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College of Letters and Science Pre-Physician Assistant Degree

Major

BUILD YOUR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES CAREER WITH A DEGREE FROM UW-STEVENS POINT

UW-Stevens Point offers a wide variety of pre-professional programs, and our graduates have an excellent record of acceptance by graduate and professional schools. Many students who intend to pursue graduate studies in a professional medical school follow a program of study specifically designed for that career path. Studying as a pre-physician assistant at UWSP means you have access to dissection and anatomy courses, hands-on experience with local medical providers and an active student PA/pre-med club.

Department of Biology

Why study Pre-Physician Assistant Program at UWSP?

Our students get hands-on research opportunities with faculty in areas such as cell and molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, molecular ecology, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, protein structure and function, developmental biology, neurobiology and behavior, ecology, evolutionary biology, organismal biology, and taxonomy. You will study in our highly specialized teaching and research labs. UW-Stevens Point biology students take classes and conduct research in the university’s new Chemistry Biology Building, a state-of-the-art, $75 million facility.

Sample Graduation Plan Scholarships and Aid Academic and Career Advising

Winter Preceptorship

Marshfield Clinic Partnership Offers In-Depth Student Experience

This rewarding program for undergraduates allows them to take their understanding of human physiology and anatomical structures and connect more deeply with experiential learning in a medical setting. Students can shadow doctors, nurses, medical students, and other medical professionals at Marshfield Clinic Health System sites. Pre-physician assistant undergraduates accepted to this competitive program will observe a range of patient care. Students pursuing medical careers may apply beginning in sophomore year. 

“Just connecting the dots—I loved it. I think the more I showed interest, the more they were filling me in.” said pre-physician assistant major Hannah Panitzke.

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scanning microscope with professor Sun

Faculty Expertise and Support

Most of our classes and labs are taught by a Ph.D.-trained instructor with expertise in the field. A high percentage of our students participate in laboratory and field research projects with Biology faculty mentors. Our undergraduates often publish their findings with our faculty and are listed as co-authors in top-tier biology research journals. We encourage our students to participate in field courses and internships. Students also have the opportunity to attend regional, national, and international conferences!

Outstanding Facilities

WHAT TO EXPECT

From the moment you step on campus and into our classes, you’ll feel at home. Right from the start you’ll get to meet other majors in your introductory courses. And you won’t only meet each other, but you’ll also meet and mingle with our faculty; learn how to navigate your career path; and figure out how to set yourself up for success as a professional. Our courses are led by 21 total Biology and 16 total Chemistry full-time, Ph.D. faculty members.

Biology courses at UW-Stevens Point begin with studies in plant and animal biology, genetics and ecology. You then select a course in animal, human, plant or cell physiology, and you’re encouraged to follow your interests in electives. Although not required, we advise students in all pre-professional areas to get a bachelor of science degree before entering a professional school.  If you would like more specific information or advisement, the Department of Biology will assist you in finding an adviser to help you plan your program. 

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

We also have a very active pre-med/PA club on campus, which is a great way to meet other pre-med students and hear from professionals about different medical fields.  In addition to weekly meetings, we regularly hold a wide variety of events such as EMT skills nights, suturing clinics, dinner with the docs, and many more fun activities throughout the year.  

Student-run organizations at UW-Stevens Point offer a number of opportunities to get involved with fellow students, professors, and the community. Explore here! Below are just some of the student clubs related to careers in the medical field.

  • Pre-Med and Allied Health
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Neuroscience
  • Tri-Beta Lambda Omicron Chapter
  • Chemistry Club
  • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

MEET YOUR FACULTY

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Michael Steury

  • Associate Professor of Biology
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Jennifer Bray

  • Professor
  • Coordinator, Pre-Medical Preceptorship
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Karin Bodensteiner

  • Professor of Biology Academic Director
  • Online Associates of Arts and Sciences Degree
715-346-3994
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