Do Your Prerequisites Expire Before You Apply to PA School? Here’s What to Do (Without Losing Your Mind)

You did the hard part. You survived organic chem, dissected a cat in A&P, maybe cried your way through microbiology. But now, just as you’re gearing up to apply to PA school, you notice a sneaky little detail on a school’s website:

“Science prerequisites must be completed within the last 5 years.”

Cue the internal screaming.

If you’re staring down the barrel of an expired prereq (or a whole bunch of them), take a breath. You’re not alone, and this doesn’t mean your PA dreams are over. Let’s break it down and figure out what to do next.

Wait… Do Prereqs Really Expire?

In short? Sometimes.

Not every PA program has the same policy. Some are cool with courses from a decade ago if you’ve been working in the field and using that knowledge. Others want shiny new A&P on your transcript from the last 5–7 years.

Here’s the kicker: each PA school sets their own rules, so the only way to know for sure is to check every single program you’re applying to.

Yes, it’s tedious. Yes, you still have to do it.

Why Do PA Schools Care How Old Your Prereqs Are?

Great question.

PA schools want to know your science foundation is fresh. If it’s been 8 years since you learned about cellular respiration, and you haven’t used that info since… yeah, they might want you to retake it. Harsh, but fair.

But if you’ve been actively working in healthcare and using that knowledge regularly, some schools will cut you a break.

How to Check If Your Prereqs Are Expiring

Here’s your step-by-step survival guide:

1. List every prerequisite course you’ve taken. Include the semester, year, and final grade.
2. Check the websites of each school you’re applying to. Look for their “admissions requirements” or “prerequisites” page.
3. Make note of expiration policies. Look for lines like “must be completed within 5 years” or “science courses must be taken within the last 7 years.”
4. Compare your list to their timeline. Anything on the edge? Highlight it and plan accordingly.

If a school doesn’t list an expiration policy, you can (and should) email admissions and ask.

What If Yours Are About to Expire (or Already Did)?

Okay, deep breath. Here are your options:

Option 1: Retake the Course(s)

Sometimes you just have to rip the Band-Aid off and do a retake. It’s annoying, it costs time and money, but it can:

• Reboost your GPA
• Show schools you’re serious
• Help you actually remember biochem this time

Pro tip: If the class was originally a B- or lower, the retake might even improve your academic average. Win-win.

Option 2: Take a Higher-Level Course Instead

Some programs will accept a higher-level substitute. For example, instead of retaking general microbiology, you could take an advanced infectious disease or pathophysiology course.

Email the school and ask if that’s acceptable. You’d be surprised how often the answer is yes (but don’t assume!).

Option 3: Apply to Schools Without Time Limits

Not all PA programs have expiration rules. If you’re worried about time, be strategic about your school list and apply to ones that accept older coursework.

This can save you a ton of stress—and cash.

Option 4: Work Experience as Leverage

If you’ve been working in a healthcare setting and using the knowledge from your prereqs regularly, you might be able to argue that your coursework is still relevant.

Again—email admissions. Politely explain your situation, your job duties, and ask if they’ll accept your older courses based on professional use.

Worst-case? They say no.

Best-case? You save yourself a semester and tuition money.

Can You Still Submit CASPA While Retaking a Class?

Yes! You can absolutely apply while you’re retaking a prereq—just make sure to:

• List the course as “in progress” in CASPA
• Send updates to the schools once the grade is finalized
• Be proactive and explain your timeline in a brief note or supplemental essay if allowed

Many applicants apply while finishing up a final class or two. It’s not weird—just keep schools in the loop.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let an Expired Class Derail You

Finding out that your prereqs are expired (or expiring) can feel like a punch in the gut, especially if you thought you were ready to submit.

But remember: this is just a speed bump, not a stop sign.

With a little strategy—and maybe a little tutoring if you’re dusting off your orgo notes—you can course-correct and still hit your PA school goals.

You’ve come this far. A couple of science classes won’t stop you now.