At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and academic program of study. Pre-professional advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to physician assistant programs. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, pre-professional advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or UK Service and Community Engagement, that foster well-rounded physician assistant school applicants.
Each Physician Assistant (PA) School has different requirements for prerequisite courses. A curriculum based on chemistry, biology, and liberal arts is required.
*Please note that physician assistant (PA) school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements. Physician assistant schools have a variety of application processes, deadlines, and start dates. It is very important to research your schools early and determine your timeline.
The following courses are generally required for most physician assistant schools:
Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$130,020
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
148,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
39,300
new jobs (average)
Physician assistants work in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare settings. Most work full time.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreStudents planning to pursue a career path as a physician’s assistant should meet routinely with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center. Students can schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Stuckert Career Center through Handshake or by emailing UKCareerCenter@uky.edu.
At the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional programs are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and academic program of study. Successful physician assistant school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s physician assistant schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to meet with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center to explore their options and to ensure required coursework is completed.
Some PA programs require the GRE, but others do not. Students should research the schools they plan to apply to in order to determine their entrance exam requirements. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is administered throughout the year. It may be repeated, but the best strategy is to prepare thoroughly and take it once.
For more information on the GRE, please go to https://www.ets.org/gre.
The pre-physican assistant pathway provides guidance for students preparing to apply to any school. For specific details about the University of Kentucky's Physician Assistant program, visit the College of Health Sciences Admissions page.
Learn more about UK College of Health Sciences Admissions
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
859-257-2746
