Why Major in Medical Diagnostics Pre-Physician Assistant Concentration?

Access to quality healthcare for all is one of the most significant grand challenges of the 21st century. The demand for Physician Assistants (PAs) has increased tremendously and the "US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment to grow 31% for 2020-2030 much faster than the average of all occupations. About 12,000 openings for PAs are projected each year, on average, over that time period". Medical Diagnostics is a clinically-oriented science program that incorporates the basic science courses required for admission to PA School complemented by medically-related courses that encompass the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Students learn the pathophysiology of disease in 5 major areas of study: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology/Hemostasis, Immunology, Immunohematology, and Medical Microbiology. Students study detailed information about laboratory analysis and how laboratory data correlate to human disease. 

Uniqueness of Our Program

The Medical Diagnostics Pre-PA major studies a wide range of disease processes and patient diagnostic patterns, and applies this information to patient case studies in order to evaluate hematological, microbiological and biochemical disease states. The program is enhanced by excellent faculty working at the frontiers of their field. Faculty are noted researchers who are making fundamental contributions to their respective fields including cancer, diabetes, nanomedicine, immunology and infectious disease. Students often participate in faculty research through independent study.

Capstone experience includes opportunities to interact with healthcare providers in areas such as mental health, emergency medicine, pediatrics and others.

Areas of Study

• Clinical Chemistry 
• Hematology
• Hemostasis/Coagulation
• Medical Microbiology 
• Diagnostic Bacteriology
• Immunohematology
  (Transfusion Medicine)
  
• Immunology
• Body Fluids

Sample curriculum