Pre-physician assistant program
Pre-physician assistant program at CMU
Physician assistants are licensed to practice medicine within a practice agreement with a licensed physician. They take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests, perform minor surgery, prescribe medications and more. In the pre-physician assistant pathway you will gain the foundation needed to begin your graduate education and prepare to make a difference in your community. You’ll select a major of your choice while following the pre-physician assistant program of study.
Program Snapshot
Studying as a pre-physician assistant student
The core coursework for the pre-physician assistant program includes anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry and psychology. You’ll also study pathophysiology to understand how diseases affect the body. Along with your classes, you can join extracurricular activities like volunteering or research to build your medical knowledge.
Since a pre-physician assistant isn’t a major, you’ll need to choose a major and complete the required courses for PA school. Some options include:
- Athletic training
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Public health
- Dietetics
- Communication sciences and disorders
- Exercise science (Clinical, Kinesiology, Health fitness options)
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Pre-physician assistant program highlights
As a pre-physician assistant program student, you can:
- Live among your peers: Experience a living-learning community right on campus.
- Access advanced laboratories: Utilize the College of Health Profession’s human performance, biomechanics, anatomy (with computerized instructional enhancement), functional assessment laboratories and interprofessional education center featuring multiple simulation suites.
- Engage in student organizations: Join registered student organizations that provide professional and personal experiences to prepare you for a career as a Physician Assistant.
- Explore scholarship opportunities: Apply for various scholarships to support your educational journey financially.
Train with confidence, care with skill
Our medical simulation center is a great place for you to learn and become a skilled and caring healthcare worker. You will get hands-on training in our modern facility, which has manikin simulations and real patient rooms. You’ll take part in practice sessions that feel like real medical situations, helping you learn important skills like doing physical exams, using diagnostic tools and talking to patients.
Request Information about CMU
By submitting this form, I agree to receive calls, emails and/or text messages from Central Michigan University to discuss furthering my education.