2026-2027 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog DRAFT 
    
    Mar 22, 2026  
2026-2027 Cal Poly Humboldt Catalog DRAFT [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration, B.S.


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The Pre-Physician Assistant concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Health and Medical Sciences provides a focused and academically rigorous pathway for students planning to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant or in related healthcare fields.

This interdisciplinary program integrates foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and the social sciences, preparing students with the scientific and clinical knowledge essential for admission to Physician Assistant graduate programs.

Students benefit from early exposure to the healthcare environment through instruction by experienced faculty, immersive learning opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Structured internships and hands-on clinical experiences enable students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Graduates are well-prepared for entry into competitive Physician Assistant programs and for success in a broad range of health and medical science careers. The program equips students to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare landscape with confidence and competence.

Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree


A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 units. Students must fulfill General Education & All-University Requirements , residency, unit, and GPA requirements as outlined in the Bachelor’s Degree Requirements . This major does not include a Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) certified course. Students must take a GWAR certified writing intensive course to fulfill the requirement. 

Major Academic Plans, Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration, B.S.


Program MAPs represent recommended or possible pathways toward degree completion in four years (or two years for transfer students). Please see an advisor and use the DARS planner to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration, B.S. MAP  

Health and Medical Sciences, Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration, B.S. Transfer MAP (Public Health Science ADT)  

Requirements for the Major (90 Units)


Students must earn a minimum grade of C- in all required courses. The Upper Division GE Area 2/5: Mathematics or Sciences  General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the Health and Medical Sciences major. 



Core (47-49 Units)


The following core courses are required for all Health and Medical Sciences majors.

 

Pre-Physician Assistant Elective Requirement (14 - 17 Units)


Complete at least 14 -17 units* from the courses below to complete 90 units total, chosen in consultation with an academic advisor. [No more than 2 units of BIOL 482 /HMS 482  may be used to fulfill this requirement.] *Number of units required will depend on courses taken in CORE and the requirement of 90 total units required for the major.

Program Learning Outcomes


  1. Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to patient confidentiality, equity, and professionalism contributing to improved health outcomes and well-being in rural and underserved communities and individuals, grounded in bioethics, and knowledge of a variety of healthcare environments. (ILO1, ILO2)
  2. Graduates will be able to critically evaluate, describe and apply foundational knowledge of biological, physical and behavioral sciences that underlie the multidisciplinary professions in health and medical sciences. (ILO3, ILO4)
  3. Graduates will be able to locate, critically evaluate, cite and apply information and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced training in health-related fields, including medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and clinical laboratory sciences. (ILO3, ILO4)
  4. Graduates will be able to express, critically evaluate and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world topics in health and medical sciences through written communication. (ILO4, ILO5)
  5. Graduates will be able to employ effective professional oral communication and interpersonal skills essential for teamwork and patient-centered care, demonstrating the ability to explain complex medical issues. (ILO6)
  6. Graduates will be able to apply quantitative tools, data analysis and physical principles for health and medical science analysis. (ILO 7)

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