Keiser University

Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant)

Jacksonville Campus
Bachelor Degree
Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant)
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Keiser University offers this program on campus.
$12,908 per semester. This program spans 8 semesters at full-time enrollment.
Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 35 months (approximately 2 years and 11 months) and 121 credit hours.
A one-time $55 application fee applies on enrollment (subject to annual review).
Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid, including grants and federal student loans.

Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant) is a Bachelor Degree program offered by Keiser University in Jacksonville, FL. The program takes 35 months to complete, with tuition of $12,908 per semester.

Program Overview

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences with a Pre-Physician Assistant concentration provides student-centered education preparing future generations of scientists and health professionals. Our degree program emphasizes the coursework and clinical knowledge that PA schools require while building laboratory techniques routinely applied in medical science and medicine.
 
Students pursuing this pre PA major receive comprehensive preparation through rigorous science courses, development of critical thinking skills, and advisor guidance on graduate program requirements. Our pre health advisor support includes assistance with personal statements, resume reviews, and simulated interviews that mirror the actual application process for physician assistant programs.
 
The curriculum meets admission requirements for many PA programs while preparing qualified students for various graduate programs in health professions and allied health fields. All students learn within a dynamic environment that fosters creativity, discovery, and integrity.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Keiser University Biomedical Sciences Program is to provide world class, student-centered education by preparing future generations of scientists and health professionals in a dynamic environment that fosters creativity, discovery and integrity.

Program Goals

  • Students will become critical thinkers capable of evaluating content relating to the biomedical sciences field and synthesize their own conclusions.
  • Students will be capable of conducting scientific investigations and appropriately report their findings.
  • Students will master core biomedical sciences concepts and will be capable of examining specific mechanisms and processes within biomedical sciences.

Prerequisites for Major Courses

  • Minimum grade of “C” for lower level math and science courses
  • Successfully completed all lower division math and science requirements before beginning upper division coursework

Program Highlights

  • Preparation for Physician Assistant Graduate Programs – This program is designed to help students build the academic foundation needed for admission into physician assistant graduate programs through focused science coursework and pre-professional preparation.
  • Personalized Graduate Application Support – Students receive guidance on graduate program clinical requirements, simulated interviews, and reviews of personal statements and résumés to help strengthen their applications.
  • Strong Science and Laboratory Curriculum – The curriculum includes advanced courses such as microbiology, genetics, immunology, epidemiology, pathology, and molecular biology, helping students develop practical laboratory and scientific analysis skills.
  • Accelerated Path to Degree Completion – The program requires 121 credit hours and can typically be completed in approximately 35 months, depending on transfer credits.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. . While this program doesn’t require programmatic accreditation, the SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

What sets this Program apart

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Physician Assistant Career

  • Advanced scientific analysis and research methods
  • Critical thinking in biomedical contexts
  • Laboratory techniques used in medical science and medicine
  • Medical terminology and health care communication
  • Statistical analysis for scientific research
  • Understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathology
  • Evidence-based practice foundations
  • Professional and ethical decision-making in healthcare
  • Preparation for graduate entrance exam success
  • Skills applicable to allied health careers

Keiser University offers career-oriented education with small class sizes and flexible learning options throughout Florida. With on-campus learning environments at our college campuses, experienced faculty with real-world expertise, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their professional goals in health science and beyond.

We provide a student-centered approach where each student earns individualized attention from faculty members who understand the demands of preparing for physician assistant studies.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

General Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED
    Verification of high school graduation (transcript, diploma, etc.), verification of GED completion (GED scores or GED diploma), or proof of graduation from a foreign institution…
  • Entrance Examination
    Applicants must take Keiser University’s entrance examination or provide results of the SAT, ACT or ASVAB. The University requires a combined score of 910 on the SAT, a composite…
  • Application and Registration Fees
    A one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee are charged upon enrollment.
  • FAFSA (for Financial Aid)
    Students seeking financial aid complete the FAFSA using Keiser University’s federal school code, 015159.
  • Upper Division Science Prerequisites
    A minimum grade of "C" is required for lower level math and science courses. All lower division math and science requirements must be successfully completed before upper division…

Application Process

  1. 1
    Contact an Admissions Counselor
    Contact one of Keiser University’s admissions counselors to talk through the program and your options.
  2. 2
    Attend an Open House or Campus Visit
    Attend an open house or plan a campus visit. Applicants are encouraged to visit the University in person.
  3. 3
    Meet With Your Admissions Counselor
    Schedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
  4. 4
    Submit an Application
    Submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
    Apply Now

Program Schedule

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 35 months and 121 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

New cohorts start regularly throughout the year. Our start dates are as follows:
  • October 26th, 2026
  • November 23rd, 2026
  • January 11th, 2027
  • February 08th, 2027
  • March 08th, 2027
  • April 05th, 2027
  • May 10th, 2027
  • June 07th, 2027
  • July 05th, 2027
  • August 02nd, 2027

Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information

Per Semester Tuition
≈ $12,908
FAFSA Code
Net Price Calculator

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Semester credit loadTuition per semester
Full time (12 to 17.99 credits)$12,908.00
Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits)$9,681.00
Half time (6 to 8.99 credits)$6,454.00
Less than half time (0 to 5.99 credits)$3,227.00
Full time + (18 to 24 credits, approval required)$16,135.00

Required fees

  • Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
  • Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
  • Education fee — $980.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
  • Annual health insurance plan — $2,169.00 where applicable to allied health programs, waived with proof of coverage by a qualified plan

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Curriculum

The curriculum spans a lower-division science and general-education foundation and an upper-division science core, covering prerequisite subjects that physician assistant programs commonly require. Representative courses are listed below.

Required Courses

Subject #NameCredits
CHM2045*General Chemistry3
CHM2045L*General Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM2046*Advanced Chemistry3
CHM2046L*Advanced Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM2210*Organic Chemistry3
CHM2210L*Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM2211*Organic Chemistry II3
CHM2211L*Organic Chemistry II Laboratory1
PHY2053*Physics I3
PHY2053L*Physics I Laboratory1
HSC1531*Medical Terminology3
BSC2085C*Anatomy and Physiology I4
BSC2086C*Anatomy and Physiology II4
PSY1012*Introduction to Psychology (required)3
DEP2004*Lifespan Development3
SYG1000Sociology3
SPC1017Speech Communications3
CGS1000CIntroduction to Computers3
ENC1101English Composition I3
ENC2102English Composition II3
AML1000*American Literature3
ENL1000*English Literature3
CWL1000*Contemporary World Literature3
PHI1010Introduction to Philosophy3
AMH1010American History Pre 18773
AMH1020American History Post 18773
STA2023*Statistics3
MAC2311*Calculus and Analytic Geometry I5
ECO1023Microeconomics3
ECO2013Macroeconomics3
BSC2010*Biology I3
BSC2010L*Biology I Laboratory1
BSC2011*Biology II3
BSC2011L*Biology II Laboratory1
BCH4053*Biochemistry I3
BCH4054*Biochemistry II3
MCB3020*Microbiology3
MCB3020L*Microbiology Laboratory1
PCB3063*Genetics3
PCB3063L*Genetics Laboratory1
PCB3522*Molecular Biology I3
PCB3522L*Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory1
PCB3233*Immunology3
HSC3500*Epidemiology3
HSC4553*Fundamentals of Pathology3
STA3163*Intermediate Statistics3
CLP3300*Concepts of Clinical Psychology3
PSY3309*Behavioral Neuroscience3
BSC4458*Bioinformatics3
PLA3523*Health Law and Ethics3
ENC3241*Writing for the Technical Professional3

Career Outcomes

Graduates of Keiser University’s Biomedical Sciences program with a Pre-Physician Assistant concentration gain the scientific foundation needed to apply to competitive PA schools. While the bachelor’s degree itself prepares students for various biology-based careers and allied health positions, the primary goal remains admission to physician assistant graduate programs where students can pursue their ultimate career goal of becoming a certified PA.

After completing a physician assistant program and earning the required professional certification, graduates can pursue careers providing quality health care across diverse settings. According to labor statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for physician assistants continues to grow significantly.

Career Pathways as a Physician Assistant

  • Physician Assistant in primary care settings and doctors offices
  • PA in emergency medicine
  • Physician Assistant in surgical specialties working under physician supervision
  • PA in pediatrics or family medicine
  • Physician Assistant in dermatology
  • Physician Assistant in mental health
  • PA in urgent care facilities
  • Certified Physician Assistant in specialty practices
  • Medical researcher
  • Healthcare educator in allied health programs

What to expect as a Keiser University student

Keiser University’s pre physician assistant program provides the rigorous scientific foundation and clinical preparation needed for admission to competitive PA schools. Through comprehensive coursework in organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and other required courses, students build the academic background physician assistant programs seek. Our advisors guide you through every step, from selecting your major courses to preparing application materials for PA school.

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Top Questions About Earning a Pre-Physician Assistant Degree

What makes this program different from other health science degrees?
The Pre-Physician Assistant concentration specifically targets the coursework and preparation needed for PA school admission. While general biology or health science degrees provide broad preparation, our pre PA program focuses on the specific prerequisite courses, clinical knowledge, and application support that many PA programs require. This major prepares students specifically for physician assistant studies.
Can I apply to PA school with this degree?
This bachelor’s degree provides the scientific foundation and prerequisite courses needed to apply to physician assistant graduate programs. Students work with a pre health advisor to ensure they meet specific admission requirements for their target PA schools, including clinical hours and entrance exam preparation.
What prerequisite courses do PA schools require?
Many PA programs require anatomy and physiology, general chemistry with labs, organic chemistry with labs, microbiology, statistics, psychology, and medical terminology. The curriculum at Keiser University includes these required courses. Specific requirements vary by program, so applicants should research their target schools early in their academic journey, ideally during their junior year or even earlier in their college experience.
Do I need clinical experience to apply to PA school?
Most physician assistant programs require direct patient care hours before admission. Our advisors help students identify appropriate clinical experiences where they can observe or assist as healthcare providers examine patients, provide treatment, and deliver quality health care. Requirements typically range from several hundred to several thousand hours, depending on the program.
How competitive is admission to PA programs?
Physician assistant school remains highly competitive, with programs seeking qualified students and applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, clinical experience, and commitment to the PA profession. Our program prepares students to submit competitive applications through rigorous coursework and comprehensive advising support.
What is the PA-CAT exam?
The PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test) serves as an entrance exam that some physician assistant programs accept as an alternative to the GRE. This exam specifically measures abilities relevant to PA school success. Students should check whether their target programs accept the PA-CAT.
Can I work while completing this degree program?
Many students balance work and coursework, though the science-intensive curriculum requires significant study time. Organic chemistry with labs, general chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and other required courses demand dedicated focus. Students should discuss their individual circumstances with an academic advisor to plan their college experience realistically.
How long does it take to become a physician assistant after starting this program?
The bachelor’s degree takes approximately 35 months. After graduation, PA programs typically require two to three years of graduate study in physician assistant studies. The total timeline from starting the pre PA pathway to becoming a certified PA working under physician supervision can run approximately six to seven years.
What support do students receive for the application process?
Students work with a pre health advisor who provides guidance on graduate program clinical requirements, simulated interviews, personal statement and resume reviews. The college provides additional resources including workshops, networking events, and access to professionals in medicine and the PA profession. This support helps applicants submit strong applications to physician assistant programs.
Are there other career opportunities with this degree besides PA school?
The Biomedical Sciences degree prepares students for various biology-based careers and allied health graduate programs. Graduates can pursue opportunities in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, health departments, and other science-related positions while applying to PA programs or exploring alternative career paths in health professions.
Can I transfer credits from other institutions?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Is financial aid available for the PA program?
Yes. Students in this program may qualify for grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Military veterans may also qualify for education benefits. Speak with a dedicated financial aid counselor to explore all available options and create a plan that fits your situation. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
When should I start this major if I want to be ready for PA school?
Students often begin their pre physician assistant pathway during their freshman year or sophomore year at the college, allowing sufficient time to complete all required courses, gain clinical experiences, and prepare application materials before applying during their senior year or shortly after graduation. Starting early provides the timeline needed to meet all PA schools requirements for admission.

Campus Address

Jacksonville Campus
6430 Southpoint Parkway
Jacksonville, FL 32216

Why Accreditation Is Important

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.

The Keiser University catalog lists no separate programmatic accreditation for this program.

  • Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
  • Credits earned toward a respected credential
Ready to get started?
Apply to Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant) at Jacksonville Campus.
Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Physician Assistant)