Learn valuable skills to launch a successful medical career as a Physician Assistant

About the Program

The pre-PA track of the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Certificate Program is designed for individuals who want to pursue a career in medicine as a physician assistant but have not taken the core science courses required by many programs. Through personalized advising by a practicing physician assistant, the program prepares graduates to successfully apply to PA school. The year-long intensive program features cohort-based, face-to-face classes at the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, VA.

The Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Certificate Program has established linkages with both the George Washington University Physician Assistant Program and Saint Elizabeth University's M.S. PA Program. These linkage programs enable highly qualified Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine students with previous patient care experience and a strong undergraduate GPA to apply to one of these programs during their post-bac year. If admitted to one of the linkages, students will move seamlessly into PA school after completing the post-bac certificate, effectively skipping the glide year. Linkage requirements vary by program.

Program Information

Why Should I Choose GW?

The GW program, housed within the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is led by expert health sciences faculty, as well as clinicians involved in leadership, teaching, and advising. Moreover, the program has access to GW resources connecting students with research and clinical opportunities, which set our program apart from others in the country. GW’s program also offers students personalized advising and mentoring by a physician assistant with experience in the admissions process.

What Will I Learn?

Pre-PA track students will take a number of core sciences required of many programs including biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. All students will learn interview skills with the help of faculty who have experience in graduate program admissions. For a well-rounded view of medicine and other health professions, students will also hear from guest speakers about current topics in the industry including health care policy, research, and inter-professional practice.

Who Benefits from the Certificate program?

GW’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine program benefits those with undergraduate degrees who need to take many of the core science courses necessary for many PA programs. While we offer some limited opportunities for shadowing and volunteering in clinical settings, we feel that candidates who come into our program with some healthcare experience will certainly be at an advantage since most PA schools require some medical experience.