Majors

Physicians assistant (pre-professional) major

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Physicians assistant (PA) graduate programs regularly accept students from various undergraduate majors. Pre-health advisers, admissions directors and faculty indicate that developing and sharpening key skills and demonstrating a strong foundation in natural and social sciences are the best preparation for the study of medicine. All strongly agree on the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education with service to community.

 

Faculty

Courses

Students may major in any area, so choose a major that interests you and that fits with your personal and professional life goals. Students are required to successfully complete a series of courses in the following:

Facilities

The Vermeer Science Center recently went through a $20-million renovation and expansion that was completed in fall 2003. The building contains 13 high-tech classrooms. Each contains a ceiling-mounted projector, computer with flat panel monitor, Wolfvision document camera, combination VCR/DVD player and a Ken-a-vision flex camera. Vermeer also contains several computer labs with new Dell computers with flat panel monitors and the most recent versions of math and science computer programs. Numerous science laboratories with state-of-the-art science equipment allow students to conduct their own research. Central was awarded a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) medal rating from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), making the science center the first LEED-rated building in the state.

Department Web site

The biology department has even more information about majoring in biology at their department website.

The chemistry program maintains its own website with even more information about majoring in chemistry at Central College and numerous research opportunities with Central faculty.

Organizations

No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group or organization that you’ll want to join! Click here to learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central. Student organizations include:

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to study abroad with one of Central’s 10 international programs to enhance their development as global citizens, or with Central’s Chicago program and the Washington, D.C., program. Learn more about Central’s study abroad programs.

Strengths in Central's pre-health programs

Hands-on opportunities

We recommend that students take full advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible:

Heartland Global Health Consortium member

Central College is a founding member of the Heartland Global Health Consortium whose mission is to establish and expand multidisciplinary educational, research and service opportunities to inspire and equip students to become leaders in global public health. The consortium provides additional opportunities for students to participate in educational, global research and global medical service experiences.

Success in getting into physicians assistant programs

Whatever your major, Central College students are extremely successful on GRE exams and securing acceptance into physician assistant programs if they:

Requirements for PA programs vary with each institution.
Your pre-health coordinator and academic adviser will work with you to ensure that you have taken all required coursework and completed required health care or research experience.

Central graduates have gone on to complete PA programs at the following institutions:

Career Center — a helpful resource

Staff of the Career Center, located in the Maytag Student Center, provides the following: