Program Overview

Introduction to the 4+2 Health Sciences BS/Physician Assistant Studies MS Dual Degree

The 4+2 Health Sciences BS/Physician Assistant Studies MS Dual Degree program is designed for students who aspire to become physician assistants. This six-year program provides a comprehensive education in health sciences, culminating in a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

At a Glance

• College: College of Health Professions
• Degree: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
• Campus: East Falls, Voorhees
• Format: On Campus
• Duration: 6 Years
• Enrollment Options: Full Time

Program Overview

The undergraduate curriculum offers a stimulating and supportive environment, focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving skills through foundation courses in health, science, psychology, and the humanities. The program includes experiential learning opportunities through internships and clinical hours, enriching the college experience and providing exposure to various healthcare environments.

Curriculum

Health Sciences Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program is comprised of the first eight semesters of undergraduate study. Students complete medically-related science, health science, and psychology prerequisite courses, along with all components of the college studies program. The goal is to prepare students for the PA graduate program.

Year 1

• Pathways Seminar
• Writing Seminar I: Written Communication
• American Visions
• 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/Language
• Global Citizenship
• Developmental Psychology
• Anatomy & Physiology I Lecture & Lab
• Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture & Lab
• Introduction to Healthcare
• Health Sciences Electives (6 credits)

Year 3

• Abnormal Psychology
• Contemporary Global Issues
• Global Citizenship/Language
• 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)

Progression Criteria for the PA Graduate Program

• Complete all required undergraduate courses, with a grade of B or higher, including labs. A course can be repeated only once; no more than two courses may be repeated. Withdrawing from a course will count toward the number of repeated courses.
• Earn a minimum 3.500 (unrounded) cumulative and science GPAs at the end of each spring semester.
• Submit an online CASPA application by the stated deadline prior to year 4 (at least 9 science undergraduate courses must be completed at the time of application).
• Complete a minimum of 200 hours of direct patient care.
• Complete EMT, CNA, or Medical Assistant certification program at the time of application to CASPA. Training hours for these certifications do not count in the minimum of 200 hours.
• Complete legal and health clearances required for matriculation.

PA Graduate Program

The graduate curriculum involves 25 months of continuous study, including both didactic and clinical coursework and experiences. The didactic year consists of three semesters of medically-related classroom and laboratory work, with limited clinical experience. The clinical year consists of extensive clinical experience through nine 5-week rotations at a variety of medical facilities such as hospitals and medical offices. Students must successfully complete all didactic courses before entering the final clinical year.

Upon completion of the graduate program, graduates will receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, be eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), and may participate in the Physician Assistant Program Completion Ceremony in August, as well as the commencement ceremony in May.