University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program prerequisites

2 semesters · 8 credits

"One (1) year sequential coursework in General Biology and Chemistry with Lab for biological-based science majors." Unlike the chemistry line, USC does not name a laboratory for biology. A second route exists: one semester of General or Human Biology plus one semester of an approved upper course from USC's list, which names cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, endocrinology, pharmacology, immunology, histology, embryology and neuroscience. Courses must be "designed for biological-based science majors"; a non-majors survey will not count.

2 semesters · 8 credits · lab

"General Chemistry with Lab: One (1) year sequential coursework." Alternatively one semester of General Chemistry with Lab plus one semester of an approved chemistry course with a lab, which USC lists as organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry or analytical chemistry. Ten year expiration and a C minimum apply.

Not a prerequisite. Biochemistry appears only as one of the optional substitutes on USC's approved chemistry list, alongside organic, inorganic, analytical and quantitative analysis, for applicants taking the second chemistry route.

2 semesters · 6 credits

Required only of international applicants: USC lists "English Composition (International Applicants Only): One (1) year (2 semesters or 3 quarters)", and repeats that "Two semesters of college-level English composition are also required" for applicants educated outside the United States. Domestic applicants have no English prerequisite here.

1 semester · 3 credits

Statistics, not calculus. The exception is regional: several Oklahoma and Texas programs require college algebra instead and do not count statistics, so check those individually.

1 semester · 3 credits

General psychology. Many programs fold it into a broader social or behavioural science block that sociology or anthropology also satisfies.

6 credits · lab

Most PA programmes ask for 2 semesters · 8 credits · lab.

USC splits the sequence into two separate prerequisites: "Human Anatomy with Lab: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)" and "Human Physiology: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)", so six semester units in total, with the lab attached to anatomy. A combined course satisfies both, but only as a full year: "A combined Human Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) with Lab series can fulfill the Human Anatomy with Lab and Human Physiology prerequisites. If completing an A&P series, then you must complete one (1) year of sequential coursework (2 semesters or 3 quarters)." Six units is less than the baseline's eight, so an anatomy course and a physiology course taken separately are enough here.

3 credits · lab

Most PA programmes ask for 1 semester · 4 credits · lab.

"Microbiology with Lab: One semester (3 units) or quarter (4 units)." USC accepts microbiology, introductory microbiology, general microbiology or medical microbiology, and asks for a syllabus if your institution names the course something else.

1 credits

Most PA programmes ask for 1 credits and list it as recommended.

Required here, not merely recommended. "An applicant can complete a minimum of 1 semester/quarter unit at a regionally accredited institution or submit a medical terminology certificate of completion from a regionally accredited institution or vocational program." It sits in the non-science block, so it carries no expiration and may be in progress in the spring before matriculation.

2 semesters · 6 credits

USC is one of the few PA programs with a hard language prerequisite. "One (1) year (2 semesters or 3 quarters). Must be college-level credit earned either through coursework or by placement examination. There are no language substitutions." It must be Beginning Spanish specifically. The CLEP exam satisfies it with a passing score of 63 or higher.

1000+ hours

Most PA programmes ask for 500+ hours.

New for this cycle and stated as a hard cutoff: "Starting in the 2027-2028 application cycle, applicants will be required to have a minimum of 1000 patient care experience hours (paid or non-paid) to apply. Applicants with less than 1000 hours of patient care experience will be ineligible for admission." Hands-on work is what counts: "Hands-on, paid, patient care clinical experience is preferred... Other healthcare experience is equally acceptable as long as the clinical experience is hands-on in nature." USC also narrowed what qualifies a cycle earlier: "the following and similar type of roles will no longer be accepted for patient care experience starting in the 2026-2027 application cycle: Community Health Worker, Dietitian Aide, Health Educator, Health Site Support Staff, Lifeguard, Patient Escort, Pharmacy Technician." The program reserves the right to verify every hour claimed.

500+ hours

Many programs publish one combined healthcare figure instead of splitting patient care from healthcare exposure; where they do, the number lands here. Median published minimum is 500 hours.

20+ hours

No number. "PA shadowing experience is highly preferred in the application process and is recommended for your personal and professional development", and USC's selection criteria page says plainly "PA shadowing is strongly preferred. There are no minimum required hours." Virtual shadowing counts: "Examples of virtual shadowing include Telehealth, provider platforms, and websites that offer case studies provided by a PA."

1 letter

Most PA programmes publish no minimum.

USC requires letters but names no writer. "A minimum of two (2) letters of reference are required with a maximum of five (5) letters allowed through the CASPA application process", and "References can include physician assistants, science professors, physicians, nurses, or other mentors." A science professor is one accepted option among several, not a requirement. Letters must reach CASPA by September 1, "No exceptions", and may not come from friends or family.

Not required. A PA is the first writer USC names on its accepted list, but the requirement is two letters from anyone qualified: "References can include physician assistants, science professors, physicians, nurses, or other mentors."

Not required. USC sets no expectation that a letter come from a work supervisor; the only restriction is that "Reference letters should not be from personal friends or family members."