Pre-Physician Assistant

Pre-Physician Assistant Track

The Pre-Physician Assistant track is comprised of core and recommended courses. Students will work closely with the program director to develop a schedule that meets both academic goals and the requirements for the profession health school's entrance exams.

The program may be completed in approximately 24 months. Flexible scheduling options are available.

Core Courses

Course	#	Credits	Semester	Delivery	Description
General Chemistry I	CHEM 127	4	Summer	Class / Lab	First college course in chemistry for most students. Topics include: stoichiometry; states of matter; periodicity; nomenclature; atomic structure; geometry of molecules; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; chemical reactions; and related consumer, environmental and industrial problems. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: high school chemistry. This course can also count toward the environmental and sustainability studies program.
General Chemistry II	CHEM 128	4	Summer	Class / Lab	Further study in general chemistry. Topics include redox chemistry, thermodynamics, chemistry of solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, buffer solutions and electrochemistry. Three class periods and three hours of laboratory per week. This course can also count toward the environmental and sustainability studies program.
General College Physics I	PHYS 111	4	Fall	Class / Lab	Topics in mechanics and thermal physics are discussed. Techniques general to all areas of physics are developed. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory each week. Prerequisite: competence in mathematics (algebra and trigonometry) equivalent to concurrent registration in MATH 110 - Precalculus or a good high school background.
Organic Chemistry I	CHEM 341	4	Fall	Class / Lab	An examination of the fundamental classes of carbon compounds and the relationship of their physical and chemical properties to structure. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Cell Biology	BIOL 121	4	Fall	Class / Lab	This course provides an introduction to cell structure and function. Major topics include the scientific method of study, the biochemistry and organization of the cell, mechanisms by which energy is harvested and used by cells, how cells reproduce, and how information is stored and used within a cell. Offered in an integrated lecture/laboratory format.
General College Physics II	PHYS 112	4	Spring	Class / Lab	This is a continuation of PHYS 111 - General College Physics I. Techniques are expanded, and topics in electricity, optics, and modern physics are added. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory each week.
Organic Chemistry II	CHEM 342	4	Spring	Class / Lab	A study of organic compounds containing oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, including many of commercial and/or biochemical importance. Three class periods and one three-hour laboratory per week.
Biology-Evolution & Diversity	BIOL 122	4	Spring	Class / Lab	An introduction to the major concept of biology-evolutionary theory. The diversity of life on earth, excluding the vertebrates of the animal kingdom, is then explored in light of this concept. Three lectures and four hours of laboratory per week. This course can also count toward the environmental and sustainability studies program.
Biochemistry I	CHEM 373	4	Summer	Class / Lab	A survey of the chemistry and biology of the fundamental molecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins and cofactors. The metabolic pathways for producing energy by degradation of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins are also a major component of the course. Three class periods plus one three-hour lab per week.
Introduction to Psychology	PSYC 111	4	Summer	Class	The fundamental facts and principles of psychology. Special emphasis is placed on how psychologists answer questions and on processes related to normal functioning.
Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology I	BIOL 411	4	Fall	Class / Lab	Together with BIOL 412, this course focuses on structures and functions of vertebrate organ systems, with primary emphasis on mammals. Included is study of skeletal, muscle, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, renal, digestive and reproductive systems, with emphasis on normal homeostatic mechanisms and pathophysiology. Laboratory study includes dissection of the human body, small animal surgery and selected physiological studies. Three lecture sessions and four hours of laboratory per week.
* Introduction to Statistics	MATH 205	4	Fall	Class	This is an introductory course in statistical methods for science and mathematics students. The object of this course is to provide students with a conceptual introduction to the field of statistics, including the determination of the appropriate procedures for data analysis and the proper interpretation of results. Statistical significance and confidence intervals will be explored, along with statistical modeling through regression, ANOVA, and chi-squared techniques. The theory will be illustrated by examples from the life, health, and social sciences.
* Statistics & Psychology Measurement	PSYC 230	4	Fall	Class	A treatment of the basic statistical methods underlying research and measurement in the behavioral sciences. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are studied, with special emphasis on applications to psychological testing and research. Prerequisite: high school higher algebra or consent of instructor. This course can also count toward the global studies program and the environmental and sustainability studies program.
Fundamental Microbiology	BiOL 207	4	Fall	Class / Lab	This course is primarily designed for students in the nursing and nutrition and dietetics programs, however enrollment is open to any interested student. This course examines basic concepts in microbiology, with emphasis placed on bacteria. Three class periods and four hours of laboratory per week.
Developmental Psychology	PSYC 206	4	Spring	Class	A lifespan approach (from conception to death) to developmental literature and research. The psychological, cognitive and social development of the individual throughout the lifespan is emphasized. Course includes lectures, films and discussion.
Integrated Vertebrate Anatomy & Physiology II	BIOL 412	4	Spring	Class / Lab	A continuation of BIOL 411. Three lectures sessions and four hours of laboratory per week.
Medical & Scientific Terminology	GRS 399	2	Spring	Class	Study of English technical and scientific terms that are derived from Greek and Latin sources: roots, prefixes, suffixes, word formation, and analysis. Especially helpful in medical, biological, and related fields.
Abnormal Psychology	PSYC 357	4	Spring	Class	A systematic examination of personality maladjustment and disorganization. A clinical approach is emphasized, and case studies are included. Among topics discussed are affective disorders, psychoses, substance use disorders, personality disorders, mental retardation and treatment approaches.

* Either of these courses can be taken to fulfill the requirement.

We recommend Calculus I prior to applying for medical school. This course may be taken during or following the program.

Concordia

Concordia College is easy to find. We are located in the heart of Moorhead, Minnesota.

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Contact

Contact the admission team at postbaccpremed@cord.edu with questions about the program.

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Community

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