Pre-Physician Assistant

Are you ready to offer solutions to the medical profession? As the practice of medicine shifts in America, the answer to overworked doctors, undertreated patients and a healthcare system that's bursting at the seams is you.

As a physician assistant (PA), you'll be equipped to treat patients and walk with them on the road to health and healing. And, you'll get to begin this important work much faster – and with fewer student loans – than the medical school and residency path. Plus, with the field expected to grow 31% by 2030, you can expect great job prospects upon graduation!

Equipped to Succeed

At George Fox, you'll be equipped to thrive in your undergraduate studies as you work closely with your professors and academic advisors to meet prerequisite admission requirements for physician assistant programs. And you'll benefit by learning at a university with our own physician assistant program. Our faculty are eager to see you succeed in your postgraduate studies!

George Fox undergraduate students who meet all requirements of the George Fox University PA program are guaranteed an interview for the program.

Our Community

You’ll benefit from our 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, which ensures you’ll receive the personalized attention you need to thrive. Your professors’ instruction and career planning advocates will prepare you to be a competitive candidate in a physician assistant program that’s right for you!

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with your peers by joining our student-run pre-health clubs.

Our Faith

Beyond preparing you academically, our professors will take a vested interest in you as a person – willing to listen as you discuss your hopes and dreams for your career, as well as your growth both personally and spiritually. They also teach science from a Christ-centered perspective, recognizing God as Creator, so you won’t be attending a school where science and Christianity are at odds.

Student with anatomical figure

What Will I Study?

These recommendations are for persons desiring to enter the physician assistant profession. Pre-PA students must have a sound background in science, which can be accomplished in many majors we offer, including biology, biochemistry, and biomedical engineering. Good communication skills are important, as is a broad general education in the social sciences and humanities.

Required Courses

Undergraduate courses that best meet prerequisite requirements for the George Fox PA program include:

  • One year of Anatomy/Physiology
  • One semester of General Biology with Lab
  • One semester Microbiology
  • One semester of other biology course (second term of General Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Histology, Immunology, Virology, Epidemiology, Biochemistry)
  • One semester General Chemistry with Lab
  • One semester of other chemistry course (second semester of General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry if not used for other biology)
  • One semester psychology (General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Psychology throughout the Lifespan)
  • One semester Statistics
  • Medical Terminology (not required, but recommended)

Note: AP credit or CLEP scores are not accepted by our program or most PA programs, including George Fox’s PA graduate program.

Joe with a clipboard talking to a patient

Joe Mohr

George Fox Graduate PA Student and 2017 Alumnus

George Fox prepared me for grad school by helping me grow spiritually, academically and socially. The faculty here really care about you and take the time to get to know you and help you grow as a person. Personal relationships with faculty and small class sizes really helped me excel academically and laid a strong foundation to succeed in grad school.

Not only is George Fox an exceptional academic institution, but the faith-based and service-driven aspect of the university drew me to pursue grad school here, [preparing me] to truly help people and make a difference in the world.