Regarding your second question: yes, most PA programs require applicants to have an undergraduate degree. Getting your 4-year degree in biology would be a great thing. No, you don’t have to major in Pre-med (whatever that actually is). In fact, having Pre-med as your offical major could work against you. PA program admissions people might think you really wanted to go to med school and changed your mind, felt you couldn’t get in, etc. They want people who really WANT to be a PA.

You should carefully research what the pre-reqs are for various programs and try to take those courses while getting your BA or BS. You will also need a minimum number of contact hours with patients. Volunteer work is often acceptable to programs. Again, go over each program’s requirements. Finally, there ARE 5-year programs for people right out of high school. A few such programs let you become a PA in 5 years, starting with your first year of college.

My son is starting the PA program in Galveston Texas at UTMB this year. He got a 4 year degree in biomedical science at Texas A & M. You can major in almost any field, but most PA programs prefer a science major. Most PA programs have certain prerequisaits, so make sure you have taken all courses required by the school you want to apply to.

Good Luck