Brenau University and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) have developed an accelerated five year course of instruction leading to the dual degree of Bachelor of Science from Brenau University and a Master of Science from PCOM. The initial three year science component of the joint degree program will be undertaken at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. The intense three year undergraduate portion of the program will consist of 120 semester hours and will include all the liberal education and major requirements of a B.S degree. The major required courses are tailored to provide the background the student for graduate studies and clinicals. During the undergraduate phase, students admitted to the program will be followed for adequate performance and commitment to the program.
Upon successful completion of the three year program, the student can apply through this affiliated program to the PCOM main campus in Philadelphia and will, if admitted, undertake instruction in basic medical science and basic clinical science. After one year of work, the student will return to the Northeast Georgia area and undertake a series of rotating preceptorships in behavioral medicine, family medicine, general surgery, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics and psychiatry. Students will also be prepared for the delivery of health care services to patients utilizing community health services, homebound patients, rural patients and patients in underserved areas. This program prepares individuals to become a Physician Assistant and work in partnership with a physician or become an independent practitioner. Physician assistants provide both diagnoses and treatment therapies to patients.
The undergraduate degree will be awarded after the student completes the undergraduate phase of the program. If the student chooses not to pursue the graduate phase at PCOM in Philadelphia, the student has the option of applying to other Physician Assistant programs. Students will also be prepared to apply for additional programs across the United States.
Note: Students who transfer an excess of 30 semester hours or have a previous bachelor’s degree must transfer with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
