Pre-Physician Assistant
Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Admissions Pathway
A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works under the supervision of a physician to provide a wide range of healthcare services. Their responsibilities include conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, developing treatment plans, prescribing medications, and performing procedures. PAs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and they play a crucial role in enhancing patient care by extending the reach of physicians and ensuring timely and effective medical attention.
Journey to Physician Assistant Studies
Schreiner University does not offer an MPAS degree. However, students can complete their prerequisite coursework for Physician Assistant (PA) school through the completion of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant Track) from Schreiner University. Other degrees are possible as long as the PA school prerequisites are met. Students are encouraged to research the specific requirements of PA schools of interest by visiting their websites for information on admission requirements.
| Texas PA School Coursework Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology (8 hours) | BIOL 2301, BIOL 2101, BIOL 2302, BIOL 2102 |
| Genetics (4 hours) | BIOL 2305, BIOL 2105 |
| Chemistry (8 hours) | CHEM 1301, CHEM 1101, CHEM 1302, CHEM 1102 |
| Organic Chemistry (8 hours) | CHEM 2311, CHEM 2111, CHEM 2312, CHEM 2112 |
| English (3 hours) | ENG 1301 |
| Microbiology (4 hours) | BIOL 3314, BIOL 3114 |
| Statistics (3 hours) | MATH 2330 |
| Psychology (3 hours) | PSYC 1301 |
| Sociology (3 hours) | SOCI 1301 |
Pre-physician assistant students should maintain a comprehensive log of their healthcare experiences and volunteering opportunities throughout their undergraduate studies. This documentation will be invaluable when applying to PA school, as it showcases commitment to the field, hands-on experience, and dedication to serving others.
Pre-PA students traditionally take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) in the spring or summer of their junior year prior to applying to PA schools. PA schools also accept the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in lieu of the GRE.
Applications for PA school are usually submitted in the summer between junior and senior year, around June, through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). PA schools may require supplemental applications for their specific program.
Application Success Tools
Resource Links
- Explore Health Careers
- Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) Program Directory
- American Academy of PAs (AAPA)
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Texas PA Schools
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Hardin Simmons University
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Southwestern School of Health Professions
- University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth
- University of Texas HS Center at San Antonio
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- University of Mary Hardin Baylor
- South University, Austin
- Franklin Pierce University- Texas
- Austin College
