Pre-Physician Assistant
Total graduates
126
2025 · 11 schools
International share
0.8%
1 international students
Bachelor's degrees
121
0.8% international
Overview
Pre-Physician Assistant is a specialized academic track designed to prepare students for admission into Physician Assistant (PA) graduate programs. This pre-professional pathway focuses on providing students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for a career in healthcare as a Physician Assistant, who plays a critical role in patient care.
Students in a Pre-Physician Assistant program typically engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. Additionally, many programs emphasize the importance of hands-on experience through clinical shadowing, internships, or volunteer work in healthcare settings. This practical exposure is essential, as it helps students understand the dynamics of patient care and the responsibilities of a PA.
Moreover, strong communication skills, critical thinking, and teamwork are integral components of the training, as PAs often work in collaborative environments with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The Pre-Physician Assistant track also prepares students for the competitive application process of PA schools, which often require a solid academic record, healthcare experience, and strong letters of recommendation.
In summary, the Pre-Physician Assistant program is an essential step for aspiring PAs, providing them with the academic foundation, clinical experience, and skills required to succeed in graduate studies and, ultimately, in their healthcare careers. This field is growing rapidly, reflecting an increasing demand for healthcare professionals who can assist in delivering high-quality care.
Graduates by year
AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral
From 2020 to 2025, graduates grew 282% and the international share went from 0.0% to 0.8%.
Colleges that award this degree
In 2025, 11 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.
| Rank | School | State | Graduates | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #191 | Hofstra University | New York | 4 | 0 |
| #262 | University of New England | Maine | 16 | 0 |
| #262 | DeSales University | Pennsylvania | 32 | 0 |
| #308 | Oakland University | Michigan | 19 | 0 |
| #353 | Trevecca Nazarene University | Tennessee | 5 | 0 |
| — | Seton Hill University | Pennsylvania | 30 | 0 |
| — | Lee University | Tennessee | 7 | 0 |
| — | Grand View University | Iowa | 6 | 0 |
| — | Holmes Community College | Mississippi | 3 | 0 |
| — | Butler Community College | Kansas | 2 | 0 |
| — | Kettering College | Ohio | 2 | 1 |
Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.
Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.