Health Sciences Pre-Physician Assistant

The University of Cincinnati offers a unique Physician Assistant (PA) track within the Health Sciences major that specifically prepares you for entry into graduate level physician assistant programs.

The Health Sciences Pre-Physician Assistant is one of very few degrees that gives you focused preparation for physician assistant school. The program gives you a hands-on undergraduate experience where you can gain direct patient care experiences through service learning and research opportunities in some of the top health care facilities, learn alongside other allied health professions, and develop a strong foundational understanding of the human body through active labs.

The curriculum both meets and exceeds undergraduate prerequisite requirements for physician assistant schools to ensure you 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 you in an excellent position to be a competitive candidate.

Students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Physician track generally seek a career as a physician assistant.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for physician assistants is expected to grow 31% by 2030 (much faster than the national average) and the current median pay is $115,390 per year.

Physician assistants work with people across the lifespans and generally work in:

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

If you decide not to pursue a physician assistant program, you will be prepared for a variety of other graduate programs, certifications and employment opportunities.

Graduate Education Opportunities

• 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

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

• Certified personal trainer - Many professionals who hold this certification work in public or medical facilities that offer organized programs for healthy people or for people with mild, controlled health conditions such as arthritis.
• Health/fitness instructor - Most professionals who hold this certification work in programs that are offered through medical facilities with people who have low risk medical conditions or controlled disease such as outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation or diabetes programs.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• Certified personal trainer (NSCA-CPT)- Many professionals who hold this certification work in or start small businesses in fitness and health
• Certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) -Most professionals who hold this certification work in high school, collegiate or professional athletics. Some professionals work in public/retail fitness and health as facility managers responsible for the design and implementation of the facility's programs

Career Opportunities

• 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

• Complete Common Application
• Pay $100 non-refundable fee
• Submit official School transcripts
• Submit official test scores
• Submit letter of recommendation (optional)