Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Physician Assistant

The Pre-Physician Assistant Track combines the strong scientific foundation of Nutritional Sciences with coursework commonly required for admission to physician assistant (PA) programs. Students develop a deep understanding of human nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, and health while building the academic preparation needed for advanced study in healthcare. 

A background in Nutritional Sciences provides future physician assistants with valuable insight into the role of nutrition in health, disease prevention, recovery, and patient care. Through rigorous science coursework and a holistic approach to health, students are well prepared to pursue graduate education and careers focused on improving patient outcomes. 

Areas of Study

Students in this track explore: 

  • Human nutrition 
  • Human anatomy and physiology 
  • Biochemistry 
  • Microbiology 
  • Psychology and human behavior 
  • Community nutrition 
  • Medical terminology 
  • Health and disease prevention 

Skills You’ll Develop

Students gain knowledge and skills that support success in physician assistant programs and healthcare settings, including: 

  • Understanding the relationship between nutrition and health 
  • Scientific reasoning and critical thinking 
  • Evaluation of health and nutrition research 
  • Communication and patient education 
  • Evidence-based decision making 
  • Understanding human physiology and disease processes 
  • Interdisciplinary approaches to patient care 

Career Pathways 

This concentration can help prepare students for careers in: 

  • Physician assistant practice 
  • Clinical healthcare 
  • Primary care 
  • Specialty medical practice 
  • Community health 
  • Patient education 
  • Preventive health services 
  • Allied health professions 

Graduate and Professional Pathways

Students in this track are primarily preparing for admission to physician assistant programs. The curriculum incorporates many of the science and health-related courses commonly expected by PA programs, including biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, statistics, and biochemistry. Because admission requirements vary by institution, students should review the specific prerequisites for programs they plan to apply to. 

Resources

Questions?

For more information about this track, contact nusc@uconn.edu.