Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology: Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA)

Build a strong foundation to launch your Physician Assistant career

This Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) track builds on a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students are prepared for admission into PA school at Mercy College or another institution. In the workplace, Physician Assistants provide patient care under the direction of a physician.

In this program, students gain the knowledge and experiences necessary for continuing their education. Traditionally, pre-PA students should earn a science and overall grade point average of 3-3.5 for meeting many competitive thresholds for entrance to PA school. While PA program prerequisites are not uniform nationwide, the Mercy College Pre-PA track Biology degree provides the specific course work and experiences to strengthen clinical awareness. This intentional design equips students to apply to Mercy College’s PA program and many other PA programs. Note: Undergraduate financial aid does not carry into the graduate-level PA Professional Program.

Students who attend Mercy College’s Pre-PA track Biology degree and meet the College’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program competitive admission criteria are guaranteed an interview for the MPAS Program.

Mercy College also offers a Pre-Physician Assistant Direct Entry program. Read more about the program below.

Admission Requirements

Any Mercy College student in good standing can declare a biology major. High school science courses (Biology and Chemistry with a lab) or their college equivalents, must be taken within the past seven years with a “C” or better prior to the first semester. For a student to progress to semester III of the program, the mathematics pre-requisites must be met. (High school courses or their college equivalents within the past seven years with a "C" or better include Algebra I; Algebra II and Trigonometry or Pre- Calculus or an integrated sequence of advanced math courses (Statistics, Business Math, and/or computer courses will not fulfill this requirement). All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better; a grade of “B” or higher preferred, to progress through the program and for graduation.