College of Healthcare Professions
Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies
Start the path to a PA program. DeSales’ medical studies major is a dynamic undergraduate major with the goal of the accelerated program that fast-tracks your journey to becoming a physician assistant. You will spend three years in intensive medical studies before transitioning directly into our graduate PA program, which is 24 months.
Program Details
- Official Degree Name
- Bachelor of Science
- Format
-
In Class-Day
- Credit Hours
- 132
- Program Start
- Fall Semester
- Application Deadline
- Apply Anytime
- Average Time to Degree
- 4 Years
Why Get Your Medical Studies degree at DeSales?
Lead patient care with skill and heart. DeSales University’s program in medical studies focuses on ethics, compassion, and excellence in care. The curriculum is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, preparing you for the PA program and a future in medicine.
Program Highlights
Multiple Pathways to Success
- The medical studies curriculum blends in-depth scientific study, practical clinical training, and a commitment to ethical practices. You’ll gain comprehensive understanding of the medical field. Students in medical studies seamlessly transition to the DeSales physician assistant graduate program or can pursue other healthcare careers.
Professional Development Opportunities
- At DeSales, we believe in learning by doing. As a medical studies major, you will have many opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world settings. Our cutting-edge facilities include a skills lab, simulation center, and the Lehigh Valley’s only gross anatomy/cadaver lab.
Leadership and Character Development
- The medical studies major is rooted in Salesian values. Classroom learning also focuses on the importance of compassion, ethics, and service. You’ll learn to lead with integrity and positively impact your patients and community.
What Will You Study?
In the medical studies major, you will explore subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and medical ethics. These studies will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed for success in healthcare.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Human Structure
- Immunology
- Medical Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Outcomes & Careers
DeSales University's Medical Studies major prepares students to become Physician Assistants (PAs).
- Graduates are able to perform tasks involved in inpatient evaluation, monitoring, diagnosis, therapy, counseling, and referral. They can also initiate management and provide supportive care for acute life-threatening emergencies.
- Graduates demonstrate critical thinking in clinical situations, access and interpret medical information, and demonstrate culturally sensitive care. They also elicit detailed patient histories, communicate with colleagues and other professionals, and adhere to standards of care
- The program also has a near-perfect first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination (PANCE), which is required for licensure in all 50 states.
- 100% of graduates are employed as PAs within four months of graduating.
Admission Requirements
- Official high school transcript
- Standardized test scores, although they are not required
- Guidance counselor and teacher recommendation forms
Program Highlights
Program FAQs
The medical studies major requires a two-step admissions process. This includes academic acceptance to DeSales followed by a faculty interview.
A 3.4 cumulative, unweighted GPA is required for the interview.
Related Programs
Office of Admissions
Contact
-
610-282-1100 x1277 -
admiss@desales.edu -
Dooling Hall
