Physician Assistant Prerequisite Information

Getting in to the Physician Assistant Graduate Program

Admission to the Springfield College Physician Assistant Graduate Program is highly competitive, and a limited number of seats is available. To be considered for one of these positions, a candidate must have completed the following;

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
GPA requirements:
- A overall cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
- A prerequisite (science/math) GPA of at least 3.0.
Prerequisite course requirements:

a. The following prerequisite courses must have been successfully completed and hold a grade of C+ or higher:

General Chemistry I and II with labs (eight credits)
Biology I and II* with labs (eight credits) *will accept other advanced biology courses (200 level or higher) in place of biology II
Pre-Calculus (three credits) or higher level Math course

b. The following prerequisite courses must have been successfully completed within the last 10 years, and hold a grade of C+ or higher:

Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs (eight credits)
Microbiology (three credits)
Organic Chemistry I with lab (four credits)
Biochemistry (three credits)
Statistics (three credits)

Technical Standards

Adherence to the Technical Standards is required for admission.

Healthcare Experience (HCE) and PA Shadowing Requirements:

The Springfield College PA Program requires applicants to have completed a minimum of 500 hours of healthcare experience (HCE), at least 30 of these hours must be shadowing a PA.

By gaining experience in a healthcare setting, applicants have an enhanced understanding of what a career in medicine involves and can make a more informed decision about entering this profession. Experiences that involve meaningful interaction with patients as well as direct patient care are preferred. This work may be paid or unpaid.

Note: Documentation from your supervisor/person you shadowed, signed on letterhead, describing your role in patient care and the number of hours completed should be included in your application stating how many hours you were present. You should not shadow/work for a first-degree relative.

If you have any questions please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at (413) 748-3225.

Candidates for the undergraduate program are high school students or an undergraduate student from another institution who has not completed their bachelor’s degree. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (413) 748-3136.