3.5 + 2.5 B.S. Health Science and Physician Assistant
3.5 + 2.5 B.S. Health Science and Physician Assistant (Accelerated)
Secure a seat in USJ’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program through this competitive major
This seven-semester, interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree in Health Science prepares students for post-graduate success in USJ’s Physician Assistant Studies Program.
The Pre-PA track is open to high school graduates who meet the admissions requirements specific to the program and then meet the yearly benchmarks through their junior year. Students that meet all the benchmarks and pass an in-person interview can secure a seat in the USJ PA program beginning January after their seventh semester.
Please use this academic map as a reference guide. Academic advisors are always available to discuss the required courses depending on each student’s needs.
Criteria for Program Admission
Cumulative GPA: 3.4 or higher (unweighted).
Science Coursework: Three state or appropriate equivalent lab-based natural science courses (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, and one additional course) with a final grade of B or better.
Math Coursework: Three state or appropriate equivalent math courses through a minimum level of Pre-Calculus, each with a final grade of B or better.
Healthcare Exposure: Healthcare experience and/or shadowing is strongly recommended to strengthen the application.
Additional Consideration
Candidates who do not meet the threshold in a specific course(s) may still be considered if they present a stronger overall GPA (3.6 or higher) and provide evidence of advanced coursework in math and science, such as AP, IB, Honors, or Early College Program classes.
Please note, all coursework must have been completed within 7 years of enrollment. Waivers may be granted after faculty consideration, on a case-by-case basis.
Learning Outcomes for Health Science Undergraduate Students
The Health Science Program prepares all students to be able to:
Identify health determinants in order to improve equity and access across all populations
Analyze the impact that genetics, epidemiology, and nutrition have on individuals across the life span
Integrate the scientific foundations of disease and disability with clinical reasoning skills in order to enter a health related career
Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals
Apply knowledge from the natural, behavioral, social, and health sciences to be able to form preventative and wellness initiatives
Develop an understanding of professional ethics that can be applied in all healthcare professions
Progression Standards
Throughout the curriculum, students must meet the following requirements:
Earn a B- or better in all major and supporting courses
Take all major and supporting courses at USJ
Cumulative 3.3 GPA or higher at the end of your Junior Year
No repeat of courses without permission from the major advisor/program director (may delay matriculation into the Physician Assistant Program)
Absence of disciplinary actions
Maintain ability to meet Physician Assistant Technical Standards, with or without accommodation
Completion of a successful in-person interview for the Physician Assistant Studies Program
*Completion of 1000 hours of field experience in the last five years (Health Care, Research, Volunteer, Shadow, etc.) for students entering the program prior to Fall 2026.
*For applicants entering the program Fall 2026 and beyond, completion of 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience at time of application, within the last five years. If you are unsure whether health care experience qualifies as direct patient care, please refer to this link for Direct Patient Care & Indirect Patient Care information.
HEALTH SCIENCE (DIRECT-ENTRY PA)
Clinical Placements and Career Opportunities
Undergraduate students in USJ’s program build the foundation necessary to earn an advanced degree and begin a thriving career in a number of areas, including: research and internships available at nearby hospitals such as Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital. Potential careers: primary care, family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and more.
Advantages
USJ’s streamlined direct track graduate Physician Assistant (PA) Studies program allows students to complete their education efficiently in seven-semesters and enter the field successfully with preparation for earning an MSPAS. The employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 30% from 2014-2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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