Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Track

Students opting this track gain coursework and experience necessary to be competitive for applying to become a physician assistant. No specific undergraduate major is required. However, a major in Biology or Biochemistry combined with field specific courses is strongly recommended.

Students pursuing this track should contact the Pre-Health professional advisor for guidance and support.

Coursework required for application to PA programs include:
2 Semesters General Chemistry (CHE 190/CHE 191)
2 Semesters Organic Chemistry (CHE 201/CHE 202)
2 Semesters Intro to Biology (BIO 190/BIO 191)
2 Semesters Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 199/BIO 200)
Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110)
English Composition (ENG 105)

Additional coursework required by specific programs could include:
Microbiology (BIO 350)
Biochemistry (BIO 307)
Genetics (BIO 258)
Statistics (MAT 184)

Most PA programs require applications to have 500-1000 hours of patient contact experience prior to matriculation in their program. The exact number of hours required varies by school. Patient contact hours can be obtained through numerous different routes including but not limited to:
• Medical assistant
• Emergency medical technician (EMT)
• Paramedic
• Medic or medical corpsman
• Lab assistant/phlebotomist

By the end of the sophomore year it is strongly suggested that students identify PA programs they would like to apply to and look up their specific course and contact hour requirements.

Programs commonly attended by Saint Rose graduates include Albany Medical College, Marist, Clarkson, Lemoyne, and SUNY Stonybrook.