There are currently 137 accredited physician assistant programs in the United States. They are located at medical schools and centers, hospitals, two- and four-year colleges and universities, and in the uniformed forces. The programs consist of intensive classroom and laboratory study, as well as clinical practice.
Before Applying
Most programs require health care experience prior to admission. Programs offering bachelor’s degrees typically require a minimum of two years’ college credit. Master’s-level programs typically require either a bachelor’s degree or appropriate undergraduate credit, with a minimum GPA. Findings published in the Twentieth Annual Report on Physician Assistant Educational Programs in the United States, 2003-2004, showed that the proportion of students entering the programs with bachelor’s degrees had risen to 74.2 percent, up nearly 14 points from 60.7 percent in 2000. A college degree is not always required; however, college-level courses generally required before applying to a PA program include basic sciences; math; English/writing; some specialized science courses, such as anatomy/physiology, microbiology, physics; computer sciences; and medical terminology.
The structure of education for PA students is similar to that for medical students, although shorter in duration (medical school education averages 155 weeks; PA education averages 111 weeks). Most accredited programs can be completed between 24 and 27 months. A few programs offer part-time education so that students who are changing careers can attend classes and continue to work. PA programs require students to complete 9 to 12 months of classroom studies, followed by 9 to 15 months of supervised clinical rotations.
Completing the Application Process
Prospective students are advised to apply to several programs since each
program has a limited number of positions available, and selection criteria
and patterns may vary from year to year according to the individual institution’s
philosophy. Programs may waive a specific prerequisite if an applicant
is particularly strong in other areas; however, applicants should plan
carefully to ensure that their previous education and employment experiences
enhance their chances for admission.
Application policies, procedures, and deadlines vary considerably from
program to program. The application process depends upon whether the program
subscribes to the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants
(CASPA). Students must apply through CASPA for those programs that subscribe;
programs that do not post applications on their own Web sites. In both
cases, applicants should be guided by programs’ published application
deadlines and complete the application process early. Applicants should
be prepared to furnish information on their academic backgrounds, employment
experience, plans to finance their education, and reasons for choosing
the PA profession. Additionally, some admissions committees may be interested
in knowing why applicants have chosen their particular programs.
The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
In 2001, the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) launched the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). As of April 2006, 93 of the 137 accredited PA programs had elected to participate in this service. Applying to programs through CASPA allows applicants to complete one on-line application and choose the programs to which their completed applications should be sent. CASPA delivers students’ completed files to the programs students designate when all material has been collected and verified for authenticity. Newly-created, Web-based portals allow applicants to track the progress of their on-line applications and recommendations in reaching the programs. Applicants also have access to all application materials and functions and may directly update their contact information and program designations. For more information, or to apply through this Web-based service, please go to the CASPA Web site at www.caspaonline.org.
Most programs have an admissions committee composed of faculty and staff who review the applications in depth following a preliminary screening or transmission from CASPA. Applicants’ references, personal remarks, understanding of the PA role and, in some programs, patient care experience and college entrance examination test scores receive major consideration from the admissions committee. These factors, in addition to the results of the personal interview, serve as the basis for the final admissions decision.
Be Sure to Ask...
PAEA compiles the Physician Assistant Programs Directory for those considering the PA profession. Available only on-line by subscription at www.PAEAonline.org, the directory provides detailed information about each of the programs and answers prospective students’ questions. However, as you consult with programs you are interested in attending, you may wish to ask specific questions such as these
- Will the program accept credits earned at other institutions?
- What kind of health care experience is acceptable?
- How recent should course work be?
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