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Biology and Physician Assistant Studies

3 + 2 Accelerated Bachelor + Master of Science

Home » All Programs » Biology and Physician Assistant Studies
An undergraduate degree in biology provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue Physician Assistant (PA) studies

» Program Overview

Are you a motivated high school student eager to become a Physician Assistant to begin your journey as a transformative healthcare professional? Apply to LTU’s new accelerated program and earn your Bachelor of Science in Biology AND your Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 5 years!

An undergraduate degree in biology provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue Physician Assistant (PA) studies, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills needed in the medical field. Biology majors delve deeply into subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and genetics, all of which are critical for understanding the complexities of human health and disease.

Competitive applications will meet the following criteria:

  • Current high school senior
  • 75 cumulative high school GPA
  • 5 science and math high school GPA
  • Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a teacher or guidance counselor)
  • Personal statement addressing the following questions:
    • Why are you interested in becoming a physician assistant?
    • What achievements and personal attributes make you a good fit for LTU’s accelerated five-year 3+2 Bachelor of Science in Biology + Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program?

Please note that in the 3rd year of this 5-year program, admitted students must formally apply to the PA program through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and meet all other LTU PA program admission requirements {include embedded link} to formally begin the PA program in their 4th year. Support will be provided to all students admitted to this accelerated program to help them obtain the required shadowing and patient care experience hours.

Please note the following important dates:

  • Primary (general LTU) application: December 15th
  • Secondary (accelerated 5-year Biology + PA application): January 15th
  • Notification of admission: March 1st
  • Acceptance and deposit: May 1st

If you’re currently enrolled in college and interested in becoming a PA, there’s a path for you too! Please contact Dr. Jeffery Morrissette, LTU’s pre-health professions advisor, at jmorrisse@ltu.edu or 248.204.3651.

 

Why LTU
  • LTU’s biology program offers rigorous scientific training and small class sizes, with personalized guidance and mentorship to ensure that students are well-prepared for the advanced coursework in our PA program.
  • Our emphasis on research, hands-on laboratory skills, and critical thinking in the biology curriculum fosters a problem-solving mindset and attention to detail, both vital qualities for a successful PA.
  • LTU’s PA program is focused on patient-centered care and compassion towards all patients throughout the lifespan. Learn from dedicated faculty with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion of our patients, colleagues, and community.
  • Innovative teaching strategies, interprofessional collaborations, and high-quality clinical rotations will ensure that you’re well prepared to become an impactful member of the growing PA profession!

Click here to learn more about LTU’s outstanding biology and physician assistant studies programs!

PA-Secondary

» Curriculum

A customized curriculum plan involving summer classes will be created in consultation with your faculty advisor for every incoming student to ensure you’re on a successful path. You will complete the same curriculum as a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Biology student and will graduate with this degree in 3 years to prepare to complete your Master of Physician Assistant Studies curriculum in years 4 and 5 of your accelerated program. A sample 3-year Bachelor of Science in Biology curriculum can be found here.

First Year

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Introduction to Science
PSC1161
1
Biology 1
BIO1213
3
Biology 1 Laboratory
BIO1221
1
University Chemistry 1
CHM1213
3
University Chem 1 Lab
CHM1221
1
Calculus OR Survey of Calculus
MCS1414 OR MCS1224
4
College Composition
COM1103
3

Total Credit Hours

16

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Biology 2
BIO1223
3
Biology 2 Laboratory
BIO1231
1
University Chemistry 2
CHM1223
3
University Chemistry 2 Lab
CHM1231
1
Statistics
MCS2124
4
Introductory Psychology
PSY1213
3
Engaging Ancient Texts
HUM1213
3

Total Credit Hours

14

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
College Physics 1
PHY2213
3
College Physics 1 Lab
PHY2221
1
Engaging Modern Texts
HUM1223
3

Total Credit Hours

7

Second Year

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Molecular Genetics
BIO3323
3
Evolution
BIO4103
3
Seminar in Biological Literature
BIO4212
2
Biochemistry
CHM3403
3
Biochemistry 1 Laboratory
CHM3411
1
Jr./Sr. Technical Elective
CHM/BIO 3/4XXX3
3
Biological Projects 1
BIO4912
2

Total Credit Hours

17

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Ecology
BIO3613
3
Cell Biology
BIO4813
3
In-Depth Cell Bio Lab
BIO4812
2
Jr./Sr. Tech Elective
CHM/BIO XXX3
3
Jr./Sr. Elective
SSC/PSY 3/4XX3
3
Biological Sciences Projects 2
BIO4922
2

Total Credit Hours

16

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Jr./Sr. LLT Elective
LLT XXX3
3
Jr./Sr. General Elective
XXX3
3

Total Credit Hours

6

Third Year

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Molecular Genetics
BIO3323
3
Evolution
BIO4103
3
Seminar in Biological Literature
BIO4212
2
Biochemistry
CHM3403
3
Biochemistry 1 Laboratory
CHM3411
1
Jr./Sr. Technical Elective
CHM/BIO 3/4XXX3
3
Biological Projects 1
BIO4912
2

Total Credit Hours

17

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Ecology
BIO3613
3
Cell Biology
BIO4813
3
In-Depth Cell Bio Lab
BIO4812
2
Jr./Sr. Tech Elective
CHM/BIO XXX3
3
Jr./Sr. Elective
SSC/PSY 3/4XX3
3
Biological Sciences Projects 2
BIO4922
2

Total Credit Hours

21

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Jr./Sr. LLT Elective
LLT XXX3
3
Jr./Sr. General Elective
XXX3
3

Total Credit Hours

19

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine 1
PAS5016
6
PAE I
PAS5114
4
Health Care Issues I
PAS5212
2
Pharmacology I
PAS5312
2
Anatomy
PAS5413
3
Pathophysiology
PAS5513
3

Total Credit Hours

17

Spring Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine II
PAS5027
7
PAE II
PAS5124
4
Health Care Issues II
PAS5222
2
Pharmacology II
PAS5322
2
Behavioral Medicine
PAS5423
3
Special Populations
PAS5533
3

Total Credit Hours

21

Summer Semester

COURSE NAME COURSE # CREDITS
Clinical Medicine III
PAS5035
5
PAE III
PAS5134
4
Health Care Issues III
PAS5232
2
Pharmacology III
PAS5332
2
Medical Diag. & Procedures
PAS5433
3
Emergency Medicine
PAS5523
3

Total Credit Hours

19

» Document Viewer

Use Your Cell Phone as a Document Camera in Zoom

  • What you will need to have and do
  • Download the mobile Zoom app (either App Store or Google Play)
  • Have your phone plugged in
  • Set up video stand phone holder

From Computer

Log in and start your Zoom session with participants

From Phone

  • Start the Zoom session on your phone app (suggest setting your phone to “Do not disturb” since your phone screen will be seen in Zoom)
  • Type in the Meeting ID and Join
  • Do not use phone audio option to avoid feedback
  • Select “share content” and “screen” to share your cell phone’s screen in your Zoom session
  • Select “start broadcast” from Zoom app. The home screen of your cell phone is now being shared with your participants.

To use your cell phone as a makeshift document camera

  • Open (swipe to switch apps) and select the camera app on your phone
  • Start in photo mode and aim the camera at whatever materials you would like to share
  • This is where you will have to position what you want to share to get the best view – but you will see ‘how you are doing’ in the main Zoom session.