Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine as part of a healthcare team in various clinical settings. Medical practices increasingly rely on PAs to perform some physician duties, including ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and prescribing medicine. Eighty percent of PAs practice in a hospital or private practice.
Students need a bachelor's degree for admission to most PA programs. Many physician assistant programs require applicants to demonstrate some healthcare experience with patients. In addition to a physician assistant degree, all PAs need a license to practice.
PAs enter a robust job market that offers a $133,260 median annual pay, far greater than the national average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for PAs to grow 28% between 2023-2033.
This guide ranks the best physician assistant master's degrees. It also covers other important information for prospective students, such as scholarship opportunities for PA students.
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Best Physician Assistant Master's Degree Programs
What Are the Goals of a Physician Assistant Degree?
Most physician assistant programs award a master of health science, master of clinical science, master of physician assistant, or master of science. Most master's in physician assistant degrees take two years of full-time study to complete.
Enrollees typically complete about 100-130 credits divided into preclinical and clinical coursework. Learners study topics such as physiology, pharmacology, diagnostic methods, and evidence-based practice. Students can also explore specialties, such as women's health, pediatrics, and emergency medicine. Additionally, PA students complete at least 2,000 hours of clinical rotations that emphasize primary care in physician offices, ambulatory clinics, and acute and long-term care facilities.
Quality physician assistant degrees equip students with the knowledge and training necessary to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Students must pass this exam to obtain state licensure for clinical practice.
Learners should ensure the program they plan to attend holds accreditation, an eligibility requirement to sit for the PANCE. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accredits PA programs in the United States. Students should also factor in a program's pass rate on the PANCE as they consider physician assistant programs.
Why Get a Physician Assistant Degree?
Graduates with a physician assistant master's degree enjoy many benefits, several of which we outline below.
Career Flexibility
PAs can specialize their practice in one of several clinical areas. While family medicine/general practice remains the top PA practice area, PAs can also pursue specializations like emergency medicine, dermatology, and surgery.
Competitive Salary
While wages vary by factors like location, PAs can expect to earn a comfortable income. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $133,260.
Strong Job Market
The BLS projects jobs for physician assistants to grow 28% between 2023-2033, offering plenty of job opportunities for graduates from physician assistant programs.
Degree-Completion Timeframe
Most PA programs take two years of full-time study to complete, which is significantly less time than it takes to complete medical school.
An Integral Part of the Community
PAs serve as primary medical care providers at many community healthcare facilities, making it a rewarding career that makes a positive impact on the community.
What Are the Requirements for a Physician Assistant Degree?
Admission to a physician assistant program requires a bachelor's degree and a strong science background. Most programs require prerequisite courses such as anatomy, pathophysiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Some schools require a minimum undergraduate GPA. Applicants may also need to submit letters of recommendations, essays, and/or a resume.
Once enrolled, students complete pre-clinical and clinical courses that explore subjects such as the physical diagnosis, medical ethics, and specialized care. PA students also acquire hands-on experience providing direct patient care in clinical settings.
Some programs allow students to complete coursework online using synchronous or asynchronous learning. However, many programs require in-person attendance for the entire program.
Professional Organizations for Physician Assistant Students
Professional organizations advocate for the interests of PA students and professionals. Many organizations give members access to conferences, publications, and continuing education opportunities. They may also provide community-building opportunities through online and in-person events.
American Academy of PAs
The leading national professional society for PAs, AAPA hosts 140,000 members nationwide. Members gain access to the JAAPA clinical journal, school survival guides, mentorship opportunities, and a pro webinar series.Pi Alpha Honor Society
Students enrolled in a PA program with a minimum 3.5 GPA can join this honor society. Members gain access to networking and professional development activities through local Pi Alpha chapters. Members can also access fellowship opportunities, certification study tools, and an online community.Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology
APAO is the only national organization for PAs specializing in oncology. Students receive free membership and gain access to a newsletter, job postings, networking opportunities, and an annual scholarship program.Scholarships for Physician Assistant Students
Scholarships provide physician assistant degree-seekers with funding for tuition and other expenses. Unlike loans, scholarships do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following list outlines three scholarship opportunities for students pursuing a physician assistant master's degree.
Who Can Apply: Students training for primary care health professions qualify for this opportunity, including students attending ARC-PA-accredited PA programs with an emphasis in primary care. Applicants must submit transcripts, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a 500-word essay.Amount: Varies
Physician Assistant Student Questions and Answers
Physician assistants need at least a bachelor's degree to meet state licensure requirements. However, most PAs hold a master's degree from an accredited PA program.
