05-16-2019, 04:17 PM
There can be a long time between bachelor's conferral and PA school admission, but an important separate issue is how recently at the time of admission you completed your specific prerequisite courses.
A friend graduated college traditional age, had a career or two, and ultimately started PA school around 40. But before applying to PA school he had to go back to college to refresh some science subjects. These are the rules on recency from the PA school he entered, Tufts. These will vary by school; at another school this threshold could be less than 10 years:
Tufts also strongly recommends these prerequisites be taken at four-year institutions. The reaction of PA schools to prerequisites from non-collegiate providers could vary. At some schools that may not be something they often encounter.
PA Prerequisites (Tufts University School of Medicine)
Good luck!
A friend graduated college traditional age, had a career or two, and ultimately started PA school around 40. But before applying to PA school he had to go back to college to refresh some science subjects. These are the rules on recency from the PA school he entered, Tufts. These will vary by school; at another school this threshold could be less than 10 years:
Quote:• All courses [this comes after a list of prerequisites such as microbiology with lab] must be taken within 10 years of the admissions cycle year (e.g., If applying in 2019, then courses taken since January 2009 will be accepted).
• If you have taken prerequisite courses over 10 years ago, you will need to take higher level courses to satisfy each prerequisite and at least ONE lab for each prerequisite that requires a lab. For example, if you completed BIO I+Lab and BIO II+Lab over 10 years ago, you must complete TWO higher level courses and at least ONE BIO lab, or repeat the BIO I and II courses with labs.
Tufts also strongly recommends these prerequisites be taken at four-year institutions. The reaction of PA schools to prerequisites from non-collegiate providers could vary. At some schools that may not be something they often encounter.
Quote:• The rigor of the institution will be taken into consideration, and it is strongly recommended that all courses be taken at a 4-year accredited institution. However, courses from 2-year accredited institutions will be accepted.
PA Prerequisites (Tufts University School of Medicine)
Good luck!