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Biology Major: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track
Jump start your academic journey in the #2 ranked healthcare career.
As a physical assistant (PA), you’ll play a pivotal role in directly enriching the quality of your patients’ lives. While working under the supervision of a physician, you’ll be tasked with diagnosing injuries and illnesses, providing treatment plans, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and prescribing medications.
Within our biology major, our pre-physician assistant track prepares you to be entrusted with the responsibility of providing competent and empathetic care, not only for your patients but also for your colleagues and the entire healthcare system.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a well-rounded education in biological sciences. This equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue further graduate studies, ultimately leading you toward pursuing your certification as a physician assistant.
You’ll build a solid foundation by blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. This integrated approach prepares you for the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Upon completion of our program, you’ll be well-prepared and confident, ready to navigate the dynamic world of healthcare and embark on a rewarding career.
In fact, the physician assistant profession is ranked as the second-best healthcare job by U.S. News & World Report.1 It is recognized as one of the most secure career paths, offering job stability, and is among the fastest-growing and indispensable fields in the nation.
Our deep-rooted Lasallian Catholic values mean we provide a quality education rooted in service, inclusivity, and respect for others. We will ensure your growth as both a skilled PA and an empathetic caregiver. We’re here to guide you on your journey and embrace who you are and who you aspire to become.
We invite you to explore our program and launch your PA career with us. At Saint Mary’s, our mission is to help you find yours.
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Program Highlights
- Gain in-depth practical learning experiences through hands-on laboratory work, diving into subjects such as human anatomy, genetics, cell biology, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and physics.
- Enhance your academic journey by adding a minor in Spanish, psychology, or health humanities, developing deep knowledge that can be applied to your professional career.
- Experience an unforgettable study abroad adventure, whether you choose to study Spanish in Cordoba, Argentina, or explore the intersection of culinary and health sciences and their impact on wellness in Beauvais, France.
- Gain the competitive edge like many of our graduates who gained admission and enrolled in physician assistant programs at St. Scholastica, Concordia University, and the University of Iowa.
What You'll Learn
- Gain a fundamental understanding of biological sciences such as biochemistry, microbiology, and general and organic chemistry
- Acquire knowledge to become clinically and professionally prepared to deliver healthcare services
- Learn how to provide compassionate and comprehensive patient care, involving the ability to communicate effectively with patients, understand their needs, and provide holistic care
- Identify how to work effectively with diverse colleagues in multidisciplinary teams with strong communication skills
- Exhibit ethical decisions in patient care, demonstrate leadership in patient advocacy, and work collaboratively with others to achieve the best patient outcomes
Admissions
Your journey towards a brighter future starts here. Whether you’re a high school graduate starting your college search — or a transfer student eager to find the perfect fit — Saint Mary’s is committed to helping you find your place in the world.
Course Catalog
Careers that look to the future.
The PA profession will experience a nearly 27% increase in employment between 2022 and 20322 — a rate that is faster than most careers both in and out of the healthcare sector. Physician assistants also received the highest score provided to any healthcare profession for achieving work-life balance. Learn more about employment outcomes here.
Physician Assistant
$126,010 per year*News from the John C. Parmer School of Sciences
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U.S. News & World Report, Best Jobs, Physician Assistant at https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/physician-assistant (visited Nov. 1, 2023).
1American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), PA Ranks as #2 Best Healthcare Job bu U.S. News & World Report at https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2023/01/pa-ranks-as-2-best-health-care-job-by-u-s-news-world-report/ (visited Nov. 1, 2023).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm (visited Nov. 1, 2023).