Program Overview

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Introduction to the Health Sciences: Pre-Physician Assistant Program

The University of Cincinnati offers a unique Physician Assistant (PA) track within the Health Sciences major that specifically prepares students for entry into graduate-level physician assistant programs. This program provides focused preparation for physician assistant school, giving students a hands-on undergraduate experience where they can gain direct patient care experiences through service learning and research opportunities in top health care facilities.

Program Description

The Health Sciences Pre-Physician Assistant program is designed to encompass a comprehensive approach to health, blending key elements of exercise science, kinesiology, and medicine. The curriculum meets and exceeds undergraduate prerequisite requirements for physician assistant schools, ensuring students are prepared for the rigor of any future professional program. A comprehensive background in the basic sciences combined with applied studies in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and microbiology puts students in an excellent position to be competitive candidates.

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. The admission requirements include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Meeting the university's academic success criteria

Careers and Graduate Education Opportunities

Students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Physician track generally seek a career as a physician assistant after completing a physician assistant graduate program. Physician assistants work with people across the lifespans and generally work in:

• Physician offices
• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Other health care settings

If students decide not to pursue a physician assistant program, they will be prepared for a variety of other graduate programs, certifications, and employment opportunities, including:

• Medical school (MD)
• Osteopathic medical school (DO)
• Physician assistant school (PA-C)
• Chiropractic school (DC)
• Optometry school (OD)
• Pharmacy school
• Dental school (DDS or DMD)
• Doctor of Physical therapy programs
• Athletic Training programs
• Occupational Therapy programs
• Orthotics and Prosthetics programs (CO or CP)
• Public Health programs (MA, MS, or PhD)
• Exercise Physiology or Biomechanics programs (MS or PhD)
• Nutrition programs and more

Professional Certification Opportunities

Students can also pursue professional certifications, such as:

• American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) certifications
  • Certified personal trainer
  • Health/fitness instructor
• National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) certifications
  • Certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT)
  • Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS)

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for various career opportunities, including:

• Advanced coaching opportunities
• Activities director/fitness director at recreation facilities or camps
• Medical or biomedical equipment representative/sales
• Exercise equipment representative/sales
• Pharmaceutical product representative/sales

Advising and Transferring to UC

Advisors are available to help students at every step of their academic journey. Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Health Sciences: Pre-Physician Assistant program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the health sciences. The program includes a range of courses in the basic sciences, as well as applied studies in exercise physiology, biomechanics, and kinesiology, biochemistry, cell biology, and microbiology.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found on the University of Cincinnati's website.

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Code

The program code for the Health Sciences: Pre-Physician Assistant program is 35BAC-HLSC-BSHS-HLSC-PA.