About Our Program
Each year, Tareen Dermatology offers an enriching Gap Year Program for driven pre-med and pre-PA students. This unique opportunity provides essential hands-on clinical experience, allowing participants to assist in surgeries and scribe alongside some of Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s top board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. With dedicated mentorship and personalized guidance, students gain deep insights into the medical field, equipping them for successful futures in healthcare.
Graduates of our program enjoy an impressive acceptance rate of over 90% to PA or medical school. We take pride in equipping our assistants with a competitive edge!
In June of 2026, we celebrated more than 30 gap year students who graduated from our program, earning spots at esteemed institutions such as the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Creighton University, and University of North Dakota, among others.
With several clinic locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota—and approximately 80 Gap-Year Medical Assistants on staff—we are a growing practice eager to welcome talented and motivated individuals to our team!
Learn More
Get to know our Gap Year Program alumni now working as board certified physician assistants at our practice.
Olivia Bien, PA-C 
Meagan Bliese 
Rachel Lenz 
Sarah Slinger 
Megan Olson 
Carly Hennek 
Lisa Grover, FNP-C 
Gina Fick Current Tareen Dermatology employees and Gap Year Program participants enrolling in St. Kate’s online and hybrid certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs will receive a special scholarship, reducing tuition costs by 10%.
Eligible programs include a variety of online and hybrid degree and certificate programs in a variety of health disciplines — Physical Therapist Assistant, Nursing, Public Health, Community Health Worker, Healthcare Management, Social Work, Radiography, Holistic Health Studies — as well as Business, Leadership, Psychology, Liberal Studies, Early Childhood Education and other areas.
