Program Overview

Program Overview

The Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program is designed for students who have completed some but not all of the core science prerequisites needed to meet entrance requirements for master's programs for physician assistants (PAs). This program allows students to complete their remaining core classes through the School of Professional Studies (SPS) and receive the same student services as those in the pre-physician assistant post-baccalaureate program in SPS.

Program Details

• The program is not intended as a records enhancement program.
• Students who have already applied to physician assistant master’s programs or have completed all of the required coursework for their intended programs should not apply for this completion program.
• Students must complete the pre-physician assistant completion program within 12 calendar months.
• Students must enroll in at least two units of coursework per term to be eligible for financial aid.
• Students who plan to enroll in this program during the summer immediately following the completion of their undergraduate degree may not be eligible for financial aid during that summer, depending on previous aid awards for that academic year.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program is tailored to fit each student's previous coursework. The courses listed below are necessary prerequisites for physician assistant graduate programs.

Biological Sciences

• BIOL SCI 201: Molecular Biology
• BIOL SCI 202: Cellular Biology
• BIOL SCI 203: Genetics and Evolution
• BIOL SCI 232: Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory
• BIOL SCI 233: Genetic and Molecular Processes Laboratory
• BIOL SCI 234: Investigative Laboratory
• BIOL SCI 308: Biochemistry
• BIOL SCI 310: Human Physiology
• BIOL SCI 313: Human Anatomy
• BIOL SCI 317: Regional Anatomy Lab
• BIOL SCI 328: Microbiology

Chemistry

• CHEM 110: Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
• CHEM 131: Fundamentals of Chemistry I (with lab, CHEM 141)
• CHEM 132: Fundamentals of Chemistry II (with lab, CHEM 142)
• CHEM 215-A: Organic Chemistry I (with lab, CHEM 235-A)

Additional Courses

• STAT 202: Introduction to Statistics
• CLASSICS 110: Scientific Vocabulary Through Classical Roots

Elective Courses

In addition to core requirements, pre-PA program students may select one of the courses from the list below. These are courses required by some, but not all PA programs.

• BIOL SCI 312: The Evolutionary Biology of Human Anatomy, Health and Disease
• BIOL SCI 316: Human Structure and Function
• BIOL SCI 318: Advanced Human Physiology
• ENGLISH 111: Writing Seminar II
• ENGLISH 205: Intermediate Composition
• KINS 237: Foundations of Human Movement
• PRO HLTH 390: Interprofessional Health Practice
• PSYCH 110: Introduction to Psychology
• SOCIOL 303: Analysis and Interpretation of Social Data

Transfer Credit Policy

Transfer credit is not accepted into this program. However, the program’s flexibility allows students to enroll in only the courses that they need.

Tuition

Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please refer to the Tuition page.

Admission

In addition to completing an online application, students will also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission, including application deadlines and tips on how to apply, can be found on the Admission page.

Registration Information

Whether students are first-time registrants or current and returning students, all students register using the online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which students are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.

Sample Course Plans

Two Pre-physician Assistant Completion Program Sample Course Plans are available for review.

Program Courses

The following courses are part of the Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program:

• BIOL_SCI 201-CN: Molecular Biology
• BIOL_SCI 202-CN: Cell Biology
• BIOL_SCI 203-CN: Genetics and Evolution
• BIOL_SCI 232-CN: Cellular and Molecular Processes Lab
• BIOL_SCI 233-CN: Genetics and Molecular Processes Lab
• BIOL_SCI 234-CN: Investigative Lab
• BIOL_SCI 308-CN: Biochemistry
• BIOL_SCI 310-CN: Human Physiology
• BIOL_SCI 313-CN: Human Anatomy
• BIOL_SCI 317-CN: Regional Human Anatomy Lab
• BIOL_SCI 328-CN: Microbiology
• CHEM 110-CN: Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
• CHEM 131-CN: Fundamentals of Chemistry I
• CHEM 132-CN: Fundamentals of Chemistry II
• CHEM 141-CN: Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab I
• CHEM 142-CN: Fundamentals of Chemistry Lab II
• CHEM 215-A: Organic Chemistry I
• CHEM 235-A: Organic Chemistry Lab I
• CLASSICS 110-CN: Scientific Vocabulary Classical Roots
• STAT 202-DL: Introduction to Statistics & Data Science

Conclusion

The Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program at Northwestern University's School of Professional Studies is designed to help students complete their remaining core science prerequisites for physician assistant master's programs. The program offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to enroll in only the courses they need, and provides the same student services as the pre-physician assistant post-baccalaureate program. With its comprehensive coursework and supportive environment, this program is an excellent option for students seeking to pursue a career as a physician assistant.