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Academics

There are 15 universities that offer pathologists assistant (PA) programs, and the prerequisites vary with each program. For all programs, students must earn a bachelor's degree (an allied health or science major is required or recommended by all programs) prior to beginning the PA program. The coursework outlined below is required for the WSU Pathologists' Assistant program housed in the WSU College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.  The outline of classes listed below do not constitute a major but the classes that the WSU CPHS Pathologists' Assistant program would like for a student to take in conjunction with their major coursework.

Biology 

BIO 1500/1501 - Basic Life Diversity + Lab* 4 cr.
BIO 1510/1511 - Basic Life Mechanisms + Lab* 4 cr.
BIO 2270/2271 - Principles of Microbiology + Lab 5 cr.
OR  
BIO 3250/3251 - Molecular Mechanisms of Microbiology + Lab 5 cr.
BIO 2870 - Anatomy and Physiology 5 cr.

*See advisor for additional recommendations. 

Chemistry 

CHM 1100/1130 - General Chemistry I  + Lab 5 cr.
OR  
CHM 1140/1150 - General Chemistry II + Lab 5 cr.
CHM 1240/1250 - Organic Chemistry I + Lab 5 cr.

*Please note: ONLY organic chemistry with lab will be accepted beginning with the 2025 application cycle. 

English 

One course.

ENG 1020 - Introductory College Writing 3 cr.

Mathematics

One course in mathematics or statistics must be higher than MAT 1000.*
Options include:

MAT 1070 -  College Algebra 5 cr.
MAT 1800 - Elementary Functions 4 cr.
MAT 2010 - Calculus I 4 cr.
STA 1020 - Elementary Statistics 3 cr.

*See advisor for additional recommendations.

It is important for prospective applicants to check with potential programs for the following information: 

  • Minimum grade requirement in prerequisite courses. WSU requires a C minimum. 
  • Minimum GPAs required to apply. Each program will review at least a cumulative GPA.  Some programs may calculate a prerequisite GPA. WSU requires a 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA and 3.0 minimum prerequisite GPA. 
  • Length of time prerequisite coursework is good for. WSU will accept prerequisites completed within six years of the application date.  
  • When prerequisite coursework must be completed in relation to the application deadline. WSU requires all prerequisite coursework to be completed by the end of December prior to the application deadline. 

Visit the admissions requirements page for each of the Pathologists' Assistant Programs linked below for specific information and requirements: