What BS degree best prepares you for the Air Force PA Program?

Elizabeth Allenrep — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 14:34:04 -0500

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Jan 18 at 2019 3:41 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 15:41:55 -0500

MINIMUM EDUCATION
Master of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant studies (or equivalent Master's degree/Doctorate) from an ARC-PA accredited institution

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 8:13 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:13:04 -0500

I went with a civilian PA program, so I can’t speak directly to the Air Force Program, and hopefully someone else can. But in case no one replies...

To me, the major doesn’t matter as much as the actual classes you take. Must haves are anatomy and physiology with lab, biology with lab, pathophysiology, chemistry with lab, O chem. Some classes that aren’t essential but would be really helpful to have would be genetics, embryonics, medical terminology, pharmacology, microbiology, immunology.

So, a science degree would help you take as many of those as possible while also fulfilling the requirements for you major.

Best of luck in applying. Becoming a PA is the best thing I decided to do, and I wake up happy to go to work every day!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2019 8:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 20:36:42 -0500

There is no Air Force PA program, it's the interservice PA program, so it's all the same. You'll need 60 semester hours and a handful of specific courses like chemistry and biology.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2019 7:17 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 07:17:27 -0500

You would be well served by a minor in biochemistry; both for the amount of basic science and a taste of the volume and type of study you will need to complete in pa school. That said, the degree itself does not matter as long as the school prerequisites are fulfilled and you did very well in those classes. Better to have A’s in prerequisites with no more science classes than a bs biology with a 3.2 science cum.
My ba in English Literature worked for me. Good luck.

Response by Capt Dennis Tague made Jan 27 at 2019 1:33 PM

Capt Dennis Tague — Sun, 27 Jan 2019 13:33:09 -0500

I am an"old school" PA, and don't have a clue what they look for these days. Sorry I can't be of any help.