College
College of Health Professions
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Campus
East Falls
Format
On Campus
Duration
4 Years
Contact Information
The Health Sciences BS / Pre-Physician Assistant program includes courses that are typically required as admission prerequisites for PA graduate programs. In addition, students complete two science and more than five free electives to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements. Students generally choose electives to augment their PA admission profile, and to meet unique PA graduate program prerequisite courses not included in the program. The 4-year Health Sciences BS offers greater flexibility to complete undergraduate degree requirements, and provides more opportunities to incorporate extra-curricular experiences like study away or intercollegiate athletics.
Acceptance into the Pre-Physician Assistant major does not guarantee a seat in the graduate PA Program. However, it does provide for a guaranteed interview for selected reserved seats in the East Falls or Voorhees campus PA professional programs for students who meet progressions requirements.
Academic Progression Criteria required to qualify for preferential interview:
- Minimum 3.250 cumulative GPA at time of CASPA application (no grade less than B- in any course, including labs; minimum B preferred)
- Minimum 3.250 science prerequisite GPA at time of CASPA application (no grade less than “B” in any science prerequisite course)
- Obtain minimum 200 hours of direct patient contact
- Submit CASPA application by deadline
Curriculum
Year 1
- Pathways Seminar
- Writing Seminar I: Written Communication
- Topics in American Studies
- Writing Seminar II: Multimedia Communication
- Chemistry I Lecture & Lab
- Biology I Lecture & Lab
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Introduction to Health Professions
- Chemistry II Lecture & Lab
- Biology II Lecture & Lab
Year 2
- Introduction to Psychology
- Ethics
- American Diversity
- Global Diversity
- Global Citizenship
- Abnormal Psychology
- Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture & Lab
- Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture & Lab
- Introduction to Healthcare
- Health Sciences Electives (6 credits)
Year 3
- Developmental Psychology
- Contemporary Global Issues
- Health Sciences Elective (3 credits)
- Microbiology Lecture & Lab
- Biology Elective (4 credits)
- Science Elective (Organic Chemistry recommended)
- Applied Statistics for Health Sciences
- Clinical Interactions
- Principles of Genetics Lecture & Lab
- Free Elective
Year 4
- Integrative Seminar
- Philosophies of the Good Life
- Medical Terminology and Documentation
- Psychology Electives (6 credits)
- Free Electives (15 credits; consider 4-course minor)