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Health Science: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

Bachelor of Science
  • 120 Credits
  • School of Health and Natural Sciences
  • Westchester
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Pre-Physician Assistant

Health Science: Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Overview

Build a strong foundation in the sciences. Preparing students to apply for the B次元 graduate program in Physician Assistant Studies.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Pre-Physician Assistant Studies Concentration, offers a comprehensive curriculum grounded in scientific principles and its practical application to prepare students for application to a graduate physician assistant program. The diverse curriculum that includes general education requirements, the foundational sciences and psychology courses that are typically pre-requisites for application to a graduate program in physician assistant studies.

Pre-Physician Assistant

What is a PA?

Physician Assistants can be found in general medical and surgical hospitals, public or private practices, outpatient care centers, health maintenance organizations, government agencies, colleges and universities, and professional schools. The Physician Assistant Studies Program at B次元 will prepare you for a worthwhile and fulfilling career in medicine. Graduates of the B次元 PA Program are employed in some of the best hospital centers in and around the Tri-State area within the following medical specialties:

  • Outpatient medicine or primary care
  • Emergency medicine
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • General surgery
  • OB/GYN
  • Neonatology

Others are employed in hospital-based medicine, critical care, urology, pain management, rehabilitation medicine, breast surgery, oncology, pediatrics, addictive medicine, dermatology and interventional radiology.

Pathway to the Physician Assistant Studies Program at Mercy

The B.S. in Health Science does not provide eligibility for licensure to practice as physician assistant. The health science degree is awarded after completion of the 120-credits of coursework detailed in the Pre-PA concentration. Completing the health science program does not guarantee admission to a B次元 graduate program in physician assistant studies. Graduates of the B.S. in Health Science must apply to the graduate programs, meet specific requirements, and compete with all other applicants. B次元 B.S. in Health Science graduates are offered an admission interview for the respective graduate program provided they meet the minimum criteria as outlined by the program.

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Anatomage Table

Learning Through Virtual Dissection

Students have the benefit of learning human anatomy on one of the Anatomage tables at either the Bronx or Dobbs Ferry campuses.  This virtual format supports the knowledge of our future health care professionals. Hear from students about their experience.

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Program Outcomes

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Synthesize and apply knowledge from biological, physical, health, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for practice as a health care professional

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Explain the importance of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity in the community and health care environments

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Demonstrate knowledge of sound ethical practice found in health care settings

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Identify and use professional/scientific literature and materials to support professional decision making related to clinical practice and health care issues

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Demonstrate knowledge of the current health care system, as well as challenges and changes in the delivery and funding of health care

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Exhibit interpersonal skills required for client practitioner and professional interaction, as well as peer clinician communication

Frequently Asked Questions

A wide-range of areas such as licensed rehabilitation professions, environmental and occupational health, public health or health promotion. Graduates may also pursue careers related to health care and health promotion in various public and private, clinical and non-clinical settings.

Very. You can take classes as a part-time or full-time student, at various times including evenings and weekends.

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

Yes. Acceptance of transfer credits is determined by Admissions. They consult with any graduate program to which you intend to apply. To be eligible for a B.S. in Health Science, which is a 120-credit degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits at B次元. Mercy may transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits from a four-year college and up to 75 credits from a two-year community college.

If an employer requires a college degree with a health care focus, a B.S. in Health Science is usually preferred. A B.S. in Health Science is the most effective route to completing a Bachelor's degree that includes all the graduate program prerequisite courses for programs such as the Health Promotions Concentration as well as the Graduate Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Programs.

Program Information & Curriculum

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits
Major Concentration: 57 Credits
Open Electives: 3 Credits

Total: 120 Credits

Students who have selected a pre-physician assistant concentration must maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 3.0 to maintain matriculation within the pre-professional concentrations. If a student鈥檚 cumulative and/or major GPA falls below a 3.0, they will be placed on pre-professional concentration probation and will have one semester to restore their matriculating concentration status by raising their cumulative and/or major GPA to a 3.0.  Pre-professional concentration students must achieve a grade of B or better in ENGL 112 or equivalent and MATH 116, MATH 201 or equivalent. Any student who receives a grade below a C in a major course will be required to retake the course. Major courses may be retaken once.

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Contact the Health Sciences-Pre-PA Program

Dr. Jean Walsh
Assistant Professor
Program Director, Health Science
jwalsh5@mercy.edu
(718) 678-8325

Genesis Camarda
Administrative Assistant
gcamarda@mercy.edu
(914) 674-7550

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