Pre-Physicians Assistant Track
GENERAL
What is a Physician's Assistant?
A Physician's Assistant is a health care provider who works directly with a physician. PAs are supervised by physicians as they collaboratively work together. As a PA, it is very easy to switch to different specialties as the profession is very flexible. This can easily be done without additional schooling because PAs often receive on-site training for every specialty they choose. The field is still fairly new and the starting salary continues to increase over time. Just over 15 years, the average salary has risen by about $30,000. The overall process of becoming a PA can take about 6-7 years of higher education. Overall, this profession has been shown to be rewarding in many aspects.
SIMMONS REQUIREMENTS FOR PRE-PA
What majors line up best?
Biology fits in perfectly with the Pre-PA track. Some of the courses required for the PA track also count towards the Biology major requirements. Though when looking at the overall pre-requisites for PA school, that is only 44 credits. That leaves students with 84 credits left needed to graduate.
With so many credits left, the possibilities are endless when it comes to picking a major. On the other hand, it may help to major in a science to gain more exposure prior to PA school, but it is entirely based on preference.
EXAMINATIONS
What exam do you need to take in order to apply to PA school?
PA schools require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is a 3 hour and 45 minute test which focuses on analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. The test costs $205 and most PA schools require a minimum score of 300.
Are there test exempt schools? If so, which ones?
If students do not reach a 300 score or have a lower score that does not meet the requirement for the school they want to apply to, it is not over. Luckily, there are test exempt schools, meaning they do not require the GRE. This is the link for the test exempt schools:
How often is it administered?
According to the GRE site, "The computer-delivered GRE General Test is offered year-round at Prometric test centers, and also on specific dates at additional testing locations outside of the Prometric test center network. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first served basis."
Can you take this exam multiple times?
According to the GRE site, "You can take the computer-delivered GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days). This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously. You may take the paper-delivered GRE General Test as often as it is administered."
How much does it cost to send test scores?
After taking the GRE, you are allowed to send the scores to 4 schools for free. After that, it costs $27 to send the scores to each school.
ADMISSIONS
What is the general timeline?
It is a good idea to start the process at least a year before the starting date of the school that is being applied to. After submitting the application about 3 months later there is an interview, 3 months later there is a second interview. After the second interview, if accepted into the program, it starts about 6 months later. So, the overall process takes at least 6 months-1 year.
Are there Committee Letters needed to apply?
PA schools are not very concerned with Committee Letters. It is rare for them to ask, but always double check just to be sure.
Is it rolling admissions?
Rolling admissions means that the schools are accepting students as they look at their applications. Some schools use rolling admissions and it is in the best interest of the applicant. The earlier the application is received, the faster they get a response.
USEFUL RESOURCES
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
Patient Care Experience and Health Care Experience
Most PA schools require both PCE and HCE. Not only does it look great on your application, but it shows that the applicant has experience and understands the healthcare field.
PCE is anything that involves direct care to the patient, it can be achieved through many entry level roles such as CNA, EMT, MA, phlebotomist, dental assistant, patient care technician, and physical therapy aide.
HCE on the other hand is anything done in healthcare that falls outside the realm of direct patient care. These tasks include clerical work, volunteering at a hospital, filling prescriptions/passing medications, delivering patient meals, stocking supplies, record keeping, or working as a medical scribe.
Shadowing
Though is it not required by every school, shadowing is highly recommended. It shows the applicant's passion and desire to understand the PA profession. In addition, it is helpful to submit a letter of recommendation from a PA who can speak to your experiences and knowledge of the healthcare field.
PA School Profiles
GREATER BOSTON AREA
Bay Path University
Overall GPA: 3.0 Pre-req GPA: C or higher Average Test Score: GRE is NOT required
Tuition as of 2019-2020: $108,000 tuition and fees for 24 month program
Boston University
Acceptance Rate: 14% Pre-req GPA: Above 3.0 Science GPA: Above 3.0
Average Test Score: Above 50th Percentile Tuition as of 2019-2020: $186,818 tuition and fees for 36 month program
MCPHS (BOSTON)
Overall GPA: 3.2 Pre-req GPA: 3.2 Science GPA: 3.2 Average Test Score: GRE NOT needed
Tuition as of 2019-2020: Pre-professional phase: $31,600 (per combined fall and spring semesters) / Professional Year Rate (4th year): $37,200 (per combined fall and spring semesters)
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Overall GPA: 3.0 or above Pre-req GPA: Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry course with a grade of B- (2.7) or higher Science GPA: 3.0 or above Test: MCAT accepted in place of GRE
Tuition as of 2019-2020: $113,175 tuition and fees for 24 month program
Northeastern University
Overall GPA: 3.0 Pre-req GPA: 3.0 Science GPA: 3.0 Average Test Score: GRE NOT required
Tuition as of 2019-2020: $97,824 tuition and fees for 24 month program
Springfield College
Overall GPA: 3.0 Pre-req GPA: 2.3 (C+) Science GPA: 3.0 Average Test Score: GRE NOT required Tuition as of 2019-2020: $129,049.40 tuition and fees for 27 month program
Tufts University
Overall GPA: 3.2 Pre-req GPA: 3.2 Science GPA: 3.2 Test: MCAT accepted in place of GRE
Tuition as of 2019-2020: $95,004 tuition and fees for 24 month program
Westfield State University
Overall GPA: 3.0 Pre-req GPA: 3.0 Science GPA: 3.0 Average Test Score: GRE NOT required
Tuition as of 2019-2020: $83,400 tuition and fees for 24 month program
TOP 5 PA SCHOOLS IN THE US AS OF 2019
1. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC General Timeline: 24 months Requirements match with Simmons
2. University of Iowa
Location: Iowa City, IA General Timeline: 28 months Requirements match with Simmons
3. Baylor College of Medicine
Location: Houston, TX Average Test Score: 297 General Timeline: 28 months Requirements match with Simmons
4. University of Utah
Location: Salt Lake City, UT Average Test Scores: Not required General Timeline: 27 months
Requirements match with Simmons
5. Emory University
Location: Atlanta, GA General Timeline: 28 months Requirements match with Simmons
PA SCHOOL IN THE MIDWEST
Des Moines University
Location: Des Moines, Iowa General Timeline: 24 months Requirements match with Simmons
PA SCHOOL IN THE SOUTHWEST
Samuel Merritt University
Location: Oakland, CA Average Test Scores: Not required General Timeline: 27 months
Requirements match with Simmons
PA SCHOOL IN THE SOUTH
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Location: Midland, TX General Timeline: 30 months Requirements match with Simmons
