Program Overview
UMBC's Pre-Physician Assistant Program prepares students for admission into PA programs through a comprehensive curriculum in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology. It also emphasizes direct patient care experience, with students expected to accumulate 1,000-10,000 hours before applying. The program aims to equip students with the academic foundation and practical skills necessary for success in PA school and a fulfilling career as a physician assistant.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The pre-physician assistant program at UMBC is not a formal major, but rather a preparatory curriculum that students can pursue alongside their chosen major. It aims to equip students with the academic foundation and practical experience necessary for admission into a professional physician assistant (PA) program.
Objectives:
- Complete the required coursework for entry into a PA program.
- Develop a strong understanding of the foundational sciences relevant to medicine, including biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Gain experience in working with patients through direct patient care exposure.
- Prepare students for the rigorous academic and clinical demands of PA school.
Outline:
- Program Structure: The program consists of two main components: coursework and patient care experience.
- Coursework: Students complete a total of 61 credits in the following areas:
- Biology (23 credits): Covers fundamentals of biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and experimental biology laboratory.
- Chemistry (24 credits): Includes principles of chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
- Mathematics (4 credits): Students choose one course from introductory statistics or statistics with biological applications.
- Psychology (7 credits): Covers introduction to psychology, child developmental psychology or abnormal psychology.
- Emergency Health Services (3 credits): Focuses on medical terminology.
- Patient Care Experience: Students are expected to have 1,000-10,000 hours of direct patient care experience before applying to PA programs. This experience can be obtained through various means such as volunteering, shadowing healthcare professionals, or working in healthcare settings.
Assessment:
Evaluation methods and criteria used in the program vary depending on the specific courses and instructors. However, assessments may include:
- Exams: Traditional exams and quizzes
- Laboratory reports: Analyzing and presenting findings from laboratory experiments.
- Assignments: Essays, research papers, presentations, and other projects.
- Clinical evaluations: Assessing performance in patient care settings.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Traditional classroom instruction delivered by experienced faculty members.
- Laboratory sessions: Hands-on experience with scientific experiments and procedures.
- Clinical rotations: Supervised practice in real-world healthcare settings.
- Small group discussions: Encouraging active participation and peer-to-peer learning.
Careers:
Graduates of the pre-physician assistant program are well-prepared to apply and gain admission to PA programs. Upon successful completion of a PA program, graduates can pursue a fulfilling career as a physician assistant.
Other:
- The program is designed to meet the admissions requirements of most nationally accredited PA programs.
- It is important for students to research the specific requirements of the PA program they wish to attend, as they may vary.
- Students are encouraged to gain experience in patient care early on, as it is a crucial component of PA program applications.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
Overview:
UMBC is a public research university located in Baltimore County, Maryland. It is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, innovation, and diversity. UMBC offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional master's programs.
Services Offered:
UMBC provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Admissions & Aid:
Undergraduate and graduate admissions, professional programs, financial aid, and scholarships.Academics:
Degrees and programs, colleges and departments, undergraduate and graduate catalogs, academic support, and academic calendar.Research:
Research and creative achievement, faculty experts, library resources, undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, and faculty research opportunities.Life on Campus:
Campus life overview, arts and culture, athletics and recreation, clubs and activities, events, health and well-being, and residential life.Giving:
Make a gift online, giving to UMBC, support student projects, and alumni community.Other:
myUMBC portal, directory, campus maps and location, on-campus destinations, where to eat, contact us, career center, events, mobile apps, stories, visit campus, work at UMBC, online directory, emergency info, and UMBC police.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UMBC offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:
Arts & Culture:
Attend events at the university's arts venues and engage with the creative arts community.Athletics:
Cheer on the Retrievers, UMBC's athletic teams, and participate in recreational activities.Clubs and Activities:
Join student organizations and clubs that align with their interests.Events:
Attend various events and programs hosted by the university throughout the year.Health and Well-being:
Access resources and support services for physical and mental health.Residential Life:
Live on campus and experience the benefits of a close-knit community.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
UMBC is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to undergraduate teaching.Innovative Research:
The university is a leader in research and innovation, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
UMBC is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a wide range of activities and events on campus.Affordable Education:
UMBC offers a high-quality education at an affordable price.Academic Programs:
UMBC offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Graduate Degrees:
Master's and doctoral degrees in a variety of disciplines.Professional Master's Programs:
Specialized master's programs designed for working professionals.Other:
UMBC is a member of the University System of Maryland and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university is also committed to equal opportunity and accessibility for all students.
