Pre-Physician Assistant
Prepare for PA school and a career in advanced patient care
The Pre-Physician Assistant program at Kentucky Wesleyan College provides rigorous preparation in biology, chemistry, and health sciences. With personalized advising, advanced labs, and clinical experiences, students are prepared for admission to Physician Assistant (PA) programs and rewarding careers in healthcare.
Pre-Physician Assistant Program Features
At Kentucky Wesleyan, the Pre-PA track equips students with the academic foundation and professional experiences needed to thrive in PA school. Coursework includes biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and psychology, ensuring preparation for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other admission requirements. Faculty mentors provide individualized advising, helping students plan prerequisites, arrange clinical shadowing, and prepare competitive applications. Engaged learning includes laboratory work, research opportunities, and service-learning projects that connect classroom science to healthcare practice. Shadowing licensed PAs and completing internships in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings give students firsthand insight into the profession. With strong academics and professional support, KWC graduates are well-prepared for PA school and impactful careers in patient care.
Career Paths
Physician Assistant (with PA Program) – PAs practice medicine under physician supervision, performing exams, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and delivering patient care across specialties.
Surgical PA – Surgical PAs assist in operating rooms, provide pre- and post-operative care, and support surgeons during procedures. They are highly valued in hospitals and surgical centers.
Emergency Medicine PA – Emergency PAs diagnose and treat acute illnesses and injuries in fast-paced ER settings, providing critical care and lifesaving interventions.
Primary Care PA – Primary care PAs serve as frontline providers, managing routine checkups, chronic conditions, and preventive care in clinics and community health centers.
Pediatric PA – Pediatric PAs specialize in caring for infants, children, and adolescents, providing exams, immunizations, and treatment for childhood illnesses.
Hospitalist PA – Hospitalist PAs manage inpatient care, coordinate treatment plans, and monitor patients during hospital stays, ensuring quality care in medical facilities.
Pre-Physician Assistant Program Requirements
Pre-PA is a pre-professional track that pairs with majors such as Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences. Students complete prerequisite courses for PA programs, including General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Psychology. Additional coursework in statistics and biochemistry is recommended. Laboratory components ensure strong technical and analytical preparation. A pre-professional advisor helps students plan courses, secure patient-care experiences, and prepare for the GRE or PA school applications. Shadowing PAs and gaining clinical hours through internships or healthcare roles are strongly encouraged. This track provides the preparation and experiences required for success in PA school and the physician assistant profession.