At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. 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 the Office of Community Engagement, that foster well-rounded physician assistant 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.
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 MorePre-PA students should meet with a pre-physician assistant advisor at least twice during their freshman and sophomore years and at least three times during their junior and senior years. Students can schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Stuckert Career Center through Handshake or by emailing UKCareerCenter@uky.edu. Students with a major in the College of Arts & Sciences can also contact a pre-health advisor in that college by emailing ASAdvisingCenter@uky.edu.
Students interested in PA school are strongly encouraged to visit https://www.uky.edu/chs/physician-assistant-studies/admissions for more information about UK’s program. They may also contact a pre-PA advisor at UK College of Health Sciences by emailing Julia Berry at julia.berry@uky.edu.
At the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional programs are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Successful physician assistant 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 work with their Pre-Physician Assistant Advisor to explore their options.
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
859-257-2746
