pre-physicians assistant student getting health advice

Pre-Physician Assistant Program

Earn your undergraduate degree while preparing for a future as a physician assistant.

Physician Assistants are important members of the health care team who diagnose and treat illness and often provide primary care. The pre-physician assistant curriculum at UND prepares you for the rigors of physician assistant graduate school, and allows you to explore medicine before fully committing to the program. Help patients, doctors, nurses and the community by becoming a physician assistant.

Program type:
Pre-Professional Program
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

What bachelor's degree do I need for physician assistant school?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

As you prepare to assist in major surgeries, perform post-operative care and conduct other procedures and health processes, you'll learn the power of medicine and the impact of caring for a community. Physician assistants help to increase access to healthcare where it's needed most.

Applying to PA programs does not require a specific major, but does require specific courses like the following to prepare you:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutrition
  • Abnormal Psychology

This program is not a major. See the Pre-Physician Assistant program information for requirements and steps to join.

Careers for Graduates of Pre-Physician Assistant Programs

By completing the preparation for graduate training as a physician assistant, you're one step closer to a rewarding and lucrative career as a physician assistant.

Physician assistants work everywhere, from remote rural settings to major urban centers, in doctors' offices, hospitals, clinics, the armed forces and other federal government agencies.

The industry has a projected growth of 31% until 2028, and a median annual pay of $112,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pre-Physician Assistant Programs

  • Work with your professional advisor to set your curriculum and stay on track.

  • Get help preparing for entrance exams, as well as applying and interviewing for professional school.

  • Connect with classmates in the Pre-Physician Assistant Club that brings together medical students from all areas.

  • Undergraduate research opportunities are available with renowned faculty and regional labs.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

Pre-Physician Assistant Program Courses

PPT 315. Human Pharmacology. 3 Credits.

A survey of the more important drugs used in medicine, including basic principles, clinical uses and possible adverse effects. Prerequisite: BIMD 220 and BIMD 221 or BIOL 442 and CHEM 116 and CHEM 116L, or CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L, or CHEM 122 and CHEM 122L. F,S.

MED 205. Medical Terminology. 1 Credit.

Knowledge of medical terminology learned through the study of different body systems. F,S,SS.

CHEM 341. Organic Chemistry I. 3 Credits.

Designed for science and pre-professional students. Structure and bonding, acid-base reactions, nomenclature, stereochemistry, functional groups, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides and alcohols. Application of spectrometric methods (NMR, IR and MS) for identification of organic compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 122 with a grade of C or better and CHEM 122L; or CHEM 254 and CHEM 254L. F,S.

BIMD 220. Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 3 Credits.

BIMD 220 (3 credits) and BIMD 221 (3 credits) together are a complete survey of the anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems and the foundational concepts required to understand them. BIMD 220 covers beginner material on introductory A&P, cells, and tissues, as well as advancing through the skin, skeletal, muscle and nervous organ systems. BIMD 221 is a more advanced study of the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Each concept is presented through the lens of a diverse human population and both BIMD 220 and 221 are validated as essential studies special emphasis courses covering "The Diversity of Human Experience" topic. Together the courses are designed to meet field standards using the HAPS learning outcomes and goals. Corequisite: Either BIOL 150 and BIOL 150L or CHEM 116 and CHEM 116L or CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L. F,S.

N&D 240. Fundamentals of Nutrition. 3 Credits.

This introductory course focuses on basic elements of nutrition science. Emphasis is placed on nutrients, their functions and food sources, and discussion about how food behavior translates into nutritional health. The course also includes current topics such as fad diets, phytochemicals, and sports nutrition. Students learn to apply the principles of nutrition to their own food intake to improve their nutritional health. F,S,SS.

BIMD 302. General Microbiology Lecture. 2 Credits.

An introduction to general microbiology with emphasis on the morphology, classification, and physiology of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The significance of microorganisms in consumer product production, waste disposal, the environment, and interaction with humans is discussed. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 150 and CHEM 116 or CHEM 121, with a grade of C or better in both prerequisite courses. S.

Leaders in Health

Develop the skills to shape the future of healthcare.

Explore More Options

Connect with your pre-health advisor or find additional pre-professional choices at UND.

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