Overview
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works as a crucial member of a health care team and provides vital care for patients. Physician assistants examine patients, prescribe medicine, order diagnostic tests, assist with procedures and perform many other essential duties in this fulfilling and challenging role. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, urgent care centers and clinics.
The Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway
Trevecca offers a Pre-PA Pathway that allows students to tailor their undergraduate academic experience in order to prepare a competitive PA school application and maximize success in Trevecca’s PA program, where students earn a Master of Science in medicine. Program coursework meets the prerequisites for the University’s PA program and provides additional coursework to promote success. This pathway consists of the courses required for a major in biology with a minor in chemistry, along with defined upper-level electives focused on building a solid foundation for PA school.
Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway Benefits
Mentoring. Pre-PA Pathway students experience valuable interaction with Trevecca PA students, faculty and staff, engaging in mentoring relationships that equip them for the academic journey ahead while also building relationships to support professional development.
Guaranteed Interview. Students who graduate from Trevecca while completing all of the Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway course requirements—and also meet the Trevecca PA program admissions standards—are offered a guaranteed interview for the Trevecca PA program.
Early Assurance Process. Early assurance of admittance to the Trevecca PA program is available to a select group of Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway undergraduates based on exceptional academic performance (including minimum GPA requirements), alignment with the Trevecca PA program mission and evidence of a character consistent with the highest standards of the PA profession. Notification of final acceptance into the competitive Early Assurance Process will be made in the spring of a student’s junior year at Trevecca. (The number of approved early assurance students per incoming class will not exceed 10 percent of the overall Trevecca PA program cohort for that year.)
Why Choose Trevecca?
The Pre-PA Pathway provides students with the foundation needed to prepare a competitive PA school application and maximize success in Trevecca’s PA program. As the first and longest-running physician assistant program in Tennessee, Trevecca has graduated more than 1,200 PA students who now serve in health care careers across the United States and abroad. Since 1976, the mission of Trevecca’s highly respected PA program has remained the same—to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry.
Trevecca’s PA program integrates faith and learning in every area of the curriculum, prioritizing compassion, integrity and a biblical worldview. Throughout the program, students participate in learning experiences at local organizations that reach Nashville’s medically underserved and homeless population. The program also offers opportunities for clinical work at faith-based clinics in urban and rural settings. For students interested in medical missions, Trevecca has extensive opportunities to participate in mission trips and clinical rotations overseas.
Students can expect to receive superior academic training. Throughout the last five years, the average first-time PANCE pass-rate for Trevecca PA students is 99 percent. They will also experience an individualized academic approach to learning that prioritizes engaging, supportive community between students and faculty as well as spiritual growth and mentoring. Learn more about the program’s strengths and history.
Faculty
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Core Classes
The Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway course requirements consist of the courses needed for a major in biology with a minor in chemistry, along with defined upper-level electives focused on building a solid foundation for PA school. In order to be considered for approval of candidacy in the Early Assurance Process, students are required to take the following courses during their freshman year while maintaining a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 3.5 science GPA:
- General Biology I
- General Biology II
- General Chemistry I
- General Chemistry II
Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway students are required to complete all the additional degree requirements for a Bachelor of Science in biology with a chemistry minor. These requirements include:
Biology Major (38 Hours)
Must include 12 hours of biology electives. Eight hours must be 3000 level or higher; BIO/CHE 3510 and BIO/CHE 3520 will not qualify if taken to satisfy the chemistry minor.
General Biology I
BIO 1510
An introduction to fundamental concepts in the biological sciences including the organization of living matter, cellular structure and function, food production by photosynthesis, energy harvest, mechanisms of cellular reproduction, genetics, and evolution. Discussions of current scientific issues will also be included. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
General Biology II
BIO 1520
A study of diverse structures and functions observed in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, with emphasis placed on plants and vertebrates. The study of the Kingdom Plantae will include investigation of plant life cycles and reproductive strategies. Topics including respiration, digestion, and reproduction will be introduced in the study of vertebrate animals. An introduction to ecology and the impact of humans on a variety of organisms will also be included. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Microbiology
BIO 2820
A survey of microscopic organisms with emphasis on bacteria and fungi. Classification, morphology, cultivation, and identification will be studied in both lecture and lab. The role of these organisms in the ecosystem, industry, and disease will also be discussed. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Ecology
BIO 3040
A course that promotes the understanding of ecosystems as a whole and the influence of humans as top predator to either balance and preserve or disrupt and destroy these systems. The study will include interactions of ecosystem constituents, both community and population, and their contribution or detriment to the system. Emphasis will be placed on the use of biodegradable materials in all aspects of our life cycle and analysis of energy and resource flow that is more sympathetic with natural systems. Aquatic, terrestrial, and urban habitats will be studied in laboratory and field trips always with a focus on some measurable significant improvement within each semester. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Junior Seminar in Biology
BIO 3335
Requires students to participate in professional development activities designed to prepare them to apply for summer research/externship positions, graduate school, medical programs, and/or jobs in scientific or technical fields. In addition, students will explore the integration of faith with their desired profession.
Genetics
BIO 3720
Emphasizes Mendelian (classical) genetics. Additional topics include chromosome mapping in eukaryotes, chromosomal mutations, extranuclear inheritance, quantitative genetics, and population genetics. Genetic principles are applied to selected human traits as well as those of other organisms. Several genetic disorders of humans are considered. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Molecular Biology
BIO 3730
Emphasizes Molecular genetics. Topics include DNA structure, replication, and variation; expression and regulation of genetic information; recombinant DNA technology; and applications and ethics of biotechnology. Selected techniques in molecular genetics are included. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Senior Seminar in Biology
CHE 4335
Culminating seminar for chemistry majors and an opportunity to engage in the preparation of a literature review, present scientific data in the form of oral and poster presentations, and demonstrate content knowledge by means of an external assessment. In addition, students will draw upon their experience within the program of study to articulate the relationship between faith and science.
Required Support Courses (30 Hours)
General Chemistry I
CHE 1040
The first course in a one-year sequence for students planning further work in chemistry. Topics discussed include atomic structure, periodic relationships, bonding, molecular structure, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, solids, liquids, and gases. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
General Chemistry II
CHE 1050
The second course in a one-year sequence for students planning further work in chemistry. Topics discussed include solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Organic Chemistry I
CHE 2010
The first course in a one-year sequence in organic chemistry. Topics discussed include organic structures, functional groups, stereochemistry, reactions, oxidation and reduction, spectroscopy, chromatography, and the chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Organic Chemistry II
CHE 2020
The second course in a one-year sequence in organic chemistry. Topics discussed include the chemistry of dienes, carbonyl-containing compounds, aromatics, and amines. A brief introduction to biochemistry is also covered. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Calculus I
MAT 1510
A study of Cartesian and polar coordinates, parametric equations, vectors and vector-valued functions in 2 and 3 dimensions, limits, differentiation of functions with applications, integration of functions with applications, Taylor polynomials, and series. It is strongly recommended that students take PHY 2110 and PHY 2120 concurrently with MAT 1510 and MAT 1520, respectively.
Statistical Analysis for the Sciences
MAT 1350
An introductory statistics course with an emphasis on exploratory and inferential techniques for analyzing and modeling data. Topics include descriptive statistics, regression, probability distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing and experiment design. Statistical software is implemented throughout the course.
Introduction to Computer Technology for the Sciences
SCI 2150
A hands-on introduction to computer-based measurements, automation, and graphical programming for the sciences. The LabVIEW graphical programming environment will be introduced and used to write software applications that collect, display and analyze experimental data. Automated experiments in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics will be designed and implemented. Topics such as sensors, signals, data acquisition, error analysis, and noise will be explored. The use of standard office spreadsheet, word-processing, and presentation software for scientific data analysis and reporting will also be emphasized. Lecture and Lab. Fee charged.
General Physics I
PHY 2110
For students with an interest in science, engineering, and medicine. Includes mechanics, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Chemistry Minor (20 Hours)
To complete a chemistry minor in addition to required chemistry courses — 4 hours as 16 of the 20 hours will be completed as part of the biology major requirements (support courses).
Behavioral Science Hours
General Psychology
PSY 2010
General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.
General Elective Hours (7 hours required)
Human Growth and Development
PSY 2175
A survey of development from conception throughout the life span.
Medical Terminology
ALH 3060
Designed to help the students who major in one of the allied health areas to recognize, spell, pronounce, and define medical terms correctly.
Biology Major Electives (12 hours - 8 must be upper level)
Anatomy-Physiology I
BIO 2010
A study that includes the anatomy of the body as a whole. Emphasis will be on anatomical structures and organizational relationships of the organs and systems of the body. General physiology of each system and the major influence systems have on one another is emphasized. Laboratory studies include dissection of the cat and study of various skeletons, models, and charts.
Anatomy-Physiology II
BIO 2020
Designed to introduce the anatomy and physiology of multiple subsystems including the endocrine, vascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. The focus will be on developing a working knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of these subsystems that can then be applied to clinical case studies and laboratory experiments. A major objective of this course is to develop critical thinking skills that are essential for students entering various medical careers where they will serve Christ by serving others. Lecture and lab.
Biochemistry II
CHE 3520
A study of metabolic pathways and their regulation; nucleic acid structure, function and processing; regulation of gene expression; and current technologies used to study and combat diseases resulting from deficiencies in normal biochemical processes. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Immunology
BIO 3620
A study of the human immune system. The structure, physiology, and basic immunity principles will be discussed. Modern research and theories will be incorporated into the lecture. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Chemistry Minor Electives (4 hours)
Biochemistry I
CHE 3510
Designed to introduce the chemistry underlying life. Topics of study will include the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; enzyme mechanics; and the kinetics and regulation of biological reactions. Lecture and lab. Fee charged.
Outcomes/Careers
Individuals who enroll in the Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway receive the skills and training needed to prepare a strong PA school application and succeed in the University’s historic and highly esteemed program.
In order to become a physician assistant, you must earn a bachelor’s degree and then be accepted into a graduate program to earn a Master of Science in medicine (physician assistant) degree. At Trevecca, students can typically expect to earn this master’s degree in 27 months.
Students who complete their undergraduate degree at Trevecca and go on to earn their master’s degree finish the PA program prepared to serve their communities in various capacities. Many use their skills in compassionate ministry or service roles. A number of Trevecca PA graduates are currently serving at non-profit medical clinics and sites. Students are trained to offer patient-centered health care to patients from diverse populations as a part of a collaborative team.
The occupation of serving as a physician assistant is projected to grow and provide ample career opportunities in the next decade. According to the United States Department of Labor, as demand for health care services increases, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients. “Physician assistants will have growing roles in all areas of medicine as states expand allowable procedures and autonomy, and as insurance companies expand their coverage of physician assistant services,” the department says.
Additionally, U.S. News & World Report ranks the job of a physician assistant as a top profession in the field of health care, based on an analysis of salary, employment rates and work/life balance criteria.
“I could not be more grateful for my experience at Trevecca,” says PA graduate Jocelyn Benton, who received her master’s degree in 2018. “The program not only provided me with the medical skills and knowledge needed to be a competent PA, but expanded my ability to face challenges, deepened my faith, gave me life-long friendships and ultimately helped me become a better version of myself.”
Learn more about what other Trevecca PA students have to say about the program.
Admissions
Students interested in the Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway or the Early Assurance Process of the Trevecca PA program should take these steps:
- Apply to Trevecca and declare as a biology major with a chemistry minor (learn more about the biology program).
- Meet with your undergraduate academic advisor, who will help you with course planning. You will meet with your advisor each semester and he or she will help guide you through the Pre-PA Pathway.
- Learn more about program requirements.
Overview
A physician assistant (PA) is a medical professional who works as a crucial member of a health care team and provides vital care for patients. Physician assistants examine patients, prescribe medicine, order diagnostic tests, assist with procedures and perform many other essential duties in this fulfilling and challenging role. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, urgent care centers and clinics.
The Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway
Trevecca offers a Pre-PA Pathway that allows students to tailor their undergraduate academic experience in order to prepare a competitive PA school application and maximize success in Trevecca’s PA program, where students earn a Master of Science in medicine. Program coursework meets the prerequisites for the University’s PA program and provides additional coursework to promote success. This pathway consists of the courses required for a major in biology with a minor in chemistry, along with defined upper-level electives focused on building a solid foundation for PA school.
Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway Benefits
Mentoring. Pre-PA Pathway students experience valuable interaction with Trevecca PA students, faculty and staff, engaging in mentoring relationships that equip them for the academic journey ahead while also building relationships to support professional development.
Guaranteed Interview. Students who graduate from Trevecca while completing all of the Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway course requirements—and also meet the Trevecca PA program admissions standards—are offered a guaranteed interview for the Trevecca PA program.
Early Assurance Process. Early assurance of admittance to the Trevecca PA program is available to a select group of Trevecca Pre-PA Pathway undergraduates based on exceptional academic performance (including minimum GPA requirements), alignment with the Trevecca PA program mission and evidence of a character consistent with the highest standards of the PA profession. Notification of final acceptance into the competitive Early Assurance Process will be made in the spring of a student’s junior year at Trevecca. (The number of approved early assurance students per incoming class will not exceed 10 percent of the overall Trevecca PA program cohort for that year.)
Why Choose Trevecca?
The Pre-PA Pathway provides students with the foundation needed to prepare a competitive PA school application and maximize success in Trevecca’s PA program. As the first and longest-running physician assistant program in Tennessee, Trevecca has graduated more than 1,200 PA students who now serve in health care careers across the United States and abroad. Since 1976, the mission of Trevecca’s highly respected PA program has remained the same—to prepare professionally competent physician assistants who will use their skills to serve their communities in compassionate ministry.
Trevecca’s PA program integrates faith and learning in every area of the curriculum, prioritizing compassion, integrity and a biblical worldview. Throughout the program, students participate in learning experiences at local organizations that reach Nashville’s medically underserved and homeless population. The program also offers opportunities for clinical work at faith-based clinics in urban and rural settings. For students interested in medical missions, Trevecca has extensive opportunities to participate in mission trips and clinical rotations overseas.
Students can expect to receive superior academic training. Throughout the last five years, the average first-time PANCE pass-rate for Trevecca PA students is 99 percent. They will also experience an individualized academic approach to learning that prioritizes engaging, supportive community between students and faculty as well as spiritual growth and mentoring. Learn more about the program’s strengths and history.