B.S. in Health Science (Direct-Entry PA)
University of Saint Joseph
Key Information
Campus location
West Hartford, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 21,025 / per semester **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* admission to USJ is made on a rolling basis; therefore, you can apply at any time and expect a decision approximately two weeks after the application is complete
** full-time
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Earn guaranteed admission to 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 are then guaranteed a seat in the USJ PA program beginning January after their seventh semester.
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Admissions
Curriculum
Required Courses (49 credits Pre-PA Track)
These courses are required for both the General and Pre-PA track
- BIOL 241 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits
- BIOL 242 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits
- BIOL 301 - Microbiology 4 Credits
- BIOL 325 - Genetics 4 Credits
- HESC 201 - Medical Terminology 1 Credit
- HESC 265 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Professions 3 Credits
- HESC 365 - Survey of Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 3 Credits
- HESC 465 - Leadership 3 Credits
- HESC 499 - Coordination 3 Credits
- INTD 135 - Explorations of Careers in Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences 1 Credit
- NUTR 220 - Fundamentals of Nutrition 3 Credits
- PUBH 101 - Introduction to Public Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 202 - Epidemiology 3 Credits
- PUBH 220 - Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System 3 Credits
The following courses are only for students in the Pre PA track and they will be taken in the spring semester of senior year, these credits will be applied to your Bachelor of Science degree:
- PHYA 500 - PA Foundations I
- PHYA 501 - PA Foundations II
- PHYA 503 - Essentials of Endocrinology
- PHYA 504 - Essentials of Infectious Disease
Required Supporting Courses General Track and Pre-PA Track (32 Credits)
These courses are required for the general track, the Pre-PA track.
- BIOL 114 - Introduction to Cellular Biology 4 Credits
- CHEM 171 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry 2 Credits
- CHEM 175 - Fundamental Chemical Principles I 4 Credits
- CHEM 176 - Fundamental Chemical Principles II 4 Credits
- CHEM 240 - Biochemistry of the Human Body 3 Credits
- MATH 110 - Elementary Statistics 3 Credits
- NUTR 305 - Health Coaching 3 Credits
- POLS 125 - American Government 3 Credits
- PSYC 100 - Introductory Psychology 3 Credits or PSYC 190 - Introduction to Psychological Research
- RELS 301 - Moral Issues in Health Care: A Christ Perspective 3 Credits
Suggested Courses
The following courses are suggested for Health Science Majors
- NUTR 245 - Health Promotion Strategies 3 Credits
- PHIL 110 - Thinking Nimbly: Logic and Creative Problem-Solving 3 Credits or PHIL 120 - Discovering Philosophy
- PSYC 238 - Human Development Through the Lifespan 3 Credits
- PUBH 201 - Introduction to Global and Multicultural Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 301 - Social and Behavioral Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 325 - Epidemics in World History 3 Credits or HIST 325 - Epidemics in World History
- SPAN 154 - Spanish for Health Professionals 3 Credits
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 by 30% from 2014-2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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.