Best Majors for PA School
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, the role of Physician Assistants (PAs) has become increasingly vital.
PAs play a key role in patient care, working alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to deliver essential medical services.
To increase your chances of admission to a competitive PA school, it’s essential to lay a strong academic foundation during your undergraduate years.
While various majors can prepare students for PA school, certain majors related to science and healthcare can offer advantages as the best majors for PA school.
What is a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works collaboratively with physicians to provide a wide range of healthcare services.
As part of the growing trend toward team-based healthcare, PAs play a crucial role in increasing access to quality care, especially in underserved communities.
With an increasing demand for healthcare services and a shortage of providers, understanding the role of PAs and the best majors for PA school can help aspiring students navigate their path to this rewarding career.
What Does a Physician Assistant Do?
Physician assistants (PAs) are essential healthcare providers who work closely with physicians in settings like hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Their responsibilities may vary depending on their specialty and state regulations.
They perform tasks such as conducting patient exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests, assisting in surgeries, and educating patients on preventive care and wellness.
Becoming a PA typically involves earning a master’s degree from an accredited PA program after completing a bachelor’s degree, ideally in a field that provides a solid foundation in science and healthcare.
Along with formal education, applicants usually gain relevant hands-on healthcare experience in roles like EMTs or medical assistants, which strengthens their PA school applications.
Best Majors for PA School
Neuroscience
The neuroscience major explores the brain and nervous system, focusing on how neural activity influences behavior, cognition, and physical processes. This interdisciplinary field combines biology, psychology, and chemistry to understand the brain’s functions and how disruptions can lead to neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students gain a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind brain activity and how these processes govern complex human behavior.
Courses:
Core courses include cellular and molecular neuroscience and systems neuroscience, providing a solid foundation in brain structure and function. Electives in areas such as neuropharmacology, neurogenetics, and neurobiology of behavior allow for specialization in areas like brain disorders, cognition, and memory. Hands-on experience is gained through laboratory courses in neurophysiology and molecular biology.
Skills:
Neuroscience majors develop strong research and analytical skills, learning how to study brain function and diagnose neurological disorders. Students gain proficiency in data analysis, neuroimaging, and laboratory techniques. Critical thinking is emphasized as students investigate how the brain controls behavior, emotion, and cognition. Communication skills are honed through research projects and presentations. This helps prepare students to effectively share scientific findings and complex ideas in both written and oral formats, making it one of the best majors for PA school.
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles to the medical field, focusing on improving healthcare through technology. This major is ideal for students interested in both biology and engineering, particularly in designing medical devices, prosthetics, and other technologies that enhance patient care and treatment.
Courses:
Students typically take courses in biomaterials, biomechanics, medical devices, bioinstrumentation, and systems physiology. They may also study topics like electrical engineering, computer programming, and the application of mathematical modeling to biological systems.
Skills:
Biomedical engineering majors develop strong analytical and technical skills. These skills enable them to understand and innovate with medical technologies, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic devices. This is particularly useful for a PA working with advanced medical equipment, rehabilitation technologies, and in areas that require a deep understanding of the physical aspects of patient care.
Biostatistics
The biostatistics major focuses on applying statistical methods to biological, medical, and health-related research to improve human health. Students learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data, which is crucial for evidence-based medicine, clinical trials, and public health studies. The curriculum combines statistical theory with practical applications in healthcare. Thus preparing students to contribute to advancements in medicine, public health, and healthcare outcomes research.
Courses:
Core courses include introduction to biostatistics, statistical computing and data management, and principles of experimental analysis, providing students with a solid foundation in data analysis and statistical methods. Students also study epidemiology, public health systems, and study design, equipping them to design and analyze research in health sciences. Additional courses include topics in probability, statistical inference, and survey methodology, as well as courses in biology, calculus, and linear algebra, giving students the mathematical and computational tools needed for biostatistics.
Skills:
Students in biostatistics develop strong quantitative and analytical skills, learning how to design research studies, apply statistical techniques, and interpret data from health-related studies. They gain proficiency in statistical software and data management, as well as problem-solving skills to analyze complex health data. Critical thinking and communication skills are emphasized as students learn to present research findings clearly.
Biology
Biology is the study of life, from molecular processes to complex ecosystems. This major provides a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles of biology, including genetics, physiology, evolution, and ecology. Students gain hands-on experience through research, experiments, and data analysis, building a deep understanding of biological systems. The program emphasizes scientific reasoning, experimental support for biological concepts, and an appreciation for the gaps in current knowledge. A degree in biology prepares students for careers in health professions, research, education, and policy related to human, animal, and environmental health.
Courses:
Core courses include introduction to quantitative modeling in biology, fundamentals of ecology and evolutionary biology, fundamentals of cell and molecular biology, and fundamentals of genetics. Additional courses cover biochemistry, physiology, developmental biology, and biological systems. Advanced courses like molecular biology of the cell, biological dynamics, and biological systems allow for deeper specialization. Students also complete coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, general physics, and mathematical methods for biological sciences, providing a solid foundation in both biological and physical sciences.
Skills:
Biology majors develop strong critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills essential for understanding complex biological systems. Through hands-on laboratory work and data analysis, students learn to interpret experimental results and apply evidence-based conclusions. They also acquire skills in mathematical modeling, coding in R, and statistical methods, all of which are important for future work in research, healthcare, or policy.
Chemistry
A chemistry major provides a strong academic foundation in the science of matter, focusing on the composition, structure, properties, and interactions of substances. This is critical for understanding the biochemical and physiological processes in the human body, and it plays a central role in fields like pharmacology, toxicology, and disease treatment.
Courses:
Core courses include general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Students gain in-depth knowledge of chemical principles, such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and molecular interactions.
Skills:
As a chemistry major, students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These skills are essential for diagnosing medical conditions and formulating treatment plans. Laboratory training enhances hands-on skills in techniques such as titration, chromatography, and spectroscopy. These techniques are key for analyzing substances and conducting medical research. Data analysis and interpretation are central to this major. These skills help students evaluate clinical data and make informed decisions in patient care, making it one of the best majors for PA school.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes within living organisms, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that underlie biological functions. This interdisciplinary field bridges biology and chemistry to examine essential topics such as metabolism, protein function, enzyme activity, gene expression, and DNA replication. The insights gained from biochemistry are crucial for understanding human physiology, disease mechanisms, and the biochemical basis of medical treatments. This makes it one of the best majors for PA school.
Courses:
Core courses include general biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and physical chemistry. Students learn about cellular functions, molecular interactions, and the biochemical pathways that are fundamental to health and disease.
Skills:
Biochemistry majors develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for diagnosing medical conditions and developing treatment plans. Laboratory training enhances hands-on experience in techniques such as protein purification, DNA cloning, and enzyme assays—key tools for understanding disease mechanisms and drug development. Data analysis and interpretation are central to this field, helping students assess clinical and experimental data.
Biophysics
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of physics to biological systems, exploring the physical foundations of life at the molecular and cellular levels. By combining experimental methods, theoretical modeling, and computational simulations, biophysicists investigate a wide range of topics, such as protein structure and folding, cellular processes, and organism responses to environmental changes. The field plays a crucial role in advancing technologies like medical imaging, drug discovery, and nanotechnology, with direct applications to healthcare.
Courses:
Biophysics majors typically study topics such as structural biology, bioinformatics, cellular biophysics, and medical physics. These courses provide a deep understanding of the physical properties of biological molecules and systems, as well as the computational tools needed to analyze large datasets and simulate biological processes.
Skills:
Biophysics majors develop a robust skill set in mathematical modeling, experimental techniques, and computational methods. These skills are invaluable for understanding complex biological phenomena. Problem-solving skills are emphasized as students learn to apply physics concepts to biological systems. This helps to address fundamental questions about life processes. Additionally, biophysics majors gain proficiency in using computational tools for simulating biological systems. This skill is highly applicable in areas such as diagnostics, medical research, and patient care. All of these areas are valuable for physician assistants in clinical practice.
Clinical Laboratory Science
Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) is a vital healthcare field that focuses on laboratory testing to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. CLS professionals conduct tests on bodily fluids, including blood, urine, and tissues, providing essential data that helps healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions. The field combines scientific knowledge with practical lab skills, ensuring quality patient care through diagnostic precision and timely testing. This makes it ideally one of the best majors for PA school.
Courses:
Students pursuing a Clinical Laboratory Science major typically take courses in both foundational sciences and specialized clinical laboratory techniques. Core coursework includes general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and mathematics, along with more specific classes in hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and molecular diagnostics. These courses prepare students to analyze blood and tissue samples, identify microorganisms, and apply molecular techniques like DNA sequencing to diagnose conditions.
Skills:
Throughout the program, CLS students develop essential technical skills in laboratory procedures, such as using microscopes, pipettes, and advanced diagnostic equipment. They learn to analyze test results, identify medical conditions, and communicate findings effectively to healthcare teams. Students also gain critical problem-solving skills, troubleshooting both technical and procedural challenges to ensure accurate results.
Public Health
The Public Health major provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact the health of populations. It prepares students to tackle pressing health challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that combines biology, social sciences, statistics, and environmental health. Students learn how to promote health, prevent disease, and improve health systems at both local and global levels.
Courses:
Public Health majors take core courses that cover essential public health topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, health behavior, and health promotion, along with environmental health and health policy. These courses provide students with a broad understanding of how health issues affect populations and the tools needed to address them. Elective courses allow for further specialization in areas such as health equity, infectious disease epidemiology, and community health assessment. Students also explore the global dimensions of public health through courses in global health and public health law.
Skills:
Through their coursework, Public Health students develop strong skills in critical thinking and problem-solving, applying evidence-based strategies to address complex health challenges. They become proficient in data analysis, using statistical methods to analyze health trends and interpret results. Students also gain research skills, learning how to design and conduct studies that inform public health practice. Strong communication skills are emphasized, as students must be able to explain complex health information to diverse audiences, including community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It explores a broad range of topics such as cognition, emotion, perception, and social interaction. The field aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive human thoughts and actions. It has applications in areas like mental health, education, and social services. This major provides insights into how individuals think, feel, and behave. It also provides insights into how individuals interact with others in various settings.
Courses:
Psychology majors take core courses that provide a foundational understanding of human behavior, including topics such as biological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Research methods in psychology are also emphasized, equipping students with the tools to design and conduct scientific studies. Elective courses allow for deeper exploration into specialized areas such as abnormal psychology, clinical psychology, health psychology, and neuroscience. Additional elective options in counseling, learning and memory, cross-cultural psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology provide students with a well-rounded view of the field.
Skills:
Psychology majors develop strong critical thinking and analytical skills, learning to assess complex information and draw logical conclusions. They gain expertise in the scientific method, including how to design, conduct, and analyze research. Data analysis and interpretation are key skills, as students learn to apply statistical techniques to evaluate research findings. Problem-solving abilities are also honed as students address psychological questions and real-world challenges. This makes psychology one of the best majors for PA school, as it develops these critical thinking and analytical skills.
Integrated Health Studies
The Integrated Health Studies major offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding health and wellness, integrating knowledge from various disciplines, including biology, psychology, sociology, and public health. This major focuses on the connections between physical, mental, and social aspects of health, providing students with a comprehensive perspective on healthcare. Students learn how to assess, promote, and improve health outcomes at the individual, community, and global levels, preparing them for careers in healthcare, wellness, public health, or health education.
Courses:
Core courses in Integrated Health Studies include subjects such as health promotion, medical terminology, health policy, and global health, providing students with a broad understanding of the factors that influence health. Students also explore topics such as environmental health, healthcare systems, and health behavior, with a focus on understanding the social determinants of health. Elective courses may include specialized topics like nutrition, epidemiology, and mental health, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field.
Skills:
Students in integrated health studies develop a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. This enables them to assess complex health-related issues and design effective interventions. They gain skills in research methods. These skills include learning to collect, analyze, and interpret health data. They also gain skills in program planning and evaluation. Communication skills are emphasized. Students become proficient in presenting health information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. These audiences include patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Ethical decision-making and cultural competence are also integral components of the program. This ensures that students are prepared to address health disparities and advocate for health equity.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is the scientific study of human movement, focusing on the physiological, biomechanical, psychological, and sociological aspects of physical activity. This major combines principles from biology, physics, psychology, and sociology to understand how the body moves and adapts to exercise, training, and physical performance. Kinesiology majors study topics such as muscle function, motor skills, injury prevention, and physical rehabilitation.
Courses:
Core courses for kinesiology majors include human anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, which provide students with a deep understanding of the body’s structure and function. Additional courses, such as exercise physiology, motor learning, and sport and exercise psychology, explore how physical activity affects the body and mind, and how to optimize performance and recovery. Students also study motor development and research methods, learning how to design and conduct studies related to movement and health. Elective courses offer opportunities to focus on areas like strength and conditioning, athletic training, sport management, and health promotion.
Skills:
Kinesiology majors develop expertise in scientific research, data analysis, and statistical methods to assess human movement and physical performance. Critical thinking and problem-solving are emphasized as students tackle complex movement-related challenges. Communication skills are honed through presentations and reports, while teamwork and interpersonal skills are cultivated in collaborative settings. Practical experience is gained through coaching, training, therapy, and sports management, and technological proficiency is developed through tools like fitness trackers and biomechanical analysis.
In conclusion…
The path to becoming a physician assistant is one that requires a strong academic foundation along with passion for healthcare.
While there is no one particular major to choose, the best majors for PA school all have a strong curriculum!
By selecting a major that challenges you academically and aligns with your interests, you’ll be better prepared for the rigorous coursework of PA programs and the demands of patient care.
