College of Science and Health
Pre-Physician Assistant
Embrace a Fulfilling Career in Medicine in the Pre-Physician Assistant Program
Embark on a journey towards a rewarding career in medicine with Benedictine University’s pre-physician assistant program (pre-PA). This comprehensive program provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of medicine, preparing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others as a physician assistant (PA).
Physician assistants play a vital role in the healthcare system, working alongside physicians to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. They provide a wide range of services, including:
- Taking patient histories
- Performing physical examinations
- Ordering and interpreting laboratory and diagnostic tests
- Prescribing medications
- Educating patients about their conditions and treatment plans.
A career as a PA offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of patients, providing compassionate and high-quality care in a variety of settings. With Benedictine University’s pre-PA program, you’ll be well-positioned to pursue a rewarding career in this dynamic and impactful field.
Join us in empowering patient care and embark on a journey to make a lasting impact on the health of others.
The BenU Difference
Why Choose Benedictine University’s Pre-Physician Assistant Program?
- Rigorous Coursework: Delve into a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills development, providing you with a strong foundation in the sciences and medicine.
- Hands-on Experience: Gain practical experience through shadowing opportunities with experienced PAs and physicians, allowing you to observe and participate in real-world patient care settings.
- Personalized Mentorship: Receive individualized guidance from our dedicated pre-health advisors, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the application process and succeed in your PA studies.
What Should My Major Be?
Most schools do not require a specific major, but it is important to review the specific recommendations at any school you are interested in attending. We recommend choosing a major that suits your personal interests. Physician Assistant admissions teams will check carefully to make sure you have all of the specific prerequisite courses and experiences that they require for consideration.
Experience Matters
Experience in hospitals or clinics that use PAs will help to ensure that you are making a good career choice. Many PA programs require a minimum number of clinical service hours- check with the PA programs you are interested in to find out what they expect. PA admissions look for evidence of such experience. Benedictine students have many opportunities to volunteer in local clinics and hospitals. In addition, many PA programs encourage applicants to have meaningful patient care experience that can be obtained by working in positions such as a CNA, EMT, medical assistant, or rehabilitation technician.
Physician Assistant (PA): Physician assistants are licensed medical professionals who are trained to provide a broad range of patient care services. They work under the supervision of a physician but have a significant degree of autonomy in diagnosing, treating, and managing patient care. PAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have completed additional education and training to provide a wider range of patient care services than registered nurses (RNs). NPs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Physician Associate Specialist (PAS): Physician associate specialists are PAs who have completed additional training in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics, cardiology, or oncology. PASs typically work in clinics or hospitals that specialize in their area of expertise.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Certified medical assistants are allied health professionals who provide administrative and clinical support to physicians and PAs. CMAs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT): Medical laboratory technicians perform a variety of tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to help diagnose and monitor diseases. MLTs work in hospitals, clinics, and independent laboratories.
Here is an example of some courses you may take in the Pre-Physician Assistant program:
- General Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
