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College of Arts & Sciences

Physician Assistant (Pre)

Why choose pre-physician assistant at North Central College?

A physician assistant is a trained professional who provides diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative health care services under the supervision of physicians and surgeons. At North Central, not only will you complete the prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry and
microbiology, you will refine your writing and communication skills that physician assistants must possess to work with patients.

In addition, you will have the flexibility to explore other interests to help make the most of your college experience. Whether it be studying business or psychology, participating in theatre productions, or spending a semester studying abroad, you will be transformed into a well-
rounded person who not only excels academically but also brings diverse perspectives and skills to the table when it comes time to apply to graduate school. That’s why at North Central we encourage you to pursue both your passions AND your prerequisites.

You can also:

  • Job shadow or volunteer at nearby healthcare facilities, including Angel’s Grace Hospice, St. Patrick’s Residence in Naperville and Edward Hospital in Naperville.
  • Conduct research with faculty, independently or with other students during North Central’s Summer Undergraduate Research Colloquium and present your findings at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research or the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
  • Study abroad or apply for a Richter Independent Study Fellowship grant to conduct health-related research in a foreign country.
  • Get personalized attention in small classes from professors who know you and can write letters of recommendation to graduate schools on your behalf.
  • Work with a dedicated health programs advisor who will help you develop a personalized plan for college and beyond.
  • Gain valuable experience with our student Pre-Health Organization.
  • Apply to North Central’s Selective Internal PA Admissions Pathway program to get a head start on reserving your spot in graduate school.

Selective Internal PA Admissions Pathway (SIPAAP)
North Central offers direct admission for qualified undergraduate students into the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program through our Selective Internal Admissions Pathway program, giving you a head start over other candidates for these highly competitive spots.

Healthcare done differently
North Central College is a leader in healthcare education, with more than 38 undergraduate and graduate healthcare programs. Our focus is on developing excellent clinicians, educators, scholars and leaders who are driven not just by optimistic career outcomes, but also by a desire to serve. This is what makes North Central stand apart.
Explore our healthcare programs

Wentz Science Center
Take a virtual tour of the state-of-the-art Wentz Science Center, home to the lab science classes, labs and faculty offices.
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Pre-Physician Assistant Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.

Physician Assistant Graduate Programs

Graduates have been accepted at:

  • North Central College, Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies, Naperville
  • Midwestern University College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ 
  • Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science – Physician Assistant Program, North Chicago
  • Rush University – Physician Assistant Program, Chicago
  • Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine—Physician Assistant Program, Chicago
  • Elon University – Physician Assistant Program, Elon, NC
  • Methodist University—Physician Assistant Studies, Fayetteville, NC
  • Southern Illinois University School of Medicine—Physician Assistant Program, Carbondale
  • Dominican University—Physician Assistant Studies, River Forest
  • Butler University—Physician Assistant Program, Indianapolis, IN
  • Carroll University—Physician Assistant Studies, Waukesha, WI
  • Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—Physician Assistant Studies, Boston, MA
  • Saint Louis University—Physician Assistant Program, St. Louis, MO
  • Des Moines University of Medicine and Health Sciences—Physican Assistant Studies, West Des Moines, IA
  • Nova Southeastern University—Physician Assistant Program, FL

Careers

Graduates include:

  • Physician assistant, Hinsdale Orthopaedic Associates, Hinsdale, IL
  • Physician assistant, Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield, IL
  • Physician assistant, M&M Orthopaedics, Downers Grove, IL
  • Physician assistant, River North Convenient Care, Wheaton, IL
  • Physician Assistant, SIU Cardiothoracic Surgery, Carbondale IL
  • Physician Assistant, Rush Orthopedic Care, River Forest, IL
  • Physician Assistant, NorthShore University HealthSystem Vascular Surgery, Evanston, IL
  • Physician Assistant, Yorktown Health Women’s Care, Lombard, IL
  • Physician Assistant Advocate Health Orthopedic Surgery, Lincolnshire, IL
     

What major should I choose at North Central College?
A degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or health science with natural science electives is recommended unless you have a strong interest in another major. Regardless of your major, physician assistant programs require a set of prerequisite courses, many of which are related to important health sciences (see list below).

Will I need graduate education?
Yes. After earning your bachelor’s degree at North Central, becoming a physician assistant (PA) requires an additional 2-3 years of graduate study leading to a master's degree from an accredited PA program. There are some residency-like programs to provide additional training after the Physician's Assistant degree is obtained, but most PAs begin practice directly. This field is growing rapidly, so job opportunities are good. However, the training required is intensive and admission to Physician Assistant programs is now more competitive than medical schools, and requires direct patient care experience prior to applying to programs. The average GPA for students accepted into PA master's programs is about 3.7 or higher.

What prerequisite courses do physician assistant programs require?
Minimum course requirements for admission to PA schools in Illinois are:

  • General Biology with lab 
  • General Chemistry with lab 
  • Organic Chemistry with lab 
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Statistics

Many PA programs also require or recommend:

  • Psychology
  • Genetics
  • Ethics
  • Medical Terminology

What else should I consider?
Keep in mind that physician assistant studies go beyond the classroom. Since physician assistants work intensely with people, they must possess good communication skills, a commitment to serving others, and an interest in client-centered therapy. In addition to meeting a required minimum GPA, direct, hands-on patient care experience in a health care setting is required by most PA programs in order to be eligible for admission.   

While a student at North Central, you will participate in activities that will help you develop into a competitive applicant for PA schools in Illinois. These include: observing physician assistants and gaining clinical experience in a health care setting; leadership activities like serving as a peer health educator, being an officer in a student organization, or tutoring; and a commitment to others demonstrated through volunteer service. The Pre-Professional Health Program Coordinator will guide you in these activities, connect you with alums who have pursued this path, and advise you throughout the application process to physician assistant programs.

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your higher education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

NCC is here to prepare you through our PA program so that you meet the criteria needed to receive your master's degree. Be sure to start applying so you can start on the path to higher education today! The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.