How to Study Anatomy in Undergrad and PA School

While prerequisites vary between programs, there's almost always one class required no matter what: anatomy and physiology. Anatomy is also a core part of the PA school curriculum in every program, so you can't really avoid it.

The reason is simple. A thorough understanding of the parts of the human body, how they work together, and what happens when something goes wrong is the foundation of any medical education. You can't fix a problem if you don't understand exactly where it's coming from. If you've taken any anatomy course, you know how long the lists of structures get. There's definitely a memorization component, but pairing memorization with genuine understanding is what makes the information stick. In undergrad your goal might just be to pass, but as a graduate student you're learning to take care of actual humans, so comprehension becomes the whole point.

At the graduate level, anatomy is a completely different beast. The structures have structures, and they all have a specific role. (Except the appendix. No one can figure that one out.) That jump usually requires a change in study techniques or quick adjustments to keep up with the relentless pace of PA school.

I learned this the hard way during my first semester at Augusta University, which was primarily focused on anatomy. We started in May with three months to complete a full cadaver dissection, attending lecture from 8 to 12 Monday through Thursday and dissecting in the lab from 1 to 5 on two weekdays. We were combined with physical therapy and occupational therapy students, and we got very close over those three months. There were three test days, each with a multiple choice section and a lab practical on the cadavers, where spelling counted!

I felt alright after the first test day, until I got my score back. A 74. As a perfectionist who was used to doing well, that hit hard. I realized quickly that my study methods weren't translating into actual comprehension. So I reached out to classmates and advisors for advice.

I'm a note taker, but there just wasn't time to write everything out the way I was used to. By switching my focus to starting with big concepts and working down to the details, and by adding a lot more practice questions, I pulled a B on the second test and finally an A on the last one. The lesson stuck with me: when something isn't working, don't keep grinding the same way. Revisit your old skills, try new resources, and lean into self-testing. Tools that offer real cadaver images and built-in question banks can reinforce the material and personalize what you focus on.

Here are the tips that worked for me, in undergrad and in PA school:

- Start with your known study techniques. Give them a fair chance if you already know what works for you, and figure out how the material is divided so you can focus on each section appropriately.
- If your methods aren't working, move on quickly. Revisit your old study skills, then try something new. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but that discomfort is where growth happens.
- Assess yourself regularly. Practice helps the material stick and shows you where you stand. The exam should not be the first time you apply the information.
- Ask for help! If you're still struggling, reach out to classmates, instructors, TAs, prior students, advisors, or online communities. Others have done this before you, so use their experience to make yours less painful.

Anatomy is intense, but it's learnable, and the students who succeed are the ones who adjust their approach instead of doubling down on what isn't working. Test yourself often, start broad before going deep, and reach out the moment you feel stuck. If you want more study strategy support on your PA journey, explore our free resources to build strong habits early.