closely with a physician, but must be able to work alone and make decisions regarding patient care.

For more information, go to Career Services.

What are the graduate study requirments?

Different schools have slightly different requirements. Get information on specific schools so that you can match pre-requisites appropriately.

PAs are educated similar to a physician, but the program is generally 24-27 months in length which includes one year of classroom work and one year of rotations.  Upon completion of school they must take and pass a national exam given by the National Commission on Certification of PAs in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners to become certified and must maintain 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years to keep their certification along with passing a test every 6 years.

What will I learn in the program?

When you complete the rigorous study of pre-medicine you'll learn the principles of study as well as the necessary study habits to be ready for post-graduate studies.