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Bachelor of Arts in Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track
Jump start your academic journey in the #2 ranked healthcare career.
As a physical assistant, 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.
- 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.
- Personalize your journey with 20 different minors.
- At Saint Mary’s, our Lasallian general education isn’t just a box to check — it’s a chance to grow in class and life.
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
Two paths to becoming a physician assistant.
Discover the difference between the Bachelor of Arts in Biology Health Sciences 3+2 physician assistant program and the Bachelor of Arts in Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track.
| Accelerated pathway | Traditional 4-year pathway | |
| How it works | Students begin their academic journey at Saint Mary’s before applying to the 3+2 physician assistant program | Traditional undergraduate experience, followed by a 2+ year physician assistant program at a program of your choosing |
| Application process | Apply in the fall of your junior year to Mayo School of Health Sciences. If accepted, you will begin classes in Rochester the following summer | Apply to Saint Mary’s and stay on the Winona Campus all four years |
| What you graduate with | B.A. from Saint Mary’s + M.S. from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences + ability to sit for the PANCE exam | B.A. from Saint Mary’s and the ability to apply to the physician assistant program of your choosing |
| Flexibility | Accelerated so you’ll be ready to enter the workforce sooner | More flexible to explore majors, minors, change direction, and participate in athletics and campus life |
| College Experience | Split experience: 3 years of traditional campus life + 2 years studying in Rochester and living off the Winona Campus | Full four-year traditional college experience with the option to live on campus all four years |
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*FAQs about physician assistant studies
What’s the difference between the Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track major and the Biology Health Sciences major?
The Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track major is open to all students to begin coursework their freshman year, and does not require a special application process. It is a four-year program, after which students may apply to the graduate program of their choosing.
The Biology Health Sciences major is the bachelor’s degree portion of Saint Mary’s 3+2 accelerated physician assistant program. Students must apply to the program their junior year, and upon acceptance into the program will change their major to Biology Health Sciences.
Where can I attend physician assistant school after graduation?
The Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Track major prepares students for physician assistant school at the program of their choosing. Past Saint Mary’s graduates have gone on to attend programs at St. Scholastica, Concordia University, and the University of Iowa.
The Biology Health Sciences accelerated program is an affiliation with Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, and students attend Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, Minn. after completing their studies on the Winona Campus.
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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).