Pre-PA

Pre-Physician Assistant at CMU, FAQs
Your best preparation for PA school is a major in Biology!

1. Who is the advisor for pre-PA students?

Dr. Phil Hertzler in BR 179 is the advisor for Biology Majors only. For other majors, please see the appropriate advisor in your major department for more information. There are information sessions scheduled by the CMU PA program in 133 Foust Hall. Call 774-2479 for dates and times.

2. Do I have to be a Biology major to get into the PA program?

No. As long as you have satisfied the PA program prerequisites you do not have to have a Biology major. However, because many Biology courses as prerequisites, many students do major in Biology. Keep in mind that if you sign a Biology major, you will be following the Pre-professional/Pre-graduate option in the catalogue. Also be aware that when given a choice between an HPR course and a BIO course, BIO majors should choose the BIO option. HPR courses do not count toward a BIO major. Students interested in HPR and BIO courses should examine requirements for each.

3. What are the PA program prerequisites? BIO majors should select the options in Boldface.

BIO 337 or HPR 214 (Anatomy)

BIO 392 or HPR 215 (Physiology)
HPR 411 (Pathophysiology) - No BIO option, does not count toward BIO major. Requires HPR 211 as prerequisite.
CHM 120 and 127 OR CHM 131 and 132 (Introductory Chemistry)
CHM 342 OR CHM 345, CHM 346, and CHM 349 (Organic Chemistry)
CHM 421 OR CHM 425 OR CHM 521 AND CHM 522 (Biochemistry) - CHM 521/522 series strongly recommended.

PSY 100 (Introductory Psychology), PSY 220 (Developmental Psychology)
HPR 544 OR BIO 500 (Biostatistics)

BIO 208 is strongly recommended by the pre-PA program and required for a Biology major.

If you are going to apply to PA programs other than the one at CMU, you should obtain the most recent information available regarding program requirements. Many programs outside of CMU require a course in general nutrition.

4. Where can I find more information regarding PA programs?

In Foust Hall there are additional printed materials available. For an application, contact the College of Graduate Studies (517) 774-GRAD or GRAD@cmich.edu. There are information packets available outside of BR 179 (Dr. Hertzler's office). General information about the profession is available through the American Academy of Physician Assistants at (703) 836-2272 or by mail at AAPA, 950 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1552 or on the web at www.aapa.org. The AAPA also has information available regarding financial aid and scholarships.

Please pick up the packet "CMU PA Program Applicant Information" for answers to many of your questions, available outside BR 179 or in Foust Hall.