The Best Accredited Physician Assistant Programs Online

Best Accredited Physician Assistant Programs Online

Today, pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) involves more education and specialized training than in the past. Many accredited institutions now offer online Physician Assistant programs, allowing students to complete some or all coursework online. These flexible options enable professionals to earn a master’s degree and prepare for the National Certification Exam (PANCE) without disrupting their current careers.

Whether you’re an aspiring PA or a practicing one aiming to advance your expertise and credentials, this guide to accredited online PA programs can help you find a program that aligns with your goals. Here, we’ll discuss top online PA programs, admission requirements, program duration, and key factors to consider when choosing a program.


Table of Contents

  1. Why Choose Online Physician Assistant Programs?
  2. Online PA Program Accreditation
  3. How to Apply for PA Schools Online
  4. List of Top Physician Assistant Programs Online
    • University of North Dakota
    • University of Wisconsin – Madison
    • Sacred Heart University
    • University of Detroit Mercy
    • A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
    • Pace University – New York
    • Yale University
    • Stony Brook University
    • Marywood University
  5. Cost of Online PA Programs
  6. Duration of Online PA Programs
  7. Career Opportunities and Salary

Who Is a Physician Assistant?

Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals trained through a rigorous, medical school model curriculum. Supervised by a physician, PAs perform exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, assist in surgery, and provide essential patient education and counseling. This versatile role is essential in numerous medical settings, from primary care to specialized surgery.


Why Choose Physician Assistant Programs Online?

Online PA programs have grown in popularity, offering flexibility and reducing costs associated with on-campus education, such as accommodation and transportation. Many online PA programs rank among the best globally and are recognized in annual publications, such as U.S. News & World Report and the QS World University Rankings.

Graduates of these programs work in diverse fields of medicine, including primary care, surgery, pediatrics, emergency medicine, cardiology, and more. Some even pursue post-graduate residencies in various specialties across the U.S. Completing an online PA program can open doors to a highly rewarding and impactful career in healthcare.


Online PA Program Accreditation

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing an online PA program. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) grants accreditation status to programs that meet its rigorous standards. Programs with ARC-PA accreditation ensure quality education and eligibility for national certification. Each program we’ve highlighted here holds ARC-PA accreditation, guaranteeing they meet the highest educational standards.

See: Actuarial Science Master’s Degree: 3 Best Online Universities


How to Apply for PA Schools Online

Admission requirements vary by program, but most PA programs utilize the Central Application Services for Physician Assistants (CASPA) portal for applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Review Requirements: Visit the official websites of your desired programs to review prerequisites.
  2. Create a CASPA Account: Complete the college-attended and evaluations sections.
  3. Submit and Monitor: Follow each program’s application steps on the CASPA portal, then submit. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews.

See: How to Get a Master’s in Management Information Systems (MIS) Online


List of Top Physician Assistant Programs Online

1. University of North Dakota

Tuition: $423/credit
UND’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies is fully ARC-PA accredited and offers a curriculum focused on rural and underserved primary care. The 24-month program combines online courses with five on-campus sessions totaling 17 weeks of instruction. Requirements include 3.0 GPA, healthcare experience, and specific coursework.

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2. University of Wisconsin – Madison

Tuition: $1,056/credit
UW-Madison offers a three-year PA program with a blend of online and on-campus education. The program, which includes 93 credits and clinical rotations, is ideal for working professionals looking to earn a Master’s degree. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA.

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3. Sacred Heart University

Tuition: $801/credit
This 27-month program includes 12 months of online didactic coursework followed by 15 months of clinical rotations. To qualify, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and 1,000 hours of healthcare experience.

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4. Yale University

Tuition: $1,313/credit
Yale’s highly regarded PA program combines a strong curriculum with practical training. Students undergo 12 months of didactic coursework, followed by clinical rotations in their communities. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and six months of healthcare experience.

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Cost of Physician Assistant Programs Online

Costs for online PA programs vary significantly, with tuition ranging from $65,000 to $200,000 depending on the institution and specific program requirements. While higher than some other online degrees, the PA field offers promising career opportunities, making the investment worthwhile.

Duration of Physician Assistant Programs Online

The length of PA programs varies, with most master’s-level programs requiring between 12 and 36 months. Some programs offer accelerated options, while others require part-time or on-campus sessions. Each program is tailored to provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for the PANCE and a successful PA career.

Career Outlook and Salary

Physician Assistants are in high demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 30% growth rate from 2014 to 2024—much faster than average for all professions. PAs earn a competitive salary, with a national average of $108,430 per year. This demand is particularly strong in underserved and rural areas where physician shortages are more pronounced. Additionally, online PA program graduates find roles in various medical fields, contributing meaningfully to healthcare access and outcomes.

Conclusion

Physician Assistants play a vital role in healthcare, and earning a PA degree online can be an ideal path for those seeking flexibility and a high-quality education. Accredited online PA programs provide the tools and credentials needed to excel in this rewarding field. If you’re ready to pursue this exciting career, explore the programs listed here to find the best fit for your goals and start your journey in healthcare today.

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