Pre-Physician Assistant
Prepare for the Next Step in Your Physician Assistant Journey
PennWest University's Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) Certificate provides the specialized science coursework commonly required for admission to Physician Assistant (PA) programs. Designed for undergraduate students and career changers, this certificate helps you complete key biology, chemistry and anatomy prerequisites while strengthening your academic profile. You'll also be encouraged to gain the direct patient care experience (PCE) expected by competitive PA programs.
This program is for you if...
- You plan to apply to a Physician Assistant (PA) program.
- You're earning a bachelor's degree in another field and need PA prerequisites.
- You're interested in medicine, patient care and the health sciences.
- You want to strengthen your academic preparation for graduate healthcare programs.
- You're seeking a structured pathway into physician assistant studies.
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XX Credits for AA
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XX Credits for BS
What You'll Study
You'll complete rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics and statistics while developing a strong understanding of the biological and chemical sciences that support clinical practice. Depending on your career goals, you can also select electives in medical terminology, bioethics, psychology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry and mathematics to satisfy the admission requirements of your target PA program. Throughout the curriculum, you'll build laboratory, analytical and quantitative reasoning skills essential for graduate healthcare education.
| Degrees, Certificates, Minors | Offered at... | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Clarion | Edinboro | Global Online | |
| Pre-Physician Assistant, Certificate | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Offered At This LocationIn-Person | Program Not Offered At This Location |
Meet Our Faculty
Our faculty are not just instructors; they are mentors, researchers, and industry professionals committed to providing an education grounded in real-world experiences and academic excellence. From engaging classroom discussions to hands-on experiential learning, our educators are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.
How You'll Learn
Complete the certificate through in-person coursework featuring laboratory experiences, scientific investigation and collaborative learning. You'll gain hands-on experience in biology, chemistry and anatomy labs while building the analytical skills required for physician assistant studies. The curriculum is designed to complement the direct patient care experience expected by many PA programs.
What You'll Become
This certificate prepares you to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) programs by completing many of the science and social science prerequisites commonly required for admission. It also provides the flexibility to tailor elective coursework based on the requirements of your target graduate program.
Career Paths
- Physician assistant studies
- Clinical medicine
- Patient care
- Healthcare
- Primary care
- Emergency medicine
- Surgical medicine
- Public health
- Graduate healthcare education
- Medical sciences
A growth mindset
When Sarah Shabloski graduates May 3 with a bachelor’s degree in allied health leadership, she will know she has the knowledge and skills to be successful.
How We'll Help You Succeed
At PennWest University, we prioritize your success and well-being from the moment you join our community. Our comprehensive student support system is designed to meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, academic assistance, and emotional support to ensure you can fully focus on your studies and personal growth. Whether you're a first-generation college student, returning for further education, or navigating career changes, our dedicated faculty and staff provide the encouragement and resources you need to overcome challenges and thrive. With a wide range of services from tutoring and career counseling to mental health resources, PennWest stands by your side, empowering you to achieve your academic goals and prepare for a successful future. Join us at PennWest, where you're not just a student; you're part of a supportive family committed to helping you find your place in the world.
38-73 Credits
Complete many of the science prerequisites required by physician assistant programs.
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Affordable Programs
Tuition & FeesDiscover quality education that fits your budget with our affordable programs at PennWest.
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Success Coaching
Success at PennWestAchieve your academic goals with personalized guidance from our dedicated student success coaches.
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Post-Graduation Support
Life After PennWestWe're here for you even after graduation, providing support and resources to help you succeed in your career.