Many physician assistants enjoy successful careers in health practices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and government and educational sectors. Lourdes students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree with a concentration in Pre-Physician Assistant will work closely with their advisors during their undergraduate studies. Upon graduation, Lourdes students have successfully entered accredited master’s degree programs.
Pre-Physician Assistant (BS in Biology With Concentration)
Bachelor of Science
Physician Assistants examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. They are often the professional who works most closely with patients.
The demand for physician assistants is growing due to the baby boomer population, growth in chronic disease, and shortage of healthcare providers, including physicians.
All states require physician assistants to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and become licensed.
Plan of Study
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY: PRE-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CONCENTRATION
Total credit hours: 122
REQUIRED CURRICULUM
Please see required B.S. in Biology Plan of Study. Students are encouraged to select the Health Sciences concentration.
Health Sciences Concentration
This concentration is recommended for students pursuing graduate training in most health professions.
BIO 114 Medical Terminology
BIO 313 Nutrition Science
BIO 330 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIL 330 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab
BIO 331 Anatomy & Physiology II
BIL 331 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab
BIO 340 Pathophysiology
BIO 403 Immunology
(Approved Electives)
Note: Students interested in medicine, physician assistant, dentistry and pharmacy are also encouraged to complete a Chemistry Minor. This minor contributes to a student’s ability to succeed on the entrance exams for professional school and strengthens his/her transcript. The Chemistry Minor can be achieved by taking the following Chemistry courses:
CHM 305 Basic Biochemistry
CHL 305 Basic Biochemistry Lab
Learning Outcomes
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND HEALTH SCIENCES LEARNING OUTCOMES
PRE-PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the discipline of biology.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biological terms, principles, and concepts, utilizing appropriate depth and breadth in select content areas of biology.
2. Demonstrate skills of a biologist.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate protocols, studies, and experiments utilizing the scientific method.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of biological instruments and technologies.
3. Apply effective critical thinking in biology.
- Interpret, analyze, and evaluate biological information.
- Apply biological concepts to social issues.
4. Demonstrate effective communication in biology.
- Demonstrate effective written, speaking, and listening skills in biology reports, essays, projects, posters, and presentations.