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Physician Assistant School Recommended Courses

Pre-physician assistant course recommendations from your health professions advisors:

First, you can major in anything; you should pick something you are passionate about. By taking courses you love, you will earn better grades, and this will improve your application.

There is substantially more variability between schools in the requirements for physician assistant programs than there is for many other health professions. Once you have some schools of interest, you must research those schools to avoid missed classes. Some general guidelines are given below to help you get started on your path. Please keep in mind that most of the courses listed below have prerequisites. Given the complexity in planning for this profession, you are encouraged to consult with the pre-physician assistant advisor as soon as possible.

The following courses are required by almost all physician assistant programs:

  • BIOL 230 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I)
  • BIOL 235 (Microbiology)
  • BIOL 260 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II)
  • CHEM 111 (General Chemistry I)
  • INQ 240 (Statistical Reasoning)

The following courses are required at many physician assistant programs

  • BIOL 210 (Cell Biology)
  • BIOL 315 (Genetics)
  • BIOL 370 (Immunology)
  • CHEM 221 (Organic Chemistry)
  • CHEM 341 (Biochemistry)
  • Medical Terminology (Not offered at Roanoke College. Click here for local suggestions on where you can get this course)
  • PSYC 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
  • An advanced psychology course such as PSYC 221 (Developmental Psychology) or Psych 381 (Abnormal Psychology). Some programs are very specific in their topic requirements for the advanced psychology class, so make sure to check your schools of interest.

Other recommended courses in preparation for physician assistant school

  • BIOL 305 (Principles of Physiology)
  • BIOL 390 (Advanced Cell Biology)
  • BIOL 400 (Molecular Biology)
  • BIOL 420 (Developmental Biology)
  • CHEM 222 (Organic Chemistry II)
  • CHEM 340 (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)
  • CHEM 342 (Biochemistry II)
  • SOCI 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
  • SOCI 223 (Ethics and Medicine)
  • SOCI 323 (Health, Illness and Healing)>