2 Routes: Become a PAEveryone's pathway is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
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OSU Bachelor's + PA School
OSU bachelor's degree then attend master's level degree PA program at OSU's Center for Health Sciences or other PA program.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses* for an accredited PA master's program.
- Apply to an accredited PA program. If accepted, begin your master's level degree PA professional program.
- Following your PA program you will be eligible to sit for national board exam and obtain state licensure to begin practicing as a PA.
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OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + PA School
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as a PA school applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses* for an accredited PA master's program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a "gap/enhancement year?" Explore 6 Steps to Become a PA from American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
- When holistically ready, apply to an accredited PA program. If accepted, begin your professional PA program.
- Following your PA program you will be eligible to sit for national board exam and obtain state licensure to begin practicing as a PA.
*You may opt to complete OSU's certificate in pre-medical sciences, designed to assist in your completion of prerequisite coursework. This a stand alone certificate, not a bachelor's degree or minor. Completion of the certificate, alone, will not automatically make a you more competitive for your particular program of choice.