Pre-physician Assistant

You’ll work on a team with a doctor to examine, diagnose, treat and counsel patients; order and read tests; perform procedures; and even assist in surgery. Physician assistants can practice and prescribe medications in all 50 states, but require far less schooling than medical doctors. They practice in virtually every medical field and are employed in a wide variety of health care settings.

Graduate-level experiences for undergrads

Study and research in the on-campus donor (cadaver) lab, a rare opportunity for undergraduates.

Pursue an internship at the on-campus Center for Balance, Mobility and Wellness.

Gain real clinical experiences through Gordon’s internship program at Duke University and the Gordon Medical Observership program.

Required courses for all Health Science majors (35 credits):

• First-year Seminar (HSC 100) (1)*
• Health Professions Seminar (HSC 200 and HSC 300) (2)* 
• Introduction to Research (HSC 260) (2)* 
• Senior Seminar (HSC 491) (2)*
• Cell Structure and Genetics & Development (BIO 105 and BIO 106) (4)
• Organismal Biology and Ecology & Evolution (BIO 107 and BIO 108) (4)
• General Chemistry I, II (CHE 111 & 112) (8)
• Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIO 213 and BIO 214) (8)
• Biostatistics (MAT 220) (4)

Required courses for Pre-physician assistant concentration (48 credits):

• Nutrition (BIO 225) (4)   
• Microbiology (BIO 314) (4)   
• Modern Genetics (BIO 316) (4)   
• Foundations of Exercise Physiology (KIN 323) (4)   
• Disorders of Voluntary Movement (KIN 350)   
• Person in Psychological Context (PSY 180) (4)   
• Life Span Developmental Psychology (PSY 245) (4)   
• At least 16 credits of electives (below) (16)   

NOTE: Significant accumulation (1000 hours) of patient contact hours is a prerequisite for many but not all schools. See specific course requirements for individual schools. Additional biology courses may be required depending on the school.