Offered as an Academic Certification
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who works in collaboration with physicians to provide direct patient care. PAs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and perform a wide range of medical tasks, including: taking patient histories and performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests, prescribing medications, and educating patients on health conditions and treatment options. To learn more about Physician Assistant studies, you can visit the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) website.
A Chiropractor is a healthcare professional who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. They use manual therapies, such as spinal adjustments, to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore function. Chiropractors are licensed practitioners who have completed a specific educational program and passed a national exam. To learn more about Chiropractic studies, you can visit the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) website.
The curriculum covers essential areas in the physical, chemical, biological, health, and social sciences, ensuring students develop a comprehensive understanding of human body systems. Coursework in Principles of Biology and General Chemistry is required to enter the certificate program. The certificate requires completion of 32 credits, consisting of required and elective courses. At least one of the upper division electives must come from outside Biology and Chemistry.
Upon completion of the certificate program, students will have met the prerequisites needed to apply to most Physician Assistant and Chiropractic schools. However, it is still recommended to investigate the specific prerequisites for each individual school of interest and discuss additional needs with an advisor.
For questions about this certificate, you may contact the following Biology faculty members:
Dr. Nicholas Stewart, stewartn@sou.edu
Dr. Melissa LaBonty, labontym@sou.edu
Contact:
Nick Stewart – 541.552.6947 – stewartn@sou.edu
Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer, RCC – Associate of Science Transfer, KCC – Biology, Associate of Science Transfer, UCC
Biology, Certificate – Biomedical Research, Certificate – Medical & Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Certificate – Pre-Dental & Pre-Optometry, Certificate – Pre-Medical, Certificate
Credit for Prior Learning – Learn More
SOU Biology Program
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6344
– Questions About Biology? –