Online Physician Assistant Bachelor's Degree Program Information
Physician assistant programs at the bachelor's level prepare students for career entry, as well as advanced education in the field of medicine. Major areas of study include clinical procedures and pharmacology, as well as current issues in medical practice. While online coursework is offered in on-campus bachelor's degree programs, fully online programs are more readily available at the master's level.
Physician Assistant Bachelor's Degree Overview
Physician assistant bachelor's degree programs provide the scientific and administrative skills required to assist physicians in the clinical setting. Students explore the communication, problem-solving and critical reasoning necessary to address issues affecting patients of all ages. The challenges of working with the sick, as well as current issues affecting the practice of physician assistants are also explored.
Program Information and Requirements
Most institutions require bachelor's candidates to complete prerequisite coursework in the life sciences. Some schools may require students to have previous health care experience. Students also participate in internships in a clinical setting to gain practical experience in the field.
Online elective courses require reliable access to a computer with up-to-date software and hardware, as well as an Internet connection. Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, is typically recommended, but not required.
Common Physician Assistant Courses
Bachelor's students examine current issues that affect the physician assistant. They gain practical knowledge of the scientific and administrative theories that guide the discipline. Core coursework covers topics such as microbiology, biochemistry and life span development; however, bachelor's degree programs for physician assistants generally only allow for some prerequisite or elective coursework to be completed online.
Anatomy and Physiology Courses
Students explore the organization and basic functionality of the human body through study of the 11 organ systems. The curriculum focus includes overviews of the nervous system, circulatory and respiratory systems, tissue structure, brain functionality and cellular metabolism. A detailed examination of the human life span is also included.
Principles of Chemistry Course
In this online course, students are provided with a top-line overview of the theoretical and practical principles of inorganic chemistry. The material in this course serves as a foundation for further study in the subject.
History of Art Course
This course examines paintings, sculptures and architecture from ancient times through the Renaissance period. Topics of discussion include design and execution techniques, as well as the sociological, economic and political issues that influenced artists over this period of history.
Career Information for Graduates
Graduates of a bachelor's degree program are qualified to seek a position as a licensed physician assistant under supervision of a physician. In November 2010, Payscale.com reported that the average salary for a physician assistant was $77,879.
Continuing Education Information
Opportunities for further study exist in fully online and hybrid program formats. Master's degree programs provide advanced theoretical and clinical instruction, as well as prepare students to sit for the certification exam offered through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and apply for state licensure. Students are required to complete a field experience to satisfy degree requirements. Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses are available in both online and hybrid formats covering topics such as prescribing of controlled substances and pain management.
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11 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or older and have completed some college or 24 years of age or older and a high school graduate for a Bachelor's degree
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
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Bachelor
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- RN to BSN
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- BS in Health Science
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must have either two or more years of college or active military status if you are under 24 years of age
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
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