hockey833 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 So I've researched PA schools and their pre-reqs. Not really interested in a specific school, so im looking for general classes to take for ALL schools. Im starting college this fall and want to assure myself my "plan" is good. I am majoring in business administration and minoring in biology. The business is a fall back in case PA school doesnt work out, I cant get in, have to wait to start school, need money, etc. I figure I might as well take the upper division level classes and get the minor then take as few classes as possible to meet the prereqs, in hopes of looking better to PA schools. Minor in biology consists of: BIOL 190-Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology BIOL 191--Introduction to Organismal Biology BIOL 192--Principles of Biological Investigation BIOL 300--Principles of Genetics BIOL 415--Evolution BIOL 315R-Cell Biology BIOL 395--Laboratory in Genetics and Cell Biology Pre-reqs to these classes are chem 121, 122, and an organic chemistry course so I will also be taking those classes along with the ones listed above. Im also going to take Human Anat and Phys. I also took psychology in high school and passed the AP exam, so I dont need to take it in college. However I've looked and it seems the ratio of schools that accept AP credit is like 50/50. Im also taking writing and math classes. Questions 1) Do these classes look sufficient enough to meet most of the pre-reqs for PA schools in the nation? What other classes should I take? I've seen classes like microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and medical terminology. Will these classes I listed prepare me for PA school or are they kind of useless stuff I dont need to know? 2) What math classes should I take? I've seen algebra, calculus, and stats, which one is the best to take? Im thinking calculus because im pretty sure its a pre-req to get into chem 121 and 122 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hubbardtim48 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I got a minor in biomedical sciences and biochemsitry. I can tell you that orgo. I/II has not helped me 1 bit in school thus far, but biochem. has really helped me understand concepts. For the math classes, I took calculus I and biostats., both seem to help me think better about things, but did really help in my master's program (before PA school). If I could do it over again, I would not take orgo. II, or physics I/II. I would foucs more on biology, cell biology, upper level classes such as anatomy, physio., embryo, cardio./pulm., etc. Those are the classes that will help you in school! Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockey833 Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 ok, thank you VERY much! Exactly the type of answers I'm looking for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mackjacks Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Most schools I applied to did require microbiology, statistics, and medical terminology. Medical terminology can be a 1-2 credit online class that is kind of a joke (useful but really easy class). I took it at a CC for $100. Many schools require either developmental or abnormal psych in addition to the intro course. A few schools required nutrition/biochemistry. I would double check that chem requires calc as a prereq, I haven't heard of that at any universities people I know have attended. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen0508 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 why business as a fall back? .....the majority of my undergrad classmates that majored in business were struggling to find a job after graduation. something like nursing would probably be a better degree for a guarenteed job, especially if PA school is your ultimate goal...because if you dont get in at first, a year or two as an RN could enhance your application enough to get in on the second go round. not to mention RNs make very good money for a 4 year degree. anywho, thats just my 2 cents. i recommend micro, stats and biochem. a few schools i applied to required statistics. microbiology was actually pretty helpful during PA school...i took a bunch of micro classes during undergrad and it was helpful to have a head start on all those microbes we had to memorize. nutrition might be helpful, maybe not so much for the didactic (classroom) year but during clinical rotations its always good to be able to educate patients on proper nutrition and weight loss (in an outpatient setting) but thats a long ways away for you... :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hockey833 Posted July 18, 2012 Author Share Posted July 18, 2012 why business as a fall back? .....the majority of my undergrad classmates that majored in business were struggling to find a job after graduation. Well I had no one to tell me that since I dont know many college graduate, so thank you very much for informing me. I am now considering changing my major back to nursing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walkoffshot Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 Well I had no one to tell me that since I dont know many college graduate, so thank you very much for informing me. I am now considering changing my major back to nursing. You should major in Dancing. I hear there are lot's of opportunites after graduation :). I just say that because it seemed like anyone could have told you a degree and you would have went for it :xD:. Quick to change your mind for such a big life decision, but glad you figured it out before 4 years of business is done and over with. Just know that you truly want to do it, not just because someone told you. In 4 years, when you are an RN and your thinking next about PA school, people are going to say, "why not NP school?". Stick to your guns, that's the message I am trying to send. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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