Why Elms for your Pre-Physician Associate (Pre-Physician Assistant) degree?
- Establish a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology.
- Work one-on-one with the program director to strengthen your application to PA schools, focusing on your individual strengths and expertise.
- Earn a minor in bioethics and medical humanities to deepen your understanding of the ethical and spiritual aspects of medicine.
Pre-Physician Associate (Pre-Physician Assistant) (PA) Program
Elms College offers a complete and dedicated pre-physician associate (pre-physician assistant) (PA) program that provides all of the prerequisites needed to apply to physician associate (physician assistant) schools. Students who wish to apply to PA programs must have the required course work and the minimum number of documented patient care hours. Students should earn a CNA (certified nurse’s aide), EMT (emergency medical technician), or paramedic certification in order to complete the documented patient care hours requirement mandated by most PA schools. Most PA programs require a minimum of 500-2000 documented patient care hours (either volunteer or paid).
Affiliations, Linkages, and Agreements
Elms College premed students who have completed the requirements set out by Marywood University’s PA program, are eligible to apply to the program for an interview. A recommendation letter of endorsement from Elms College premedical advisor is required. Students should contact the premedical advisor for more information.
We are a member of the National Association of Advisors of the Health Professions.
Advance Your Career in Health Care
Our graduates gain the knowledge and experience needed to gain acceptance to competitive PA programs. Recent graduates of our program have been accepted to the following schools:
- Baypath University Physician Assistant Studies Program, MA
- Johnson & Wales University Physician Assistant Studies Program, RI
- MCPHS Physician Assistant Studies Program, MA
- Springfield College Physician Assistant Studies Program, MA
- Tufts University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program, MA
- University of Bridgeport Physician Assistant Program, CT
- University of St. Joseph Physician Assistant Studies Program, CT
- Westfield State University Physician Assistant Studies Program, MA
Curriculum
Click to view course requirements for the Pre-Physician Assistant program.
PrePA Prerequisite Courses
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1203/1203L | General Biology 1 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| BIO 1204/1204L | General Biology 2 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| CHE 1201/1201L | General Chemistry 1 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| CHE 1202/1202L | General Chemistry 2 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| CHE 2101/2101L | Organic Chemistry 1 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| CHE 2102/2102L | Organic Chemistry 2 Lecture and Lab (Can replace with Biochemistry lecture and lab) | 3+1 |
| BIO 3103/3103L | Anatomy & Physiology 1 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| BIO 3104/3104L | Anatomy & Physiology 2 Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| BIO 3300/3300L | Microbiology Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| ENG XXXX | Writing Composition | 3 |
| ENG XXXX | Reading Comprehension | 3 |
| PSY 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3009 | Social Psychology (alternative to PSY 1001) | 3 |
Additional Course Recommendations for PrePA
| Course # | Course Name | # of Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 3006 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| BIO 3201/3201L | Genetics Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| BIO 3305 | Nutrition | 3 |
| BIO 4306/4306L | Biochemistry Lecture and Lab | 3+1 |
| BIO 4009/4009A | Research & Independent Study | 2/1 |
| BIO 4010 | Research Methods | 1-2 |
| BIO 4011 | Research Experiences | 1-2 |
| SOC 1001 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PHI 2408 | Healthcare Ethics | 3 |
| BIO XXXX | Other upper-level biology courses support an application | 3+ |