Physician Assistant Studies

OLDPrerequisite coursework

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to beginning the program. Students may apply to the program with some outstanding prerequisites if they have a plan to complete these courses prior to starting classes in the program. Once completed, applicants must forward an official transcript documenting successful completion of these courses and their degree.

The program does not have a "statute of limitations" on prerequisite courses, courses taken years previously will be accepted. However, due to the rigor of the program, an applicant's current (within the last 4 years) academic aptitude is considered. It may be advantageous to demonstrate recent completion of some courses.

While some junior/community college courses may meet prerequisite requirements, the competitive nature of the admission process suggests an advantage to prerequisite completion at a baccalaureate institution. Biochemistry must be completed at a four year institution.

Prereq Expandable

Human Anatomy (1 semester) AND Human Physiology (1 semester)
- 200 level or above
OR Human Anatomy & Physiology (2 semester sequence)
- 200 level or above

Human Anatomy & Physiology courses are strongly preferred. The program will accept Mammalian or Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology (an emphasis on the human species is helpful) when Human Anatomy & Physiology is not available. The admission process is competitive, and the program's professional curriculum includes graduate level human anatomy & physiology.
UWL courses: BIO 312 & 313

Microbiology (1 semester)
- 200 level or above

UWL course: MIC 230

General or Introductory Chemistry (two semester sequence)

UWL courses: CHM 103 or 104

Organic Chemistry (1 semester)
- 200 level or above

This is a minimum requirement, a two semester sequence (Organic Chemistry I & II) or a survey course is preferred.
UWL courses: CHM 300 or CHM 303 or 304

Biochemistry (1 semester)
- 300 level or above (must be completed at a four year institution)

Molecular Biology or Cellular Biology (300 level or above) are acceptable alternatives. UWL courses: CHM 325 or CHM 417 & 418 or BIO 435 or BIO 315

Precalculus or Calculus (1 semester)

College Algebra AND Trigonometry may serve as an acceptable alternative but often require two semesters of study. UWL courses: MTH 151 or MTH 207

Statistics (1 semester)

Biometry/Biostatistics and Research Methods courses often serve as acceptable substitutes. UWL courses: STAT 145

General, Introductory, Developmental or Abnormal Psychology (1 semester minimum)

UWL courses: PSY 100, 204, 210, 212, 304, 310, 311, or 312

At least two of the required Biology courses (A&P and Microbiology) must include a lab.

At least two of the required Chemistry courses must include a lab. Applicants are encouraged to complete at least one Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry lab.

The program accepts Advanced Placement (AP) credit, provided the official transcript from the undergrad institution lists the credits/courses for which AP credit was granted. For example, if a student received credit for their AP Stats performance their transcript should list a Stats course for which they "tested out"; such as UWL's STAT 145. An AP exam score alone is insufficient. The undergrad school must grant credit for an acceptable equivalent college course based on the exam results. It is these credits listed on the official transcript which we evaluate and apply toward prereq course requirements.

The following tables list equivalent courses offered by many Midwest institutions:

Please email Pete Amann (pamann@uwlax.edu) with questions regarding prereq coursework. Please include the school at which the course was completed, the course number, and a course description in your email.

Transfer Credits:

Transfer credits from other PA programs are not accepted. Due to the tight sequencing and integration of the curriculum we do not accept didactic or clinical credits from other institutions. All students, regardless of their prior background and education, must complete the entire PA curriculum at UWL.

We do not routinely accept transfer students from medical schools. If a medical student would like to attend our program they need to apply just like all of the other applicants, through CASPA, as well as submit our supplemental materials and GRE results. We do not accept MCAT scores as a substitute for GRE results. These individuals need to provide a rationale and justification for their admission. The program does not grant advanced placement to any student, regardless of their background. If accepted, these students are required to complete the entire curriculum, regardless of background and experience.

Advanced Placement:

The program does not grant advanced placement to any student. If accepted, these students are required to complete the entire curriculum, regardless of background, education and experience.