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Essential Courses (for students entering Fall 2020)
| Course # | Title |
|---|---|
| BI 101 | General Biology I |
| BI 102 | General Bioogy II |
| BI 340 | Medical Microbiology |
| CH 142 | Integrated Chemistry Principles I |
| CH 143 | Integrated Chemistry Principles I Lab |
| CH 144 | Integrated Chemistry Principles II |
| CH 145 | Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab |
| CH 232 and CH 233 | Organic Chemistry I with Lab |
| CH 312 | Biochemistry |
| CH 247 | Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab |
| MA 205 or BI 305 | Elementary Statistics or Biostatistics |
| BI 310 | Physiology |
| BI 367 | Comparative Anatomy |
| BI 368 | Comparative Anatomy Laboratory |
| PY 101 | Introduction to Psychology |
| EN____ | English course (in addition to FYC) |
Important Notes
- Strongly recommend Genetics, medical terminology, and Ethics of Health Care. Also recommend Immunology, environmental science, Human Sexuality, history, religion, business courses, economics, art, and Communication courses. Many PA programs have individualized prerequisite requirements. Be sure to consult with the programs you intend to apply to for specific requirements.
- These courses reflect broad-based program requirements for schools in Pennsylvania. Although this course list will be sufficient for most other programs, make sure to check requirements of schools in which you are interested no later than your sophomore year.
- This course list does NOT represent a POE, nor does it cover College requirements. Design a POE in consultation with your advisor.
- Make sure to have an advisor on the Health Professions Committee
- In addition to your course work you are urged to gain some experience shadowing a physician assistant either during the school year or over the summer.
- If you study abroad the SAFEST strategy is to take ALL prerequisite courses for professional school in the U.S., which may require you to take courses in the U.S. over the summer, preferably at a 4 year institution. However, if this is extremely difficult for your situation, check with the professional schools you wish to attend to see if they will accept courses taken abroad and if so, get their response in writing.
- Be mindful of your POE courses, which are NOT indicated here. Work with your advisor.
Competitive Credentials
For programs in general: Science GPA and overall GPA of 3.5-3.6. 500-1000 hours of "hands-on" health care experience for many programs (examples; nurse's aide, patient care technician, EMT; schools do not count "shadowing" for the health care experience requirement).
Helpful Websites
Physician Assistant Education Association - www.paeaonline.org and http://pafocus.org/
American Academy of Physician Assistants - http://www.aapa.org
General Information: https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/medicine/physician-assistant/
Suggested Core Progression for Pre-Physician Assistant
Bolded courses are offered only in the indicated semester and/or require a specific sequence due to Juniata prerequisites. Non-bolded courses are either offered in both semesters or represent open-ended choices, making them more flexible in when they can be taken.
| FALL | SPRING | |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | BI101 General Biology I | BI102 General Biology II |
| CH 142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I | CH 144 Integrated Chemistry Principles II | |
| CH143 Integrated Chemistry Principles I Lab | CH 145 Integrated Chemistry Princ II Lab | |
| PY 101 Psychology |
| FALL | SPRING | |
|---|---|---|
| Sophomore Year | CH 232 Organic Chemistry I | CH 312 Biochemistry |
| CH 233 Organic Chemistry I Lab | CH 247 Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab | |
| English course |
| FALL | SPRING | |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Year | Statistics | BI 367/368 Anatomy and Lab |
| BI 310 Physiology | ||
| Medical Microbiology |
**Both semesters of the year that you plan to take the exam.