Admission Requirements  

Admission Requirements  

Admission requirements include:

  • A minimum of an earned bachelor’s or higher degree
  • Degree and prerequisite coursework from a US regionally accredited institution(s)
  • A minimum average GPA of 3.0 in all college level science courses
  • A maximum of 10 credits of prerequisite courses not yet completed at the time of application
  • At least 40 credits of science courses completed at the time of application
  • Minimum of 9 credits of science courses completed in the last five years
  • A minimum of 500 hours of direct patient care with no more than 20 hours of shadowing experience counted toward the 500 hours. Both volunteer and paid experiences are acceptable
  • Submission of GRE scores at the time of application to the program 

Prerequisite Coursework

  • Two courses in chemistry (such as general, inorganic, organic, or biochemistry)
  • One course in anatomy AND one course in physiology OR two sequential combined anatomy and physiology courses (assuring that all body systems have been covered)
  • One course in statistics (e.g., biostatistics, educational stats, general stats, finance stats)
  • One course in microbiology
  • One hands-on science lab course (NOT online)
  • Two upper division biological sciences courses (level 300 or above).

Other recommended coursework  

College level courses (not survey courses) in:

    • Biochemistry
    • Immunology
    • Organic chemistry
    • Genetics
    • Psychology (Abnormal, Developmental, Personality or Social) 

Applicants who have completed a minimum of 50 hours of science credits will be the most competitive.

Preference factors 

The university publishes a non-discriminatory policy in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972 and consistent with federal and state statutes, rules and regulations.

Additionally, in accordance with the PA program mission and goals, the program will give preference to applicants who indicate a high potential for remaining in the state of Arizona to work following graduation and licensure. 

Advanced placement

The Northern Arizona University PA Program does not grant advanced placement for any students.

If you have any questions, or you wish to receive e-mail updates, send your request to PAprog@nau.edu. We look forward to hearing from you