Students should consult early and frequently with Dr. Cauthen in addition to their primary advisors for their majors. The pre-PA student should select a major as soon as possible and seek the B.S. degree.  PA programs require completion of a baccalaureate degree.

The student should be familiar with the requirements of the several PA programs to which he or she plans to apply.  Dr. Cauthen has a table of requirements for PA schools in Georgia that is available upon request. Requirements vary significantly in the various PA programs, but the common requirements of most PA programs are: 

Every applicant must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), preferably 4 to 6 months preceding the submission of his or her application to PA programs. Students should take General Chemistry (CHEM 1101-1102) and Principles of Biology (BIOL 1107 and 1108 with lab) as a first- or second-year student. Either General Chemistry or Principles of Biology should be taken in the first-year to stay on track for timely graduation. PA programs also expect extensive direct/hands-on patient care experience (not shadowing). Students should begin acquiring this experience early and keep records of dates, duration and types of experience for their applications. Consult your advisor for suggestions on how to gain this type of experience.

Access accredited Physician Assistant to find programs of interest and their requirements.