Physician associate/assistant (PA) programs welcome students from all academic majors, but applicants must complete prerequisite coursework before matriculation. Unlike many other health professions, prerequisite requirements for PA programs can vary significantly from one institution to another.
The table below outlines common prerequisite courses for many PA programs and the corresponding NIU course(s).
PA program prerequisites vary considerably. Some programs require organic chemistry, while others accept biochemistry or additional biology coursework instead. Required healthcare experience, standardized testing and prerequisite courses also vary by program. Students should always review the admission requirements for each PA program they plan to apply to and meet regularly with the Pre-health Professions Program to develop an individualized academic plan.
| Requirement | NIU Course(s) | Required by Most Programs |
|---|---|---|
| General Biology I | BIOS 208/210 | Yes |
| General Biology II | BIOS 209/211 | Yes |
| General Chemistry I | CHEM 210/212 | Yes |
| General Chemistry II | CHEM 211/213 | Frequently |
| Organic Chemistry I | CHEM 330/332 or CHEM 336/338 | Some programs |
| Biochemistry | CHEM 470 | Some programs |
| Human Anatomy | BIOS 311 | Yes |
| Human Physiology | BIOS 355 | Yes |
| Microbiology | BIOS 313 | Yes |
| Statistics | STAT 200 | Frequently |
| Psychology | PSYC 102 | Frequently |
| Medical Terminology | Varies by institution | Frequently |
Standardized testing requirements vary by PA program. Some programs require the GRE or PA-CAT, while others do not require a standardized admission test. Students should verify the current testing requirements for each program they are considering.
While not required by every PA program, these courses strengthen your preparation for PA school and help develop a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences.
| NIU Course | Why Take It? |
|---|---|
| BIOS 302 - Cell and Molecular Biology | Reinforces foundational biological concepts relevant to PA education |
| BIOS 311 - Functional Human Anatomy | Provides an in-depth understanding of human anatomy and is excellent preparation for PA coursework |
| BIOS 355 - Human Physiology | Builds a strong understanding of normal body function and organ systems |
| BIOS 308 - Genetics | Strengthens knowledge of inherited disease and modern medicine |
| BIOS 313 - Microbiology | Frequently required and valuable for infectious disease concepts |
| CHEM 472 - Biological Chemistry II | Beneficial for students seeking additional preparation in advanced biochemistry |
This timeline combines recommendations from the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), and the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and has been adapted for NIU students. Individual timelines may vary depending on academic preparation and whether you plan to take one or more gap years.
| Timeline | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| First year | Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program. Begin biology and chemistry coursework (if placement allows). Develop strong study habits. Join a pre-health student organization. Begin volunteering or community service. Explore the PA profession through shadowing and healthcare experiences. |
| Second year | Continue prerequisite coursework based on your individualized academic plan. Begin accumulating direct patient care experience through employment or volunteer opportunities such as CNA, EMT, medical assistant, patient care technician, phlebotomist or similar patient-facing roles. Continue shadowing physician associates and researching PA programs. |
| Third year | Complete most prerequisite coursework. Continue building direct patient care hours, leadership, research and community service. Develop relationships with faculty and healthcare professionals for letters of recommendation. Begin drafting your personal statement and researching PA programs. |
| Spring of application year | Finalize your school list. Request official transcripts. Complete your personal statement and prepare your CASPA application. Meet with the Pre-health Professions Program to review your application before submission. |
| April–May | CASPA typically opens in late April. Submit your application as early as possible after the application cycle opens. Early submission improves the likelihood that your application will be reviewed early in the admissions cycle. |
| Summer–Fall | Complete supplemental applications, if required. Continue gaining direct patient care experience while your application is under review. |
| Fall–Spring | Participate in PA program interviews. Maintain strong academic performance. Complete your bachelor's degree and prepare for matriculation. |
| Gap year (optional) | Many successful applicants take one or more gap years to gain additional direct patient care experience, strengthen academics, or improve their competitiveness before applying. Continue working closely with the Pre-health Professions Program to prepare for a future application cycle. |
Direct patient care experience is an important component of many competitive PA school applications. Requirements vary significantly by program, with some programs requiring a specific number of patient care hours and others recommending or considering healthcare experience. Students should review the requirements for each program they are considering and begin gaining meaningful patient care experience early when possible.
The following organizations provide reliable information about physician associate education, admissions, certification and careers.
Pre-health Professions Program
prehealth@niu.edu