Build a strong foundation to launch your Physician Assistant career
This Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) track builds on a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Students are prepared for admission into PA school at Mercy College or another institution. In the workplace, Physician Assistants provide patient care under the direction of a physician.
In this program, students gain the knowledge and experiences necessary for continuing their education. Traditionally, pre-PA students should earn a science and overall grade point average of 3-3.5 for meeting many competitive thresholds for entrance to PA school. While PA program prerequisites are not uniform nationwide, the Mercy College Pre-PA track Biology degree provides the specific course work and experiences to strengthen clinical awareness. This intentional design equips students to apply to Mercy College’s PA program and many other PA programs. Note: Undergraduate financial aid does not carry into the graduate-level PA Professional Program.
Students who attend Mercy College’s Pre-PA track Biology degree and
meet the College’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program
competitive admission criteria are guaranteed an interview for the MPAS
Program.
Pre-Physician Assistant Direct Entry Program
Academically talented incoming freshman students can gain direct entry admission into Mercy College's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program.
Click Here to Learn MoreThe Biology program's flexible design supports each student's individual career goals. The curriculum incorporates courses covering a range of maths and sciences. In each course, expect personal attention and 1:1 support from experienced faculty.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | General Biology I | 5 |
| CHM 210 | General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HSC 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 206 | General Biology II | 5 |
| CHM 211 | General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MTH 150 | Calculus | 4 |
| PHS 220 | College Physics I | 4 |
| GEN | General Education Course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity - Religious Studies | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 221 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 240 | Career Topics for Biology Majors | 1 |
| MTH 140 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PHS 221 | College Physics II | 4 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 200 | Science in the News | 2 |
| BIO 290 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| CHM 320 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| SOC 211 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Total Hours | 13 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 336 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHM 321 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 350 | Biology of Human Reproduction | 3 |
| BIO 410 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Principles of Ecology | 4 |
| PSY 201 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| GEN | Elective | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 400 | Service Learning in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 420 | Histology | 4 |
| CHM 410 | Biochemistry | 5 |
| GEN 300/400 level | General Education Course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
The Biology Program at Mercy College prepared me to excel in my healthcare career.The teachers are absolutely amazing; they know you on a personal level and will do everything they can to see you succeed. They are always available to help, not just with classwork, but also for advice for grad school, jobs, etc. The staff at Mercy does everything they can to make sure you have what you need to reach your goals. Mercy College’s Biology Program made me feel a part of something and has given me the tools and resources I need to succeed in grad school and achieve my healthcare career goals.”
Bachelor of Science in Biology ‘15
Career Outlook
Employment Growth
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook: Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for healthcare services grows, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients.
Salary Range
2020 Median Pay for Physician Assistants was $115,390 annually.
Admission Requirements
Mercy College students in good standing can declare a biology major. High school science courses (Biology and Chemistry with a lab) or their college equivalents must be taken within the past seven years with a “C” or better prior to the first semester. For students to progress to the third semester of the program, the mathematics prerequisites must be met. Mathematics prerequisites are as follows: high school courses or their college equivalents within the past seven years with a “C” or better including Algebra I; Algebra II and Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus or an integrated sequence of advanced math courses (Statistics, Business Math, and/or computer courses will not fulfill this requirement). All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Biology Program : Estimate Your Expenses
Mercy College is the #1 college in the region for return on investment. Calculate your estimated initial expenses.