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2019-2020 Bradford Campus Catalog
University of Pittsburgh Bradford
   
2019-2020 Bradford Campus Catalog 
    
 
  Mar 28, 2024
 
2019-2020 Bradford Campus Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Pre-Physician Assistant


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Program Contact: Yaich, Lauren, Biology

The physician assistant (PA) is one of the fastest growing occupations in the country. These health care providers work under the supervision of a physician to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries in patients.

Note:


Keep in mind that requirements do vary from program to program, so be sure to contact the schools you plan to apply to early on during your undergraduate career to ensure that you have met all of their prerequisite requirements. Many programs also require some previous working experience in a health care environment, which can often be met by working as a nurse’s aide, an EMT, or in some other health care professional capacity.

Freshman Guarantee for the Physician Assistant Studies Program


The Physician Assistant Studies Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, has developed a freshman guarantee program for students at the regional campuses of the University of Pittsburgh.

To obtain the freshman guarantee in Physician Assistant Studies students must:

  • Earn the highest grade point average available in student’s high school with a curriculum showing the greatest academic rigor possible
  • Top 1% of class
  • Combined Math & Critical Reading (verbal) score of 1400
  • Indicate Pre-physician’s Assistant as an intended field of study on the admissions application
  • Have a completed admissions application on file, including all required documents, by December 15
  • Submit directly to the program, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement describing their interest in a career as a physician assistant
  • Successfully complete an interview with the program faculty

To maintain the freshman guarantee, the student must:

  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.75 or higher and a science GPA of 3.75 or higher at Pitt
  • Complete the prerequisite courses and requirements for the PA Program
  • Must have at least 40 hours of shadowing a PA
  • Must meet with PA faculty member at least once a year providing proof of GPA and courses taken
  • Complete their undergraduate degree in four years

Please be advised


Please be advised that some programs or courses of study require that students complete rotations, fieldwork, internships/externships and/or teaching assignments at facilities external to the university, while other programs or courses of study may offer voluntary internships or externships at facilities external to the university. Depending on the program or course, such facilities will or may require a criminal background check, an act 33/34 clearance (if applicable), and perhaps a drug screen to determine participant qualification or eligibility. Additionally, in order to become licensed, many states will inquire as to whether the applicant has been convicted of a misdemeanor, a felony, or a felonious or illegal act associated with alcohol and/or substance abuse.

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