College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Physician Assistant

Apply NowVisit Campus
Program Overview

Prepare for one of healthcare's fastest-growing careers.

Maryville University's Pre-Physician Assistant program prepares students from any major to meet the prerequisite coursework for physician assistant graduate programs. You'll receive personalized guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee while gaining opportunities for undergraduate research, job shadowing and volunteer experiences that strengthen your graduate school application.

What sets the program apart

    • Complete the prerequisite coursework required for physician assistant graduate programs
    • Receive personalized guidance from the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee
    • Participate in undergraduate research opportunities
    • Gain job shadowing and volunteer experience in healthcare settings

An Overview of the Pre-Physician Assistant Program at Maryville

 
Pre-physician assistant is a pre-professional program where we give you the foundation to pursue a career as a physician assistant. We have a curriculum that was specifically designed to accommodate and support an education in the natural and biological sciences. Our program features small class sizes, each taught by faculty with a PhD. You'll form a tight-knit group with students and your professors all sharing a keen interest in science. You'll learn together and support each other. Another great program feature is sophomore review, which is a great way for you to practice the process of applying and interviewing for graduate school. This helps you focus on preparing a competitive application packet. Another program feature that sets Maryville apart is our commitment to undergraduate research. There are numerous benefits to this approach, including exposure to an experiential learning methodology, the natural development of like-minded, high achieving peer groups, and perhaps most importantly, learning a practical approach to data and evidence-based problem solving. If you are ready for a career as a physician assistant, schedule a visit and let's chat about your future. [MUSIC PLAYING]
Why Maryville

Prepare for graduate school through research and professional partnerships.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Physician assistants examine patients, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications and work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality patient care.

To become a physician assistant, you'll complete a bachelor's degree followed by an accredited physician assistant graduate program and obtain state licensure before entering practice.

Career Paths

Provide preventive care, diagnose illnesses and develop treatment plans for patients of all ages.
Evaluate and treat patients with urgent illnesses and injuries in emergency departments.
Assist surgeons before, during and after surgical procedures while providing patient care.
Provide healthcare services for infants, children and adolescents in a variety of medical settings.
Treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions alongside orthopedic physicians.
Manage hospitalized patients by coordinating treatment, monitoring recovery and collaborating with multidisciplinary care teams.
$134,000Median annual wage

The median annual wage for physician assistants was about $134,000 in 2024.

28%Projected employment growth

Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034.

12,900Projected annual openings

About 12,900 openings for physician assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Salary and employment data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and may vary by location, experience and specialty.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre-Physician Assistant program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Students from any major may complete the Pre-Physician Assistant program as long as they complete the prerequisite coursework required by physician assistant graduate programs.
Yes. You'll work closely with the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee throughout your undergraduate experience.
Yes. Students are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research that strengthens graduate school applications.
Yes. The program helps students identify physician assistant shadowing and volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings.
Strong applicants typically combine excellent academic preparation with healthcare experience, shadowing, volunteer work and research opportunities.
After completing a bachelor's degree, students earn a master's degree from an accredited physician assistant program and become licensed before practicing.