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Health Science Major with Pre-Physician Assistant Programs at Grace College, a Christian College prepare you for graduate school & healthcare.
Programs & Majors
Health Science

Health Science Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration

Course List
  • On-Campus
Educational Focuses
  • Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
  • Medical Terminology
  • Field Learning - Healthcare Observation & Experience

As a health science major at Grace, you’ll be equipped with the mathematical and scientific skills necessary to prepare for graduate medical training in a variety of fields. Pre physician assistant programs prepare you for graduate training to become a physician assistant.

As a physician assistant, you’ll work with doctors in diagnosing and treating patients, from prescribing medication to assisting in surgery. You’ll begin working with patients after about two years of graduate training, as opposed to seven for most physicians. A physician assistant profession also allows you to change your medical field without additional training. No other area of medicine includes this level of flexibility.

Grace’s health science program is founded on the truth that the human body is an incredible creation of God. We acknowledge His role in not only its creation but in His providing for our health, whether that’s through the body’s ability to heal itself or the knowledge He gives us to promote healing through medicine.

You’ll begin the program with foundational and specialized science courses and labs in fields such as biology, ecology, and anatomy and physiology. Know that faculty will be present at your labs. At Grace, our health science faculty will know you by name, mentoring you academically and supporting you in living out your faith as a scientist. Our faculty will be present at your labs and available to answer your questions.

A distinguishing characteristic of Grace’s health science program is that each student is required to complete field learning. With a pre physician assistant concentration, you’ll shadow healthcare practitioners or serve in an entry-level healthcare occupation. Through your learning experience, you’ll get an in-depth look at the healthcare system, better allowing you to visualize yourself in a career before tackling the rigors of graduate medical education.

After you graduate with a pre physician assistant health science degree, you’ll be able to continue your education at a graduate institution, leading to a medical career as a physician assistant. If you choose not to pursue graduate studies, you’ll still be equipped for a variety of health science jobs, such as laboratory work, medical sales, or even life science education.

Health Science Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration is great for those who are:
  • People Oriented
  • Focused
  • Team Player
  • Good Communicator
  • Driven
  • Detail Oriented
  • Caring
  • Empathetic
Internship Opportunities
  • Local Medical Professionals
  • Kosciusko County Hospital Systems
  • Warsaw Orthopedic Companies
Top Medical Schools our Graduates Have Attended
  • Butler University
  • Saint Louis University
  • Arcadia University
  • Des Moines University
  • Washington University, St. Louis
  • Ohio State University
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Iowa
  • Michigan State University
Featured Staff Member
Richard Roberts Pre-Health Professions Coordinator; Associate Professor of Biology
Rick Roberts

Ph.D.

Associate Dean, School of Science and Engineering; Pre-Health Professions Coordinator; Associate Professor of Biology

Featured Staff Member
Joe Frentzel Chair, Dept. of Science and Mathematics & Program Director, Biology
Joe Frentzel

Ph.D.

Dr. Eugene Inman Endowed Chair of Science and Mathematics at Grace & Program Director, Biology

Health Science FAQs

A bachelor’s degree in health science can provide several opportunities within the vast field of healthcare; however, extra education at a graduate school is often required for most positions. 

 

Healthcare Administrator

Organizing and managing health care services, including facilities, programs, and staff budgets. With a health sciences major, you can work in healthcare administration jobs such as a nursing home administrator, health information manager, or insurance underwriter.

 

Dietician/Nutritionist

Helping people examine and improve their health and lifestyle based on your knowledge of food and nutrition. With your health science degree, you can take this career to nursing homes, cafeterias, clinics, schools, or local government.

 

Radiology and Ultrasound Technician

Performing medical imaging examinations and treatments to help patients find a diagnosis with your bachelor of health science. 

 

Occupational Therapist

Helping patients who are ill, injured, or disabled learn to do daily activities so that they may live to their fullest in the face of a medical crisis. A health science degree gives you the knowledge and skills needed to work with injured patients regaining everyday skills, disabled children learning to be capable in a school setting, and more.

 

Physician Assistant

Taking medical histories, conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and many other responsibilities. As a PA, you will work directly with other healthcare providers, collaborating and learning from licensed doctors.

 

So many more

There are a plethora of other roles available for a health science degree, including a drug and alcohol counselor, laboratory technician, pharmaceutical salesperson, claims reviewer, and more!

See Full Article 

A standard bachelor’s degree in health science can be completed in four years. Further education in a master’s or doctoral program can vary. 

A health science major is the study of life and health, generally for healthcare.

Along with general education, health science majors will take foundational courses in subjects such as Biology, Ecology, and Physics. As the degree progresses, classes become more specialized, like Microbiology and Organic Chemistry. 

Yes, health science is a good major, as it offers various career pathways and provides job security, as healthcare workers are in constant demand.

Besides taking intense classes, health science majors spend time in laboratories conducting experiments, shadowing specific medical professionals, and socializing with peers. Read What to Expect as a Health Science Major to learn more about what health science majors do. 

Pre-Physician Assistant FAQs

A pre-physician assistant concentration prepares you for the medical field with a foundational knowledge of the sciences. After preparing for graduate school with the pre-PA program, then obtaining a master’s degree, you will be able to work alongside physicians in diagnosing patients, prescribing medicine, and assisting in surgery. In this future career, you will work similarly to a doctor, providing healthcare to patients and prescribing medicine as needed. However, while a doctor may specialize in a certain part of the medical field, you will work in a broad variety of fields. 

A pre-physician assistant program equips you for a physician assistant grad program. This career requires a master’s degree and certification to practice within the field. Once you graduate, you are provided with a wide range of flexible career options. Physician assistants are able to work in any profession alongside physicians, including family medicine, surgery, emergency services, and more.  

As a future physician assistant, you develop a broad understanding of the health sciences. Students in this major take Advanced Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology. Through these types of classes, you develop an understanding of medicine and the biochemistry or chemistry behind how different medicines interact. 

At Grace, our pre-physician assistant program focuses on providing you with the medical knowledge and prerequisite classes you will need for a physician assistant grad program. 

As a health science major, you’ll take eight-week class sessions that help you adjust to rapid learning environments and obtain the study skills necessary for master’s classes. 

Furthermore, our program strives to help students find hands-on internships in rehab, hospitals, and senior facilities. Some of our students have worked for the Kosciusko County Hospitals or local orthopedic companies. These experiences are a key component to a successful PA program application, and allow them to work with patients and apply their knowledge to the real world. 

If you are interested in pursuing graduate school, read about these key tips for success as a health science major

In a pre-physician assistant concentration at Grace, you will gain knowledge of healthcare from a Biblical perspective. Within your field, you’ll develop an understanding of humility and compassion, learning how to place your patients before your own needs. As you take more courses, you’ll develop an understanding of human relationships and how you can be an encouragement to other people as well as have the foundation for the medical knowledge that you will gain as a PA. 

Diverse Metrics of Success

98%

of Grace grads who have been accepted to programs and have completed those programs have become medical professionals

A

the grade received from Niche for our top rated Winona Lake community

90%

of Grace grads have been accepted to programs in graduate related education

Interested in a Pre-Physician Assistant Programs to get you ready for medical school? Check out the Health Sciences degrees from Grace College
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Students using a microscope
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At the heart of a Grace education are academically challenging courses that are specifically designed to foster a thirst for character, competence, and service within the hearts and minds of our students.

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“Learning the sciences from a Christian perspective is invaluable. Grace's sciences shine as a beautiful light in the otherwise atheistic world of science. I appreciate the brilliant, godly, and caring faculty who set aside countless hours to help their students inside and outside of the classroom.”

Jonathan Biller

Grace College Student

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