Pre-Physician Assistant
A physician assistant (PA) is a person who assists a physician in his or her practice of medicine. The PA profession is one of today's fastest growing healthcare fields.
The duties of physician assistants are as varied as the subspecialties they practice. For example, PAs working in rural areas may have a great deal of independence and may work in the field and then report back to the physician supervising them, while PAs working in surgery may be standing next to the surgeon as he works.
The Pre-PA program is an option for Detroit Mercy students in any major. (See below for other PA program options.) Watch the video for some of the great reasons to pursue your PA education at University of Detroit Mercy.
Advantages of Pre-PA at Detroit Mercy
As a Pre-PA student, you'll complete a rigorous curriculum in Biology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry that prepares you very well for graduate programs in Physician Assistant.
Guaranteed interview with PA Program Admissions Committee
When you graduate, if you meet the criteria at the time of application to the Detroit Mercy graduate PA program, you'll be guaranteed an interview with the PA admissions committee. This is special consideration for Detroit Mercy Pre-PA graduates only.
To meet this special consideration, you need the following requirements:
- Submit an application for admission to the graduate PA program
- Overall GPA ≥ 3.5 (at Detroit Mercy)
- Science GPA ≥ 3.3(at Detroit Mercy)
- GRE score ≥ 291
- Patient contact hours ≥ 1000
Note: Consistent with College of Health Professions policy, a background check and drug screen will be required prior to any clinical assignments required for the PA program.
Find out about the Pre-PA Club
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The Pre-PA Club
The purpose of the Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) Club is to familiarize students with the physician assistant profession and the admission process through seminars, guest speakers and community service opportunities; all of which will adequately prepare students to enter a graduate PA program.
Benefits of joining the Pre-PA Club
- Learn about the PA profession, admission requirements for PA schools, the GRE, CASPA, writing personal statements, the interview process, etc.
- Meet with faculty of Detroit Mercy’s Physician Assistant Program.
- Meet with current PA students to discuss their experiences.
- Have the opportunity to be patient models for the PA school examinations.
- Hear from health professionals who speak to the club.
- Participate in service learning activities.
- Participate in club fundraisers and activities.
- Make some friends!
Becoming a member
If you would like to join the Pre-Physician Assistants Club:
- Come to one of our meetings and speak with a board member.
- Pay the $25 yearly dues (includes a t-shirt).
- Attend Pre-PA Club meetings.
- Participate in Club activities and events.
For contact information, see the Pre-Physician Assistants Club organization page.
The Pre-Physician Assistant Club was established in 2012 by Jamie Farrugia, Brett Schulte, Reema Sutariya and Chanel Pattah.
Alternatives to Pre-PA
A Physician Assistant requires a graduate (master's) degree, but in addition to the Pre-PA path, undergraduates have the following other options.
For incoming freshmen: Detroit Mercy offers direct admission to an accelerated 5-year PA program.
For current and transfer students: Students can get a Bachelor in Biology (Pre-PA) then apply to the graduate school.