Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies—Physician Assistant Pathway (BS/MPAS)

School of Arts and Sciences

Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall, Spring

This 3+3 pathway allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (BS) and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) in six years instead of the traditional seven.

Train to Become a Vital Member of Any Healthcare Team

Pursue intensive study of the basic behavioral and medical sciences in this professional pathway at our Boston campus. During the bachelor's degree phase, you will work closely with expert faculty members in the classroom while you independently obtain the patient care experience required for admission to PA school. After you meet the requirements for admission, you may then apply to the professional phase of the program and earn your MPAS degree. The program starts in the fall.

Your BS/MPAS Journey

Work closely with faculty mentors who have years of expertise in both teaching and advising students. After an intensive study of the basic behavioral and medical sciences, you’ll gain in-depth exposure to a wide variety of patients in a range of clinical clerkships. And you will be prepared to begin your career with confidence.

First Year

  • study biology and the principles of chemistry and attend associated labs
  • begin your exposure to the liberal arts by exploring expository writing and human psychology

Second Year

  • continue to build an interdisciplinary foundation of knowledge by taking electives in the humanities and behavioral science
  • develop your knowledge of the health professions and hone the interpersonal communication skills necessary to be an effective member of the healthcare community
  • study organic chemistry and medical microbiology and participate in associated labs
  • complete two introduction to MPAS online survey courses which must be passed to enroll in the MPAS program

Third Year

  • explore healthcare ethics
  • study cellular biochemistry, physics, and advanced anatomy and physiology
  • students who submit a CASPA, achieve the minimum GPA, patient-care experience hours, and course requirements are guaranteed an interview for admission into the MPAS program 

Learn about the MCPHS Student Experience

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A Program Focused on Achieving Career Goals

MCPHS students are committed to their healthcare careers, and we give them the knowledge and training to reach—and often exceed—their professional goals.

#2 "Best Health Care Jobs"

US News and World Report ranks physician assistant #2 in healthcare jobs and #3 in best jobs overall for 2022

PA Studies at MCPHS

On to medical school

Inspired by his premed studies, Ethan Do headed to Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Read His Story

$121,530 average salary

for physician assistants according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

Kelsey Pozerski

Kelsey Pozerski Talks about the Value of her Premed Journey

Find out how premed student Kelsey Pozerski is utilizing her MCPHS education to fulfill her goal of becoming a caring, compassionate, and committed physician.

Other Pathways in Premedical Health Studies

In addition to the Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies — Physician Assistant Studies Pathway (BS/MPAS), we offer six degree pathways covering general premed studies as well as training in specific disciplines.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Dental Medicine Pathway (BS/DMD) — Boston

Four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Medicine Pathway (BS/MD with SGU) — Boston

Three years at MCPHS-Boston, two years at St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine, and two years of clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Optometry Pathway (BS/OD) — Boston

Depending on the track you choose, three or four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at MCPHS-Worcester.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies / Osteopathic Medicine Pathway (BS/DO with LECOM) — Boston

Depending on the track you choose, three or four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies—Osteopathic Medicine Pathway (BS/DO with ATSU)

Depending on the track you choose, three or four years at MCPHS-Boston followed by four years at A.T. Still University (ATSU).

Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies

Build a robust foundation in the health sciences as preparation for graduate school in optometry, medicine, physician assistant studies, and other fields.

Download a Program Fact Sheet

Download a program fact sheet for a snapshot of the Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies—Physician Assistant Pathway.