Pre-Physician Assistant

Learning Format

On-Campus

Types

Concentration
Pre-Physician Assistant

A versatile and in-demand health profession

The Pre-Physician Assistant concentration is part of the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health major.

Do you want to work in healthcare, diagnose and treat patients, and make a real difference—without going to medical school? Our Pre-Physician Assistant program is the perfect starting point for students who are driven to care, lead, and heal in one of the fastest-growing and most versatile health professions.

You’ll build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and psychology, while gaining the hands-on experience and patient care hours that competitive PA programs look for. Our advisors will guide you every step of the way—from coursework and clinical opportunities to GRE preparation and application strategies.

Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health

Program Requirements

Program Requirements

The Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration is part of the Pre-Medicine and Pre-Health Professions major. This program is designed for students who plan to attend medical school, physician assistant graduate programs, physical therapy graduate programs, direct entry (accelerated) nursing programs, occupational/speech therapy graduate programs or graduate school. Though specific programs may have additional or slightly varying requirements, these basic courses are required by the majority of programs. Students are strongly advised to meet with their academic advisor early in their coursework and when choosing electives.


 
  • BIOL 125 The Biology Experience
  • BIOL 135/ 135L Foundations of Biological Science with Lab
  • BIOL 208/ 208L Genetics with Lab
  • BIOL 230 Professional Communication in Biology
  • BIOL 402 Processes of Organic Evolution
  • CHEM 107/ 107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/ 108L Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis with Lab
  • HEAL 100 Orientation to Health-Related Professions (0.5 Course credit)
  • MATH 180 Precalculus

or

  • MATH 219 Calculus I
  • STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences

or

  • ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists

or

  • STAA 127 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Biology Major Capstone:

  • BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology**

    **An original research project is required of all Pre-Medicine/Human Health majors. Prior to enrollment in BIOL 460 Research Experience in Biology, the student should meet with their academic advisor and with other Biology faculty to tailor the research project to the student’s interests and career goals. 

2 semesters General Biology

Either:

  • BIOL 130/ 130L Principles of Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 135/ 135L Foundations of Biological Science with Lab

And one of the following

  • BIOL 208/ 208L Genetics with Lab
  • BIOL 260/ 260L Cell Biology with Lab
  • BIOL 262/ 262L Molecular Biology with Lab

1 semester of Microbiology

  • BIOL 228/228L Microbiology with Lab

2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology

  • BIOL 241/ 241L Human Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
  • BIOL 242/ 242L Human Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab

1 year of General Chemistry

  • CHEM 107/ 107L Principles of Chemistry with Lab
  • CHEM 108/ 108L Principles of Chemistry and Quantitative Analysis with Lab

1 semester Organic Chemistry

  • CHEM 207/ 207L Organic Chemistry I with Lab

1 semester Biochemistry

  • BIOL 300/ 300L Principles of Biochemistry with Lab

1 semester Psychology

  • PSYC 101 General Psychology

1 semester Statistics

  • ENVS 202 Data Analysis for Scientists
  • STAT 117 Introduction to Statistics
  • STAT 203 Statistics for the Natural Sciences
  • STAA 127 Statistics for the Social Sciences

Other Recommendations or Requirements

1 course in Medical Terminology

1 semester Physics

  • PHYS 201/201L Introductory Physics with Lab

1 semester Ethics

  • PHIL 102 Introduction to Ethics: Why Be Moral
  • PHIL 222 Bioethics

 

  • Overall and Science GPA >3.0
  • 30 hours of PA shadowing
  • 100-2000 hours of Patient Care Experience
    • Consider: EMT, CNA, Medical Assistant, ER Technician, Surgical Technician, Lab Assistant, Military Medic/Corpsman, Phlebotomist
  • GRE or MCAT

Meet our Faculty

Shelli Waetzig

Shelli Waetzig, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science Department
508-626-4784
swaetzig@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Amanda Simons

Amanda Simons, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Biology Department
(508) 626-4681
asimons@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Photo of Steven Cok

Steven Cok, Ph.D.

Professor, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Food Science Department
(508) 626-4782
scok@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex
Dr. Aline Davis

Aline Davis, Ph.D.

Professor, Biology Department
(508) 626-4797
adavis@framingham.edu
Hemenway Annex

Learn More

If the Pre-Physician Assistant major sounds like a good fit but you would like to learn more, contact Admissions at admissions [at] framingham.edu (admissions[at]framingham[dot]edu) or 508-626-4500.

 Apply 

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