Health Science Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration

As a health science major at Grace, you’ll be equipped with the mathematical and scientific skills necessary to prepare for graduate medical training in a variety of fields. Pre physician assistant programs prepare you for graduate training to become a physician assistant.

As a physician assistant, you’ll work with doctors in diagnosing and treating patients, from prescribing medication to assisting in surgery. You’ll begin working with patients after about two years of graduate training, as opposed to seven for most physicians. A physician assistant profession also allows you to change your medical field without additional training. No other area of medicine includes this level of flexibility.

Grace’s health science program is founded on the truth that the human body is an incredible creation of God. We acknowledge His role in not only its creation but in His providing for our health, whether that’s through the body’s ability to heal itself or the knowledge He gives us to promote healing through medicine.

You’ll begin the program with foundational and specialized science courses and labs in fields such as biology, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Know that faculty will be present at your labs. At Grace, our health science faculty will know you by name, mentoring you academically and supporting you in living out your faith as a scientist. Our faculty will be present at your labs and available to answer your questions.

A distinguishing characteristic of Grace’s health science program is that each student is required to complete field learning. With a pre physician assistant concentration, you’ll shadow healthcare practitioners or serve in an entry-level healthcare occupation. Through your learning experience, you’ll get an in-depth look at the healthcare system, better allowing you to visualize yourself in a career before tackling the rigors of graduate medical education.

After you graduate with a pre physician assistant health science degree, you’ll be able to continue your education at a graduate institution, leading to a medical career as a physician assistant. If you choose not to pursue graduate studies, you’ll still be equipped for a variety of health science jobs, such as laboratory work, medical sales, or even life science education.