The Pre-Physician Assistant concentration includes the standard pre-requisite courses for Physician Assistant programs. After completing required coursework and other admission requirements, students can enter an M.S. program to become physician assistants.
A sample 4-year plan showing a possible sequence of courses in this concentration.
Students interested in becoming physician assistants must document clinical hours, which can be completed by working as a nursing assistant at a local hospital or nursing home, as an emergency medical technician or as a medical scribe at a local hospital. Training for all of these options can be completed at local facilities.
Students should also observe physician assistants in practice or do an internship combining observation with an academic project. Physician assistants practice in a number of local medical facilities.
Some physician assistant programs require the GRE. Study materials for this examination are provided in the Biology department.
A faculty advisor will meet with each student at least once per semester, and alumni currently working as physician assistants have agreed to serve as contacts for students interested in this field. Information about pre-requisites for physician assistant programs, specific internships, research opportunities, upcoming courses, and other topics is provided to enrolled students on the Biology Department’s Canvas page.
Three MCLA graduates who applied to physician assistant programs in the past two years are currently enrolled in these programs.
