Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program

The Pre-physician assistant completion program is intended for students who have completed some but not all of the core science prerequisites needed to meet entrance requirements for master's programs for physician assistants (PAs). Students in this program may complete their remaining core classes through SPS and receive the same student services as those in the pre-physician assistant post-baccalaureate program in SPS.

This program is not intended as a records enhancement program. Students who have already applied to physician assistant master’s programs or have completed all of the required coursework for their intended programs should not apply for this completion program but may consider the Advanced Studies in Biology for the Health Professions certificate.

Students must complete the pre-physician assistant completion program within 12 calendar months and must enroll in at least two units of coursework per term to be eligible for financial aid. Students who plan to enroll in this program during the summer immediately following the completion of their undergraduate degree may not be eligible for financial aid during that summer, depending on previous aid awards for that academic year.

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Personalized Pre-PA curriculum is tailored to fit your previous coursework

Course plans will vary based on each student’s previously completed coursework. The courses listed below are necessary prerequisites for physician assistant graduate programs. Upon admission into the program, students should consult with their academic advisor to create a plan of study. In order to receive a letter of completion, students must complete their individual required courses as determined in the initial advising meeting and must complete a minimum of 4 units with a 3.0 GPA.

Biological Sciences

The following courses are required:

  • BIOL SCI 201: Molecular Biology
  • BIOL SCI 202: Cellular Biology
  • BIOL SCI 203: Genetics and Evolution
  • BIOL SCI 232 : Molecular and Cellular Processes Laboratory
  • BIOL SCI 233: Genetic and Molecular Processes Laboratory
  • BIOL SCI 234: Investigative Laboratory
  • BIOL SCI 308: Biochemistry
  • BIOL SCI 310: Human Physiology
  • BIOL SCI 313: Human Anatomy
  • BIOL SCI 317: Regional Anatomy Lab
  • BIOL SCI 328: Microbiology

Chemistry

  • CHEM 110: Quantitative Problem Solving in Chemistry
  • CHEM 131: Fundamentals of Chemistry I (with lab, CHEM 141)
  • CHEM 132: Fundamentals of  Chemistry II (with lab, CHEM 142)
  • CHEM 215-A: Organic Chemistry I (with lab (CHEM 235-A)

*Due to Northwestern Department of Chemistry policy, students may not begin a chemistry course in the middle of a sequence. Students who need to complete a chemistry course must take the entire sequence at SPS. 

If you have successfully completed a year of General Chemistry with lab at another institution and you plan to register for Organic Chemistry, please note that the Northwestern Department of Chemistry requires a Chemistry Placement Test. This exam ensures that students who have studied chemistry at an outside institution are prepared to succeed in Northwestern University’s Organic Chemistry sequence. The online Chemistry Placement Test can be scheduled at your convenience. Please contact your academic adviser to get started.

Additional Courses

  • STAT 202: Introduction to Statistics
  • CLASSICS 110: Scientific Vocabulary Through Classical Roots

About the Pre-Physician Assistant Completion Program

Transfer Credit Policy for Prephysician Assistant Completion Program

Transfer credit is not accepted into this program. However, the program’s flexibility allows students to enroll in only the courses that they need.

Prephysician Assistant Completion Program Tuition

Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.

Admission for Prephysician Assistant Completion Program

In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.

Prephysician Assistant Completion Program Registration Information

Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.

Prephysician Assistant Completion Program Sample Course Plans

View two Prephysician Assistant Completion Program Sample Course Plans here.

Find out more about the Prephysician Assistant Completion Program

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