About NMU's Pre-Physician Assistant Program

Northern Michigan University's pre-physician assistant program is an intensive program designed to give students plenty of opportunity to fully explore the field before applying to a physician assistant program.  The program is advised by Dr. Erich Ottem, professor in the department of biology. 

NMU's pre-physician assistant program is similar to the pre-medical program because of the strong emphasis on basic sciences and requisite courses focused on the human body and functions. More advanced courses required for admission to a specific physician assistant program may vary widely depending on the school. Students may have any major but must complete the science courses required for entry to the programs to which they are applying.

Program Outline

Academics & Research

Pre-physician assistant students must take certain courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. NMU has outstanding teaching facilities in all of these areas.

The Seaborg Science Complex is one of the premier university science facilities in the Midwest. The complex is the largest academic facility on NMU's campus. It consists of the New Science Facility, opened in 2001, and the completely renovated Luther S. West Science Building and features state-of-the-art instructional equipment and technology including more than a dozen different types of scientific laboratories.

We also offer our students opportunities to participate in high-level faculty research projects another activity that is highly regarded by professional schools. You might become involved in cancer or genetics research or you might help research particles and fields theory, create lenses that mimic the gravity that bends light around planets or uncover the mysteries of the aurora borealis.

What You'll Do at NMU

As a pre-physician assistant student at NMU, you'll have the opportunity to learn from the best. Every week, select students are invited to attend a clinical conference at the local hospital to listen to various presentations by medical experts. Every other year, we take sophomores and juniors to visit Michigan medical schools so our students become familiar with the facilities before they apply.

The program is directed by an advisory board comprised of NMU faculty members and local physicians. In addition to providing professional guidance, when you apply to professional school you may request that your advisory board conduct a personal interview with you. Based on that interview, the board will prepare an evaluation letter, which they'll send to the professional school or schools of your choice.

Articulation Agreement with CMU

NMU has an articulation agreement with Central Michigan University's physician assistant program that allows for four NMU students to have a guaranteed interview with a high probability of acceptance into the program on a non-competitive basis providing the students meet all of the admission criteria in the CMU curriculum guide, and minimum GPA requirements. 

Current PA School Admits

Northern Michigan University has an articulation agreement with Central Michigan University's physician assistant program that allows for four NMU students to have a guaranteed interview with a high probability of acceptance into the program on a non-competitive basis providing the students meet all of the admission criteria in the CMU curriculum guide, and minimum GPA requirements.  Students interested in this program should work closely with an adviser in NMU’s pre-physician assistant program.

Application Criteria for the CMU Physician Assistant Program

  1.   Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
  2.   No grade less than B in any prerequisite coursework.
  3.   Recommendation by Physics Department pre-medical adviser.
  4.   A minimum of 500 direct patient care hours must be completed prior to application.
  5.   Community/volunteer service involvement.
  6.   Graduate Record Exam completed.
  7.   Receive a passing score from an interview with CMU Physician Assistant Admissions Committee.