Best College Majors for Getting Into PA School
If you’re thinking about a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), you might be wondering: “What should I major in to get there?” The good news? There’s no one right answer.
PA programs are looking for well-rounded applicants with strong academic preparation, relevant experience, and a clear passion for patient care—but they do not require a specific undergraduate major. While many students choose majors like Biology or Health Sciences, that’s far from your only option.
In fact, choosing a major that genuinely interests you can give you an edge—both in your GPA and in your application story. Here are a few directions you might consider:
🔬 Biology or Chemistry
Classic choices that align naturally with PA program prerequisites. They provide a solid scientific foundation and often include research or lab experiences.
🧬 Neuroscience or Genetics
These more specialized science majors cover core requirements and deepen your understanding of how the body works—excellent prep for clinical reasoning.
🩺 Nursing
A hands-on major geared toward patient care. Nursing gives you real clinical experience, which PA programs value highly, along with most prerequisite courses built in.
🧰 Health Sciences (Pre‑PA Track)
An interdisciplinary major designed for pre-PA students, covering anatomy, physiology, healthcare ethics, and delivery systems—plus required science prereqs. Mercy University and Quinnipiac University, among others, offer strong Health Sciences–Pre‑PA programs. (Mercy University, The Physician Assistant Life)
🏃♂️ Kinesiology or Exercise Science
These majors focus on human movement and physiology, often incorporating anatomy and biomechanics. Ideal for students interested in orthopedics, sports medicine, or physical therapy roles within PA practice.
🧪 Medical Diagnostics or Clinical Lab Science
Offered at schools like the University of Delaware, this major centers on the science of diagnosing disease—focusing on pathology, hematology, and microbiology—while covering many PA prerequisites. (University of Delaware)
🚑 Emergency Medicine (University of Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh is one of the few schools offering a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medicine, which doubles as a paramedic training AND pre-PA preparation. Students complete over 540 hours in clinical placements, hands-on EMS experience, and courses like patient assessment, pharmacology, and critical care—many of which map directly to PA school needs. (Pitt SHRS)
🧭 Why No Single “Best Major” Exists
What matters most to PA admissions committees is:
✅ Completing the required science prerequisites,
✅ Showing academic strength (strong GPA),
✅ Gaining meaningful healthcare experience (e.g. shadowing, EMT, scribing),
✅ And crafting a compelling, authentic story in your application.
Choose a major you can succeed in—because better GPA + passion = stronger application.