Non-DegreePre-Physician Assistant Program

Students in class

Complete your physician assistant school requirements and prepare for success with Bellarmine’s Pre-Physician Assistant program.

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Why choose Bellarmine for your Pre-Physician Assistant program?

The Pre-Physician Assistant track at Bellarmine allows students of any major to complete the pre-requisite requirements for application and admission to PA programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Students who choose the pre-PA track receive the advising they need to stay on track with plans for physician assistant school, and the well-rounded liberal arts curriculum that prepares them to not only practice the mechanics of their skill, but the ability to think critically, problem solve, question, and communicate.

Program Highlights

The Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional licensed or authorized to practice as part of a healthcare team managed by the physician. PAs perform a comprehensive range of medical duties from basic primary care to assisting in surgery. The PA's responsibilities are dependent on state laws and regulations. The role will depend on the type of practice, prior experience, and working relationships with the physician/s and other healthcare providers.

The pre-PA track at BU prepares students for application to professional schools . Entrance requirements for admission into PA schools are extremely competitive and favor students who are highly motivated, self-starting, and committed to achieving their professional objectives early in their college studies. You will want to start on this path early in your college career to be sure you meet the requirements. Our goal with this track is to advise and prepare you to have a competitive application to dental programs of your choosing by identifying the courses and experiences that will prepare you for the exams and meet the admission requirements of your chosen schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What coursework is needed?

Generally, the pre-Physician Assistant students select a major in an area of interest and then take the following courses:

  • Biology 108 and 109 with labs (2 semesters of Human Anatomy & Physiology)
    • Students may substitute Biology 314 and Biology 435 but should contact the admissions office of the PA schools of interest.
  • Biology 130 as it is a pre-requisite for upper level Biology courses
  • Biology 240, Genetics
  • Biology 313, Microbiology may be a pre-requisite
    • Students will need to take Biology 231, Cell Biology prior to enrolling in BIOL 313
  • Chemistry 103 and 104, General Chemistry with labs
  • Chemistry 205 and 206, Organic Chemistry with labs
  • BMB 301, Biochemistry I with lab
  • Math 205, Statistics
  • RTH 120, Medical Terminology
  • NURS 200 Nutrition
  • Psychology 103, and/or Psychology 218, Psychology 304 (highly variable – Developmental, Abnormal), Anthropology 111 or Sociology 101

Students interested in a Physician Assistant program are encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor in the Student Success Center and the faculty advisor in the selected major. Students must plan for the integration of the required prerequisite courses into the major program of study.

What exam is needed?

The Graduate Record Exam or GRE

What GPA?

Physician Assistants are prepared at the graduate level. Admission to a Physician Assistant graduate program is competitive and students are selected based on academic achievement, entrance examination scores, and the interview.

When to apply?

The deadlines and application process will vary from school to school, but preparation for application will start January of Junior year, with application submission occurring between junior and senior year for admission to PA school.

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