Interested in Pre-Physician Assistant?

Please see one of our pre-health advisors to further explore a major that best fits your academic strengths and future career goals.

About Pre-Physician Assistant at UNT

The UNT Office of Health Professions provides direction and resources to students interested in becoming a Physician Assistant. Though under the supervision of physicians, PAs are licensed to practice medicine, and as a result, their contribution promotes affordability and accessibility in the health care community (NCCPA, 2015). As a pre-PA student, you may select any major, providing that you complete the prerequisite coursework required by each PA school.

The journey to PA school is quite rigorous, and it's imperative that you prove to the schools' admission boards that you are capable of success in their programs. In addition to high grades and entrance exam scores, PA schools will evaluate both your volunteer and shadowing experience*. All areas are equally important in a holistic assessment of the candidate.

*Volunteering: PA schools are looking for students who have volunteered in their community. Though not required, it's best if you volunteer in the medical field, where you are helping people.

*Shadowing: To be considered a competitive candidate, students need to shadow a Physician Assistant, not a Physician or another health care practitioner. Several hours of shadowing will display an understanding and commitment to such profession. In addition to shadowing, it is strongly encouraged that you get some direct-patient contact experience. This can be accomplished with a job in healthcare. Examples include: Phlebotomist, EMT, CNA, Medical Assistant, Scribing, etc. See your advisor for more information.