As a student involved in the Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) program, you will typically follow the Lindenwood curriculum for one of the following degrees: a bachelor of science degree in biological science, a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, or a bachelor of science in cellular and molecular biology. Any of these degrees will get you the prerequisite coursework that you need to be a good candidate for application to a Physician Assistant program nationally. These courses include:
- General Chemistry - 2 semesters (with laboratories)
- General Biology - 2 semesters (with laboratories)
- Organic Chemistry - 2 semesters (with laboratories)
- General Physics - 2 semesters (with laboratories)
- Anatomy and Physiology - 2 semesters (with laboratories)
- English Reading and Composition - 2 semesters
- Students must also complete an entrance test (MCAT, GRE, DAT or OAT)
Many Physician Assistant programs require or strongly recommend other courses such as biochemistry, cell/molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, statistics, calculus, and courses within the humanities and social sciences. All graduate programs have further requirements for clinical hours, the types and minimum number of hours will vary based on program. Students who want to prepare themselves for admission to one of these professional programs should meet with a biology or chemistry advisor before planning their sophomore schedule.
