Pre-Med & PA Pathways

Psychology is one of the most popular majors for transfer students and serves as an excellent foundation for both PA school and pre-med pathways. At community college:

• Complete Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods early
• Take Statistics and Biological Psychology as major prep
• Explore research assistant positions with CC faculty
• Consider abnormal psychology and developmental psychology courses

See our Psychology Transfer Guide and campus-specific pages for Berkeley and UCLA psychology requirements.

Physician Assistant programs require a bachelor's degree, science prerequisites, and patient care experience (typically 1,000-4,000 hours). From community college:

• Complete science prerequisites: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology
• Start accumulating patient care hours early — EMT, CNA, medical scribe, or volunteer
• Transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelor's degree
• Maintain a 3.5+ GPA in prerequisite science courses
• Shadow PAs and physicians to demonstrate career commitment

Psychology majors can apply to PA school — you don't need a biology degree. Focus on completing the science prerequisites alongside your major courses.

Pre-med through community college is absolutely possible. Key steps:

• Complete pre-med prerequisites: Biology (with lab), General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry
• Transfer to a four-year university for upper-division coursework and research
• Take the MCAT after completing prerequisites (typically junior year)
• Build clinical experience through volunteering, scribing, or EMT work
• Pursue research opportunities at your CC and university

Medical schools value diverse backgrounds. Your alternative education story, if framed positively, can differentiate your application.

Start building clinical experience at community college:

• Volunteer: Hospital, clinic, or nursing home volunteering
• EMT certification: Many CCs offer EMT programs
• CNA program: Community colleges often host CNA certification
• Medical scribing: Paid clinical experience with physician interaction
• Crisis counseling: Relevant for psychology-focused healthcare paths

Research experience strengthens both transfer applications and professional school applications:

• Ask psychology and biology professors about research assistant openings
• Apply to summer research programs (many accept CC students)
• Present at undergraduate research conferences
• Consider independent research projects with faculty mentorship