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Physician Assistant Graduate Programs in America

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About This List

Explore physician assistant graduate programs and graduate schools offering physician assistant degrees. Compare graduate physician assistant programs with government statistics and graduate student reviews. Find the best physician assistant graduate schools for you. 

    Physician Assistant Graduate Program

    As demand for healthcare soars, a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) has become one of the fast-growing and most lucrative positions in the medical field. PAs have advanced medical training and a similar scope of practice as primary care physicians. For instance, PAs can assist with surgeries, diagnose and treat patients, order laboratory tests, and prescribe medications.

    The road to becoming a PA is challenging and time-consuming, though shorter than becoming a physician. It requires the completion of four steps:

    1. Obtain a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS)
    2. Gain extensive hands-on clinical experience
    3. Sit for and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
    4. Obtain a state license

    If you’re interested in a rewarding career as a PA, your first step will be to find the right physician assistant grad program. This degree will allow you to gain the expertise and skills to treat patients.

    What Is a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Degree?

    An MS-PAS degree will prepare you to diagnose and treat patients while working under the supervision of a physician. Most graduate programs require you to take several semesters of intensive coursework on medicine and science.

    Next, you will participate in a series of clinical rotations. These six- to eight–week clerkships allow you to build on your classroom knowledge as you gain hands-on experience caring for patients. Each clinical rotation immerses you in a different specialty, such as general surgery, pediatrics, and women’s health.

    How Long Does It Take to Complete a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies?

    Most MS-PAS programs take two to three years to complete. Some grad schools offer online options for coursework, but clinical rotations usually occur in person.

    Colleges typically expect aspiring PAs to pursue their studies full-time with no outside employment for maximum immersion in the subject.

    Graduate Coursework in Physician Assistant Studies

    While curricula vary between graduate schools, you can expect to take courses on various medical topics while completing the MS-PAS. For example, you may take coursework in these subjects:

    • Diagnostic Studies
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Human Anatomy
    • Medical Microbiology
    • Patient Assessment
    • Pharmacology
    • Women’s Health

    Some grad programs also require you to create a capstone project based on your research.

    Physician Assistant Careers

    An MS-PAS can prepare you for a fulfilling career in a variety of settings, including:

    • Community health centers
    • Government facilities
    • Hospitals
    • Outpatient care centers
    • Primary care clinics
    • Urgent cares

    Applying to Physician Assistant Graduate Programs

    If you’ve decided to pursue a career as a PA, you will need to apply to relevant graduate programs. Fortunately, Niche makes it easy to locate schools with MS-PAS programs. Use our comprehensive database to create a shortlist of programs.

    Once you’ve selected your target schools, you can carefully craft your application package. While admissions criteria vary between programs, you may need to provide some of these common application materials:

    • GRE test scores, if required
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Personal statement
    • Proof of prior healthcare experience
    • Transcript from your bachelor’s program that shows that you have completed all prerequisite coursework

    A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies can be the first step toward a fulfilling healthcare career. By taking the time to select the perfect graduate program for you, you can set yourself up for success in this in-demand field.