Interested in the field of medicine and want to help people? Learn more about Physician's Assistant training available at Willamette University.
PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT PROGRAM - General prerequisites:
- Biology with lab - This requirement can be fulfilled through a combination of the following courses: general bio, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics. The courses can be non-sequential, as long as the minimum credit hours are met. Labs are highly recommended, but not required. Will accept AP or IB credit towards this requirement (AP or IB credit must show on transcript).
- Chemistry with lab - The chemistry requirement can be fulfilled through a combination of the following courses: general chem, inorganic chem, organic chem, biochem., etc. The courses can be non-sequential as long as the minimum credits are met. Labs are highly recommended, but not required. Will accept AP or IB credit towards this requirement (AP or IB credit must show on college transcript).
- Physics with lab
- Human anatomy and physiology with lab (2 semesters or 1 semester anatomy, 1 semester physiology) - Must be completed within 7 years of planned PA program matriculation. If the last anatomy/physiology with lab was taken over 7 years ago as of planned matriculation, then a refresher of at least 1 semester or 1 quarter course of A&P with a lab is required (refreshing the full A&P with lab sequence is preferred). Labs are required. Prefer in-person lecture and lab. Online A&P w/lab is not accepted. However, a hybrid course with online A&P lecture and an in-person lab will be acceptable. If applicant attended a WA state school, the program will accept the 2 quarters of 5 credits to meet the minimum
- Microbiology with lab (1 course) - The lab is required. Will NOT accept Bacteriology to meet requirement.
- General or Developmental Psychology - General Psychology, Human Development, Introduction to Psychology. Will accept AP or IB credit towards this requirement (must show on college transcript)
- Biostatistics or Statistics (one course) - Will accept courses offered through math, stats, bio, psych, or soc departments; business statistics will not be accepted. Will accept AP or IB credit towards this requirement (must show on college transcript).
Highly Recommended Courses
- 300-400 level (upper division) Biology and Chemistry courses
- Pharmacology
- Pathophysiology
- Immunology
- Other courses which may be beneficial to a future health care provider (e.g., epidemiology, medical terminology, etc.)
- Spanish language course(s)