Pre-Health Student Resources
Securing admission to nursing school is a competitive, multi-faceted process that requires careful planning and a strategic approach. While the specific requirements for nursing programs can vary, successful applicants consistently demonstrate strong academic performance, relevant healthcare experience, and a clear understanding of the nursing profession. This resource aims to provide a comprehensive guide for aspiring nursing students. It outlines key application components, offer a detailed timeline for preparation, and highlight essential requirements, from standardized tests and personal essays to clinical experience and letters of recommendation. By navigating the application process with a structured plan, students can increase their chances of acceptance and ultimately embark on their journey toward a rewarding healthcare career.
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, Hannah Woodard, & Samantha Smith
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson
Applying to Nursing School
Physician’s Assistant School Prerequisites
A crucial part of being a pre-physician assistant student is making sure that you are taking the right prerequisite courses. Most students complete these requirements while earning their bachelor’s degree, a key requirement to becoming a physician’s assistant. These courses are an indicator of the student’s readiness and academic foundation for the caliber of a PA program. The grades made in prerequisite courses can play a major role in the likelihood of acceptance into PA programs, which generally require a minimum of around 3.0-3.2 to apply. This resource discusses the general pre-requisites for most PA schools, addresses variability between schools’ requirements, and makes general recommendations for success while completing pre-requisites.
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, Hannah Woodard, & Samantha Smith
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson
Applying to Medical School
Applying to medical school is a major milestone, and the process can seem overwhelming due to the many moving parts, from managing timelines to preparing for exams and assembling written materials. This resource is designed to break down each component of the application process so that readers can approach the journey with clarity and organization. The guide outlines what medical schools typically evaluate, how a strong pre-med foundation develops during the undergraduate years, and how those experiences translate into a compelling application. Key elements such as the AMCAS primary applications, secondary essays, and interviews are introduced with practical guidance, along with common challenges and strategies to avoid them. Whether beginning the pre-med path or preparing to submit applications soon, this resource offers a roadmap for building an organized, authentic, and competitive application.
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, Hannah Woodard, & Samantha Smith
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson
Medical School Prerequisites
If you are considering the path to medical school, the first step is laying a strong academic foundation through completing your prerequisite coursework. These classes are essential for building the core knowledge you’ll need for both the MCAT and medical school itself. Doing well in them shows you’re academically prepared to move forward with your pre-med journey. If you took AP or IB classes in high school, you may already have credit for some of these intro-level courses. This can vary depending on your major, departmental policies at your institution, and specific requirements of individual medical schools you are aiming for. Be sure to check with an academic advisor or health professions advising office to see how your credits will apply.
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, Hannah Woodard, & Samantha Smith
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson
Completing nursing prerequisites indicates to admissions officers that you are prepared to succeed in their program by providing the essential foundation for advanced study. The grades you earn in these courses can significantly influence your acceptance into a nursing program, as they are highly competitive. While specific requirements may vary between schools, most programs require a solid background in biology, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, English, and statistics.
There are other courses such as medical terminology, foreign languages, calculus, organic chemistry, psychology, and sociology that may also be required, depending on the program and school. The main purpose of this resource guide is to help you understand the general prerequisites and why they are necessary.
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, & Hannah Woodard
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson
Nursing School Prerequisites
Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants
A student’s application to a Physician’s Assistant program is far more than a collection of documents and data points; it is an opportunity to showcase their academic preparedness, commitment to care, and motivations to become a PA. Ultimately, the application is more than just written word––it’s the program's first impression of you as an applicant.
As a PA student, you’ll be dealing with CASPA, the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants. This application platform enables students to submit a single centralized application to multiple accredited PA programs across the United States, standardizing and simplifying their application process. CASPA is managed by the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
Authors: Lyla Bullard, Kylie Beane, Madden Adcock, Faith Ahadji, & Hannah Woodard
Editors: Annabel Dougherty, Emily Kiss
Design: Jenna Watson