Many healthcare students want to become physician assistants and for good reason. It’s a good career decision with opportunities for personal and professional development. Choosing one of the best majors for PA school is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a physician assistant. Once you know how to choose a major for PA school, you can begin applying to colleges.
What are the best majors for PA school? Since it is a specialized medical field, there are several prerequisites, so it’s important to make the right choice for your education. There are many excellent majors that will give you the skills you need. Read this guide to the best college majors for PA school to help you start your career journey.
What Major Is the Best for PA School?
The best major for PA school is a chemistry degree because it introduces students to the chemical procedures involved in the functions of the human body. It is one of the most common majors among students who want to go to physician assistant school. A chemistry major can help you start your career path while fulfilling prerequisites.
Physician assisting is ranked second in the best healthcare jobs by US News & World Report. The best majors for PA school prepare physician assistant students to develop foundational knowledge to enter the medical field. These majors offer learning opportunities to pre-PA students to prepare for entry-level jobs and specialized undergraduate science degrees.
How to Choose a Major for PA School
- Consider your interests. Many physician assistant students make the mistake of choosing a major that doesn’t align with their interests. If you get bad grades or start disliking school early on, it might be hard to bounce back. Choose one of the best undergraduate majors that will make you excited about learning so you can build a good foundation.
- Budget your time and money. As a student, you should invest your effort efficiently. Do some research before applying for schools to make it worthwhile. Learn about the prerequisite courses that you’ll need for PA school and choose a major that suits them. School applicants should use their time wisely and keep their finances in mind.
- Evaluate employability. Undergraduate study is a path to your first job, so the employability of a college major is an important factor to consider. Not every subject will offer the same career opportunities. Take some time to learn about the future employment prospects of each major to decide what suits your planned career path. You can also discuss it with your peers and school alumni.
- Explore maximum options. When it comes to selecting a major in college for PA school, think big. You can choose majors that are directly related to health sciences or find something more abstract. You could become a Spanish major, biology major, healthcare major, and more. As long as you choose a pre-PA degree, you can study anything.
- Have a long-term approach. Your major in college can go a long way if you plan with the future in mind. Keep your career goals in consideration and choose a major that can help you in the long run to become a healthcare provider. For instance, if you want to become an orthopedic surgeon, choose kinesiology or anatomy undergrad degrees.
What Are the Best Majors for PA School?
- Chemistry | Average Salary: $103,000
- Anatomy | Average Salary: $95,000
- Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
- Medical Technology | Average Salary: $84,000
- Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
- Human Physiology | Average Salary: $71,000
- Kinesiology | Average Salary: $69,000
- Psychology | Average Salary: $66,000
- Nutrition | Average Salary: $61,000
- Public Health | Average Salary: $50,000
Best College Majors for PA School: Explained
Chemistry | Average Salary: $103,000
A chemistry degree involves the study of the characteristics, structure, and functionality of matter. The key topics studied in health classes under this major include chemical reactions, procedures, and their applications in the real world.
If you want to go to a PA school, you need a strong foundation in chemistry because it plays a major role in the healthcare system. Performing medical procedures, recommending medications, and observing the progress of a patient all require chemistry knowledge.
Anatomy | Average Salary: $95,000
Anatomy is a comprehensive major that teaches functions performed by the human body. It involves the detailed study of cell structures, tissues, organs, bones, and systems. To examine human body functions and monitor the progress of patients, it is essential to know how the body works, which is the focus of this major.
Biology | Average Salary: $95,000
Biology is one of the traditional majors for pre-med students that involve the detailed study of living organisms. Biology classes include a comprehensive study of key medical terminology. It serves as a foundational major for healthcare field careers and there are many jobs for biology majors out there.
Having personal experience in biology is important for prospective physician assistants. Biology degrees help physician assistants apply biological theories to understand the functions of the human body. Studying biology is often a PA school requirement so this major is a great choice for your academic record.
Medical Technology | Average Salary: $84,000
Medical technology includes the advanced study of modern technological equipment and procedures used in medical treatments. Health classes in a medical technology major focus on surgical procedures, healthcare support systems, and medical facilities. Students will gain a solid understanding of the operations and functions of medical procedures.
Biochemistry | Average Salary: $75,000
Biochemistry is the combined study of human biology and chemistry as an integrated medical field of study. It focuses on foundational and advanced topics such as cell structure, organ systems, chemical reactions, genetics, and microbiology. An undergraduate degree in this medical field includes theoretical learning and laboratory experience.
Biochemistry provides a strong foundation of biological sciences for students who want to go to PA school. A bio major can interact with their fellow students and start networking in the industry while learning how to provide medical care.
Human Physiology | Average Salary: $71,000
Human physiology focuses on the in-depth study of the biological, physical, and mechanical functions of the human body. The biology classes will teach students medicines and other medical procedures used for treating illnesses. The major program covers other subject areas as well, such as anatomy and chemistry.
Human physiology is one of the most valuable college majors for PA school. This major will help students learn about the body’s reaction to certain medical procedures such as those performed by surgeons, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Kinesiology | Average Salary: $69,000
Kinesiology is the study of physical movement, activities, and functions performed by the human body. It also covers the impact of physical activity on the health and well-being of individuals. This major program combines anatomy and biology to investigate the functioning of cells, organs, and systems, and students can learn through extracurricular activities as well.
An undergrad degree in kinesiology plays a significant role in understanding different body functions and diagnosing any irregularities in the body. Professionals such as podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons require prerequisite knowledge of anatomy, human physiology, and kinesiology to treat patients.
Psychology | Average Salary: $66,000
Psychology involves studying conscious and unconscious mental processes and the resulting human behavior. People in this major study the brain and body and their impact on each other. Physician assistants in psychiatric medicine require a foundational knowledge of psychology. It helps to better interact with patients and understand their behavior.
Nutrition | Average Salary: $61,000
Nutrition majors focus on the study of food and the impact of resulting nutrients on the development of the body. Students study the relationship between food and the well-being of the body, health, fitness, and growth. Nutrition degrees also cover the physiological and psychological factors influencing nutrient intake and the resulting impact on the body.
Studying nutrition is not directly required for physician assistant school, but it helps expand growth opportunities on the physician assistant career path. It also provides students with a competitive edge over other graduates to suggest better non-surgical treatment options for patients.
Public Health | Average Salary: $50,000
Public health focuses on factors affecting the health of people living in a community and the best practices of healthcare providers. Pursuing public health helps students participate in public health programs, practice effective personnel management, and educate people to improve their health.
What Are the Best Careers in Healthcare?
The best careers in healthcare include physician assistant, orthopedic surgeon, dermatologist, combat medic, podiatrist, and flight medic. All these jobs require specialization in the medical field. Usually, physician assistant jobs require residency after the completion of the undergraduate degrees from a medical school to get clinical experience.
Top 10 Best Careers for Physician Assistants
Physician assistance is a diverse career field that offers a wide range of specializations. Health science professionals can find many physician assistant career development opportunities. With one of the best majors for PA school, such as a bio major, they can get hands-on human experience and start a career. Below is a list of the top 10 best careers for physician assistants.
Orthopedic Surgeon
- Average Salary: $370,843
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They do physical examination through x-rays and CT scans to diagnose illness, suggest treatments, and potentially perform surgery. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must seek a specialized program and gain clinical experience.
Vascular Surgeon
- Average Salary: $367,857
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Vascular surgeons are highly experienced professionals who specialize in performing surgery on lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This post requires residency after completion of a doctoral or a professional degree. The job has a low expected growth rate but a high earning potential, so it is worth it for physician assistants if they want to expand their horizons.
Neurosurgeon
- Average Salary: $317,777
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Neurosurgeons examine the human nervous system to diagnose illness and suggest medication and treatments. They can specialize in the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. They also perform surgeries if the illness cannot be cured through medication. You need sufficient healthcare experience to qualify for this job.
Dermatologist
- Average Salary: $313,651
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Dermatologists in the healthcare field specialize in the maintenance of skin, nails, and hair. The job includes examining the body, identifying or diagnosing health issues, and recommending treatment. Physician assistants who enjoy working directly with patients will thrive in this role.
Pathologist
- Average Salary: $291,216
- Job Outlook: 3% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Pathologists specialize in the examination and treatment of body tissues. The key duties of these professionals include performing laboratory tests, diagnosing healthcare issues, and suggesting necessary treatment. They study bodily fluids and tissues in detail to find the root cause of an illness and develop treatments to cure patients.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Podiatrist
- Average Salary: $145,840
- Job Outlook: 2% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Podiatrists are specialized doctors who provide professional services to treat foot injuries, diseases, and disorders. They also perform surgical procedures on the foot and ankle. The job requires completion of a residency after getting the degree to get hands-on training, and professionals can become combat medics or field medics to get experience as well.
Optometrist
- Average Salary: $124,300
- Job Outlook: 9% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diseases related to the eyes. They deal with problems in the human visual system and suggest treatment, which might include medication or corrective lenses. Opting for a college major in human physiology can benefit optometrists, especially those who start as physician assistants.
Physician Assistant
- Average Salary: $121,530
- Job Outlook: 31% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Master’s degree
Physician assistants are commonly known as PAs, and they help physicians and surgeons in the healthcare field. The key job duties for this post include examining patients and providing them with necessary medical treatment. People who go to PA school often start in this role and sometimes move on to further healthcare careers. They can also get physician assisting master’s degrees.
Radiology Practioner Assistant
- Average Salary: $80,408
- Job Outlook: 31% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Master’s degree
Radiology practitioner assistants help radiologists perform different functions. The key duties associated with this job include performing diagnosis and treatment procedures and improving the patient care experience. They also make sure that the equipment is ready to perform required procedures, which can include MRIs and x-ray scans.
Medical Assistant
- Average Salary: $37,190
- Job Outlook: 18% growth from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education: Postsecondary non-degree
Medical assistants, or pre-physician assistants, help perform different clinical tasks associated with patient care. The key responsibilities include recording patients’ medical history, assisting in physical examination, preparing laboratory samples, and giving prescribed medications.
This is an entry-level job that does not require a specialized college nursing program degree or human experience. You can serve as a flight medic, emergency medical technician, or combat medic after getting the required training. Many people spend plenty of time in this role before becoming physician assistants or other healthcare provider experts.
Is Medical Technology a Good PA School Major?
Yes, medical technology is a good major if you want to go to physician assistant school. This is because technology has a significant application in medical and healthcare procedures. If you are looking for a good major for admission into medical school, this is a fantastic option.
This legitimate major offers knowledge, training, and medical experience about the latest technological procedures and equipment. It helps you develop the medical assistant skills you need for success in your career, whether you want to become a physician assistant or other healthcare professional.
Best Majors for PA School FAQ
No, it is not necessary to take a science major for PA school program admissions. You can choose any legitimate major to qualify for a physician assistant school as far as you meet other prerequisite courses and gain health science skills. For example, a music major is not a good choice because it does not include the right classes.
The essential physician assistant skills include work ethic, empathy, analytical abilities, and extensive knowledge of medical subject matter. You can develop these skills through a college nursing program or other undergraduate degrees.
To become a physician assistant, you should start by getting a bachelor’s degree and meeting your major requirements. After finishing school, you must complete a residency. You can then take the national certification exam and apply for a state license. There are competitive applicants in this field, so you should choose physician assistant programs that work for you.
Yes, becoming a physician assistant is a good career choice. It offers good earning and professional development opportunities to accepted students. Even if you are a nurse practitioner or a nurse assistant in the healthcare field, you can earn a high salary soon after graduating from PA school.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
