Pre-Professional Program in Physician Assistant (Health Professions)

Students from Departments within The School of Health Professions
Karen Reiner, 269-471-3622 (Haughey Hall 217)

Physician assistants (PAs), members of a health-care team, practice medicine with supervision of licensed physicians. PAs perform a wide range of medical duties from basic primary care to high-technology specialty procedures. Professional PA education offered at any one of more than 100 accredited schools is an intensive 2–3 year program. Most PA programs are moving toward requiring a bachelors degree including courses in biology, chemistry, English, humanities/social science, mathematics, and psychology. The level of the science courses varies from program to program; consequently, each school should be consulted about its prerequisite requirements. Acceptance to a professional program typically requires an extensive health-care experience such as nurse assistant, medical/X-ray lab technician, respiratory therapist, paramedic, hospital aide, and emergency medical technician.

The National Directory of PA Programs may be ordered from APAP at 950 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314 or phone: 800- 708-7581. PA programs and education can be accessed via the web: www.aapa.org.