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Pre-Physician Assistant Studies
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Undergraduate Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

About the Pre-Physician Assistant Program

The physician assistant (PA) studies program at SRU prepares students for a rewarding career in a high-demand area of health care as a PA. PAs are trained and licensed to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment. The innovative PA program at SRU will prepare students to enter one of the fastest growing professions in the nation by offering an interactive curriculum during the first year of study and unique experiences during the second year. At SRU, we have strong undergraduate majors that will provide you with excellent preparation for PA school. SRU offers both traditional and accelerated options in which students can select an undergraduate major that matches their interests. Of the students admitted to the SRU PA program, there is no limit to the number of highly qualified applicants it will accept from SRU undergraduate programs.

What Can I Do With a Pre-Physician Assistant Degree?

At SRU, we have strong undergraduate majors that will provide you with excellent preparation for PA school. SRU offers both traditional and accelerated options in which students can select an undergraduate major that matches their interests. Of the students admitted to the SRU PA program, there is no limit to the number of highly qualified applicants it will accept from SRU undergraduate programs.

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Why Choose a Pre-Physician Assistant Degree?

     
  • Pathway to an Accredited PA Program
    Our Pre-PA tracks are specifically designed to make you a competitive applicant for our Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program, which holds Accreditation-Continued status from the ARC-PA.  
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  • Multiple Undergraduate Pathways
    You don’t have to be a biology major. SRU offers Pre-PA tracks through diverse fields like Psychology, Public Health, Exercise Science, and Healthcare Administration, allowing you to pursue your passion while preparing for your career.  
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  • Dedicated Faculty and Pre-Health Advising
    Our expert faculty provide insightful, individualized instruction and mentorship. You'll also work with a dedicated pre-health adviser to guide you through your program of study and the PA school application process.  
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  • State-of-the-Art Labs and Experiential Learning
    You will gain practical skills in our modern, well-equipped science laboratories. Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences, ensuring you are prepared for the clinical demands of the PA profession.  
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  • Accelerated 3+2 Options and Priority Admission
    Save time and money with our accelerated 3+2 pathways. As an SRU undergraduate, you receive strong consideration for admission into our highly-regarded PA program, with no limit on the number of qualified SRU students we accept.  
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Pre-Physician Assistant BS and Concentrations

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Biology, BS - Concentration in Pre-Health Professions / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

SRU offers an accelerated program that allows you to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in just five years. This unique option, available only to incoming freshmen, allows you to apply for early admission to the graduate program at the end of your sophomore year. If accepted, your first year in the master's program will also complete your undergraduate degree, providing a fast track to your career.

Curriculum Guide
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Biology, BS - Concentration in Pre-Health Professions / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

Complete the requirements for your biology major and the pre-requisites for the SRU PA program and apply to the SRU PA program in your senior year.

Curriculum Guide
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Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

For students aspiring to become a Physician Assistant (PA), allowing them to earn both their bachelor's and Master of Science degrees in just five years. In this program, students spend the first three years completing their exercise science major and prerequisite courses for the SRU PA program. At the end of their second year, they apply for admission; if accepted, the first year of the graduate PA program also fulfills their final undergraduate degree requirements.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Exercise Science, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

Complete the requirements for your exercise science major and the pre-requisites for the SRU PA program and apply to the SRU PA program in your senior year.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

Offers a unique opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in just five years. The curriculum is designed to build your knowledge of the healthcare environment, including financial management and organizational dynamics, while developing effective communication skills for collaborating with diverse teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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HCAM, BS - Concentration in Leadership / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in HCAM with a Leadership concentration, preparing you with both the administrative expertise and the scientific prerequisites for graduate studies. The curriculum is designed to build your knowledge of the healthcare environment, including financial management and organizational dynamics, while developing effective communication skills for collaborating with diverse teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

Provides a direct pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in just five years. The curriculum builds your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for diverse communities while developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with patients and healthcare teams.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Health Science - Public Health, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (Traditional)

Provides a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Health, allowing you to build a deep and thorough foundation before applying to graduate school. The curriculum is designed to build your professional competency in assessing and implementing health promotion for diverse communities, while also developing the effective communication skills needed to interact with both patients and other healthcare professionals.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Psychology, BS / Pre-Physician Assistant (SRU) (3+2)

Provides a direct pathway to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in just five years. The curriculum establishes a strong knowledge base in psychology, preparing you to understand human behavior while developing your scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills for effective problem-solving in clinical settings.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide
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Psychology, BS - Concentration in Neuroscience (SRU) (Traditional)

Offers student groups, experienced faculty, and diverse internship opportunities. SRU's curriculum includes the right combination of opportunities and experiences for students who focus their psychology studies on neuroscience, including the ability to work closely with faculty and expert training in research methods and techniques in well-equipped laboratories.

Catalog | Curriculum Guide


Career Outcomes

Upon completion of the Public Health undergraduate program and the Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies program, you will be well prepared to embark on your career as a Physician Assistant, a booming profession with increasing demand.


Clubs & Organizations

  • Exercise Science Society
  • Pre-Physician Assistant Club
  • Resistance Training Club
  • Rock Run Club

Resources

From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.

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