Research medical schools of interest. Make a list of each medical school's admission requirements.
Complete all relevant coursework, regardless of major, with 3.0 or better. Medical schools require one year of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and calculus. Additional coursework in biochemistry and microbiology is advisable.
Begin the admission process by registering with the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The online application allows first-year applicants to submit one set of materials to multiple medical schools. While most medical schools in the U.S. participate in AMCAS, a separate application must be completed for those schools that do not.
Secure at least three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be from college professors, co-workers, or supervisors who can confidently describe your work ethic, personal attributes and potential.
Register for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized test offered 28 times a year nationwide. The purpose of the test is to assess your basic scientific knowledge, writing skills, and verbal reasoning.
Write a personal statement, which describes your motivation for pursuing medicine and any experiences that have influenced your education or career path. Highlight any unique attributes or abilities.
Volunteer or intern at a hospital or clinic to improve your chances of admittance and to gain first-hand experience in the field.
Prepare for an interview with the admissions department if you are invited.
Research physician assistant programs of interest. Make a list of each program's admission requirements.
Complete all relevant coursework, regardless of major, with a 3.0 or better. Prerequisite courses often include one year of chemistry and organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and statistics.
Begin the admission process by registering with the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). The online application allows first-year applicants to apply to multiple programs with one application. While many physician assistant programs participate in CASPA, a separate application must be completed for those schools that do not.
Secure at least three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation should be from college professors, co-workers, or supervisors who can confidently describe your work ethic, personal attributes, and potential.
Register for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) if the program you are applying to requires it. The GRE is a standardized test designed to assess your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Write a personal statement, which describes your motivation for pursuing a career as a physician assistant. Statements, if required, should be concise and well-written. Highlight unique attributes and abilities.
Complete between 1,000 and 3,000 hours of direct patient care experience by the application deadline. The number of hours of health care experience required varies by institution.