Pre-Physician Assistant

Providing care to the world

Focused on support and care.

Since 2010, 100 percent of Mount Mercy University’s pre-physician assistant program students who applied were accepted to the program of their choice—due in large part to outstanding faculty advising, a strong academic curriculum and close ties to two nearby award-winning hospitals.

Student research guided by award-winning faculty help students hone their critical thinking skills—the same skills essential for success in top physician assistant programs.

Internships and experience

Preparation matters.

Pre-professional programs are undergraduate tracks that prepare you for a professional degree after your bachelor's. These aren't academic majors, they're a set of specialized courses that are typically required before you can be accepted into your next program. Your advisor will help you decide the best major to pair with your pre-professional program and prepare you for your career goals.

Students interested in the pre-physician assistant program typically choose to major in psychology, biology, or chemistry, which offers a popular biochemistry track. Double majors, or combinations of a major and minor, are easy to accomplish with a well-planned schedule and steady academic progress.

Our faculty take pride in supporting students in their academic growth, helping prepare application materials, encouraging patient care hours, and coaching students in studying for professional placement exams.

Careers as a physician assistant

Bring your career path into focus.

Mount Mercy graduates have been accepted to physician assistant graduate programs at rates above the national average. Top schools that students consider applying to include:

• University of Iowa – Carver College of Medicine
• Des Moines University
• Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences
• AT Still University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Ross University School of Medicine
• University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth
• Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine