Prerequisite Coursework & Unofficial Evaluation

Admitted students must be able to provide a final official transcript showing all prerequisite courses completed prior to May 1 of the year of entry.


Biological Sciences - 11 semester hours

Year long series of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology with Labs
– Must be completed within 7 years from matriculation

Note: Will count as two prerequisite courses
1 Microbiology or Bacteriology course (Lab not required)
Chemistry - 11 semester hours
1 Organic or Biochemistry course (Lab not required)
2 additional general chemistry or other chemistry courses (labs required)
Statistics - 3 semester hours
1 course - cannot be substituted with calculus or algebra
General Psychology or Sociology - 3 semester hours
1 Psychology or Sociology course
Recommended Additional Coursework
Pharmacology, Medical Terminology, Spanish, Abnormal Psychology, Development Psychology, Aging and Disabilities, Public Health, Technical Writing, Communications.
Conversion of Hours (Semester hours vs. Quarter hours)

Note: All quarter hours must be converted into semester hours.

Quarter Hours divided by 1.5 equals Semester Hours

Example: 5 quarter hours = 3.33 semester hours
Note: Most Science coursework obtained at a community college level, must be above the "introductory" level. Contact Admissions for further information.

Unofficial Prerequisite Evaluation Worksheet


The Unofficial Prerequisite Evaluation Worksheet (PDF) is to help you determine which prerequisites you have fulfilled and those which you have remaining to meet the prerequisite coursework for the School of Physician Assistant Studies.

You may save the completed worksheet to your computer and email it to us with unofficial transcripts if possible. You may also fax or mail if you prefer.

Email gradadmissions@pacificu.edu
Fax (503) 352-7290

Pacific University
Office of Admissions
190 SE 8th Avenue, Ste. 181
Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 USA

Bachelor’s Degree Completion Option

Pacific University is dedicated to finding and educating the best future practitioners. Pacific acknowledges the non-traditional route to the PA profession and is excited to offer a Bachelor’s Degree Completion Option for those that won’t obtain a Bachelor’s Degree prior to enrollment. Initially designed for veterans and other non-traditional students, the option is open to all students. While a bachelor’s degree is not required, it can make an applicant more competitive.

Applicants seeking admission under the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Option need to meet all regular requirements and complete the regular admissions process.  The applicant needs at least 86 college level semester credits at the time of application, including all prerequisites below. Two science or statistics prerequisite courses can be in progress or incomplete at the time of application but need to be complete prior to May 1 of the year of entry.

If an applicant is admitted under the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Option, they will automatically earn credit towards a bachelor’s degree during their first year in the Physician Assistant program. At the end of the first year they will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree from Pacific University and will complete the program as any other student. They will graduate with a Master’s of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

There is no separate application process for applicants applying through the Bachelor’s Degree Completion Option. If you have any questions, please contact us.