Pre-Physician Assistant
The Pre-Physician Assistant program is designed to prepare you for transfer to a Physician Assistant program at a four-year college or university. The curriculum is academically rigorous and provides the knowledge base necessary to complete the baccalaureate degree and continue to the master’s degree level physician assistant curriculum.
Upon completing your master’s degree as a Physician Assistant, also known as a PA, your work will entail the following:
- Practicing medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.
- Working in physicians’ offices, hospitals, and other healthcare settings.
- Most PAs work full-time.
What’s the Job Outlook for Physician Assistants?
Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for healthcare services from the growing and aging population and widespread chronic disease, combined with a shortage of physicians, will result in increased demand for healthcare providers, such as physician assistants.
What’s Required to Complete the Pre-Physician Assistant Program?
An AAS in the Pre-Physician Assistant Program from WCCCD requires 61 total credits.
As a Pre-Physician Assistant student at WCCCD, you’ll take both general education courses and courses required for a Pre-Physician Assistant Major.
Students without health care experience are recommended to participate in Emergency Medical Technology certificate programs in addition to the Pre-Physician Assistant transfer degree curriculum.
Students in the Pre-Physician Assistant program should plan to transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. You will need to complete the baccalaureate degree and continue to the master’s degree level physician assistant curriculum. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Pre-Physician Assistant Degree?
Most pre-physician assistant students take five semesters (2.5 years) to complete AAS degree prerequisites and required courses.
What Will I Learn as a Pre-Physician Assistant Student?
WCCCD pre-physician students learn to practice medicine and general healthcare under a doctor’s supervision. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy, chemistry, and other science disciplines.
Recommended course sequence:
Where is WCCCD’s Pre-Physician Assistant Program Offered?
The Pre-Physician Assistant program is offered at our Downriver and Curtis L. Ivery Downtown campuses.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
Associate of General Studies Contact Information
Phone: 313-496-2600
Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu