Embarking on the journey to become a Physician Assistant is an admirable goal, and the Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) PA program stands as a distinguished gateway to this fulfilling healthcare career. For aspiring candidates targeting the 2025 admission cycle, understanding and fulfilling the prerequisite requirements is the first critical step. This guide meticulously outlines each prerequisite for the RRCC PA program, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to navigate your application process successfully. Remember, all coursework must be completed at US institutions accredited by a DOE-recognized agency, setting a high standard for your foundational knowledge.
Essential Deadline: September 1, 2025
Mark your calendars! All RRCC PA program prerequisites must be successfully completed by September 1, 2025. Coursework finished after this date will not be considered. Conversely, there’s no limit to how early you can complete these prerequisites, as long as they meet the program’s stringent standards. A minimum final grade of ‘C’ or higher is mandatory for each prerequisite course. Online formats are acceptable for these courses, offering flexibility in your learning approach. However, Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades are not accepted for prerequisite coursework, emphasizing the need for graded assessment in your foundational studies. Furthermore, a cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is essential to demonstrate your academic preparedness. The admissions committee conducts an annual review of these prerequisites to maintain their relevance and ensure they adequately prepare you for the rigors of both academic and professional PA practice. It’s crucial to note that all specified prerequisite courses are REQUIRED, and NO SUBSTITUTIONS will be permitted, underscoring the program’s commitment to a specific foundational curriculum.
Core Prerequisite Courses
College Algebra or Higher
A solid foundation in mathematics is crucial for the analytical and problem-solving skills required in medicine. The RRCC PA program mandates College Algebra or a higher-level math course such as Trigonometry or Calculus. Notably, Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits are accepted only for this specific prerequisite. If you are using AP or CLEP credits, ensure your transcripts clearly verify that these credits are designated or awarded for College Algebra (or a higher level math) course. Without transcript verification, AP or CLEP credits will unfortunately not be accepted by the RRCC PA Program admission committee. This requirement translates to 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Statistics
Understanding statistical analysis is increasingly important in healthcare for interpreting research and patient data. The Statistics prerequisite can be fulfilled with a course from any department, offering flexibility in your academic planning. This requirement is set at 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Physics
A grasp of basic physics principles is fundamental to understanding physiological processes and medical technologies. The required Physics course must be Algebra or higher level math-based and must be taken within a physics or math department to ensure appropriate rigor and focus. This prerequisite is 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Cell Biology/Cell Physiology
Delving into the intricacies of cellular function is paramount for understanding human biology and disease at a fundamental level. The Cell Biology/Cell Physiology course must be upper-level/division, signifying advanced study in this area. It’s essential that this course is taken within a science department and cannot be substituted by a general biology or microbiology course at the upper level, highlighting the specific depth required in cell biology and physiology. This course is 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Genetics
Understanding inheritance and genetic mechanisms is increasingly vital in modern medicine, especially with advancements in personalized medicine and genetic therapies. The Genetics course, like Cell Biology, must be upper-level/division and taken within a science department to ensure a comprehensive understanding of genetic principles. Plant-based genetics courses will not fulfill this requirement, emphasizing the focus on genetics relevant to human or mammalian biology. This prerequisite is 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Human/Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology
A comprehensive understanding of human or mammalian structure and function is non-negotiable for aspiring PAs. The Human/Mammalian Anatomy and Physiology prerequisite is extensive, requiring either separate courses of 3 semester credit hours/4 quarter credit hours each, or a combined Anatomy/Physiology course totaling 6 semester credit hours/8 quarter credit hours. Crucially, these courses must be taken within a science department to ensure a rigorous, science-based approach to these foundational subjects. The upper-level/division designation further emphasizes the need for in-depth study.
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry provides the essential chemical foundation for understanding biochemistry, pharmacology, and many physiological processes within the human body. The Organic Chemistry course must be upper-level/division and specifically taken within a chemistry department to ensure a rigorous and relevant chemical background. This prerequisite is 3 semester credit hours or 4 quarter credit hours.
Understanding Upper-Level/Division Courses
The RRCC PA program emphasizes upper-level/division coursework for many prerequisites. Typically, these courses are identified by course numbers starting with 2 (200-level/2000-level) or higher and often have lower-level/division prerequisites themselves. If you are unsure whether a course you’ve taken or plan to take meets this upper-level requirement, it is strongly recommended to verify with the college or university where the course is offered. Ultimately, it is each applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all prerequisite courses meet the specified requirements. Courses completed as part of professional programs such as nursing, pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, or dentistry, unfortunately, do not fulfill program prerequisites, as the depth and focus may not align with the PA program’s needs.
Beyond Minimums: Strengthening Your Application
While these prerequisites represent the minimum requirements for consideration, successful applicants to the RRCC PA program typically present a significantly stronger academic profile. This often includes additional science coursework at or above the 200 level equivalent (sophomore level). Demonstrating a commitment to rigorous science education beyond the basic prerequisites will undoubtedly enhance your application. Remember, advanced placement is not accepted in lieu of any prerequisite except for college algebra, and even then, transcript verification is mandatory.
Need Course Assistance?
Red Rocks Community College itself offers many of these prerequisite courses, including BIO 2124: Genetics and BIO 2110: Cell Biology. For a comprehensive list of available courses and further details, please refer to the RRCC course catalog. Preparing thoroughly for your RRCC PA program application by fulfilling these prerequisites is a significant step towards your future as a Physician Assistant.
