Why study 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.

Explore the University of Cincinnati's premier Health Sciences program, specializing in Pre-Physician Assistant studies. Our curriculum is designed to encompass a comprehensive approach to health, blending key elements of exercise science, kinesiology, and medicine. Discover unparalleled opportunities to prepare for a rewarding career as a physician assistant, with a focus on cutting-edge health sciences education. 

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.

Career Possibilities

Students in the Health Sciences – Pre-Physician track generally seek a career as a physician assistant after completing a physician assistant graduate program. 

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 offered through medical facilities with people with 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

Major Maps

• Guide: Health Sciences: Pre-Physician Assistant (BS) - Fall 2024

Advising

Advisors will be there to help you at every step of your academic journey. If you have advising-related questions, please visit the College of Allied Health Sciences’ Academic Advising.  

Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati has established academic success criteria for first-year applicants to bachelor's degree programs. All students are encouraged to apply. Please visit High School Student Admissions for more information about first-year student admission requirements.  

Transferring to UC Requirements

Students who have earned a high school diploma or GED and have attended a college or university other than the University of Cincinnati since earning their high school credentials are considered transfer students. Please visit UC Admissions for information about applying to the university as a Transfer Student. 

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash and UC Clermont), but want to change your major to one in the College of Allied Health Sciences, please visit Transition Students for more information.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines can be found at Admissions Deadlines.

Accreditation