Pre-Physician Assistant Track at Hope College

What classes do I need to take? Courses Required or Recommended

The pre-requisite courses for physician assistant (PA) programs vary widely at the different graduate PA schools. Due to this variation, it is essential for early academic planning that students identify several PA graduate programs that they would want to apply and/or attend. Pre-PA track students will work closely with the health professions advisor and their academic advisor to determine the most appropriate course of study

Although the requirements vary, required courses during your college years typically include:

• General Biology (Bio 105 + lab and Bio 106 + lab)
• Human Physiology (Bio 221+ lab)
• Human Anatomy (Bio 222 +lab or Kin 200 + lab)
• Microbiology (Bio 231 + lab)
• General Chemistry (Chem 125/127 & 126/128 or Chem 131/132)
• Organic Chemistry (Chem 221/255 & 231/256)
• Biochemistry (Chem 311 & 314)
• Statistics (Math 210)
• Psychology (Psy 100, 230, and one additional semester)

Other required or recommended courses may include:

• College Physics (Phys 105/107 & 106/108)
• Genetics (Bio 356)
• Biochemistry Lab (Chem 315)
• Physiology-Upper Level (Bio 442)
• Sociology (Soc 100 or 333)
• Medical Ethics (IDS 454 or PHIL 344)
• Nutrition (Kin 307)
• Medical Terminology (offered at Hope as a May term)
• Pathophysiology (Nursing 315)

What do I major in? Choice of Major

PA schools seek students with diverse and broad academic backgrounds. Students should select a major area of study that is of interest to them and will provide a foundation of knowledge necessary for the pursuit of several career alternatives. PA schools are most concerned with the overall quality and scope of undergraduate work and level of rigor; not with the specific academic major. Many Hope College students who have gone on to graduate PA programs have majored in biology, chemistr, exercise science or psychology since they have had academic interest in these areas and many of the required classes are in these areas.

More Important Information on pre-PA track

For current Hope College students, questions related to pre-Physician Assistant track, please contact HPA Professor T Prokopow.