Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT)
The Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT) is a relatively new exam (started in 2020) that is starting to pick up traction with PA schools across the country. This is due mainly to the growing interest in the PA field, and subsequently the rising number of applications being submitted to PA programs that only have a small number of students they are able to accept. The PA-CAT exam covers nine core prerequisite subjects that are required by most PA programs and imperative to student success.
While many of the schools you are interested in may either only require the GRE or not require any exam at this time, there is still a good chance that at least one of the schools on your list does require the PA-CAT. Please take a careful look at each school's prerequisites and other application requirements in order to best prepare for your Pre-PA journey. There are a few resources online that show lists of schools that want the PA-CAT, but it is always best to check with each school's website directly to ensure that you know the most up-to-date requirements. View PA-CAT Participating Programs (schools that accept, but may or may not require, the PA-CAT).
The PA-CAT is a specialized discipline-specific exam that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school. The PA-CAT measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for success in the demanding Physician Assistant curriculum.
This exam is a 240-item assessment covering 9 science subject areas and takes 4.5 hours to complete. The subject areas tested are Anatomy, Physiology, General Biology, Biochemistry, General & Organic Chemistry, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences, Genetics, and Statistics.
Click here to go to the PA-CAT website.
Also be aware about the PA-CAT Fee Assistance Program.