Pre-Physician Assistant Professional Track Program

The pre-physician assistant professional track (Pre-PA) program is designed for students interested in preparing for a career as a physician assistant. According to the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), PAs are nationally certified and state-licensed professionals who practice team-based medicine with physicians and other healthcare providers. The Bureau of Labor StatisticsOpens in new window projects job growth of 37 percent between 2016 and 2026. The median annual wage for PAs was $104,860 in 2017.

From Pre-PA to MPAS

The pre-physician assistant professional track enables students majoring in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and biomedical engineering to prepare for application to the Trine University Master of Science in physician assistant studies (MPAS) program and other physician assistant studies programs in the United States.

The traditional pathway to most PA education programs is through a competitive application process. Different PA programs have different prerequisite courses/admissions requirements. The Trine University Pre-PA curriculum provides a foundation for entry into PA programs, but students in this program must pay particular attention to the specific prerequisites for their PA program of choice. The Trine University Pre-PA Program track prepares students for admission into a Physician Assistant Studies Program.

Entering students who have achieved superior academic performance in high school may apply for the Trine University PA Direct Entry program.

Guidance along the way

The Pre-PA program gives opportunities for guidance from physician assistant studies faculty and interaction with Trine's MPAS program.