Top 8 Accelerated PA Programs

---

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/25/24

Interested in becoming a PA as soon as possible? We’ll break down the best accelerated PA programs to help you get there in no time.

‍So, you've set your sights on becoming a physician assistant (PA) and are on the hunt for the quickest way to make that dream a reality. Good news! Accelerated programs are your fast lane to certification, all while maintaining educational excellence.

This is your definitive guide to the top eight accelerated programs that are designed to speed up your transition into the healthcare sector.

Top Accelerated PA Programs

Here are the country’s top accelerated programs that will fast-track your journey to becoming a PA. 

1. Seton Hall University 

Seton Hall University offers a six-year (3+3) dual-degree program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant. This program integrates a traditional liberal arts education with diverse clinical experiences.

Pros:

• The program provides intense medical and procedural training that parallels the training of medical students and some residents.
• Students gain at least 64 weeks of clinical rotations, providing extensive real-world exposure in various medical settings.
• The curriculum combines traditional lectures with online coursework and problem-based learning, taught by experienced physician assistants and physicians.
• Seton Hall encourages experiential learning through research and internships in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and related fields.
  

Cons:

• Scheduling and orientation can be challenging for commuters, making it harder to attend this school if you live off-campus.
• As a private university, Seton Hall’s tuition can be higher compared to public institutions, which may add to the financial burden for students, especially in the longer six-year program.
• Seton Hall is located in South Orange, New Jersey, which might not be ideal for students looking to live in larger metropolitan areas or areas with more direct access to diverse clinical opportunities.

2. Le Moyne College

Le Moyne College offers a direct-entry Physician Assistant (PA) program, featuring a 3+2 or 4+2 pathway. The 3+2 program enables students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Biology in three years before transitioning into the graduate-level PA program for two years of advanced clinical training.

Pros:

• The flexibility of the 3+2 and 4+2 pathways allows students to accelerate their education or take additional time to focus on extracurricular activities, academic minors, or study abroad experiences.
• The program emphasizes holistic healthcare training grounded in Le Moyne's Jesuit mission, fostering compassion, ethics, and service to others.
• The graduate PA program includes one year of clinical fieldwork with nine rotations across diverse healthcare settings, ensuring students receive comprehensive, real-world experience.

Cons:

• Admission to the direct-entry program is highly competitive, with stringent GPA and shadowing requirements, which may limit access for some applicants.
• While the 4+2 pathway offers a year for additional academic pursuits or personal growth, those in the 3+2 pathway may feel constrained by the need to focus solely on academic work and clinical rotations.

3. Gannon University 

Gannon University offers a five-year dual-degree program that integrates liberal arts education with professional training, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare.

Pros:

• The curriculum includes a robust set of prerequisite and liberal arts courses that prepare students for clinical success.
• Graduates have a good job outlook, especially in underserved areas.
• Students have regular meetings with PA faculty to foster mentorship and deeper engagement throughout the program.

Cons:

• The university's location in Erie may limit exposure to certain specialized medical fields offered at schools in larger cities.
• Clinical rotations may require relocation every five weeks, which can be disruptive and difficult to plan around.

4. Rochester Institute of Technology

RIT offers a five-year dual-degree program combining technical expertise with clinical practice, preparing students for the evolving landscape of healthcare.

Pros:

• The program leverages RIT's strengths in technology and innovation, incorporating advanced simulation labs and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• 100% of graduates from this degree secure employment or continue education within six months of graduation.
• Strong salary potential, with the median first-year salary being $105.7K.
• Students participate in rotations across diverse specialties such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, and behavioral health.
• Graduates often work in surgical subspecialties, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and general surgery.

Cons:

• Clinical sites may be far from campus, making commuting challenging

5. DeSales University 

DeSales University offers a 3+2 PA program rooted in Catholic values, emphasizing compassionate care and ethical practice.

Pros:

• The program has had stellar first-time PANCE pass rates since its inception, reflecting the quality of education provided.
• Graduates boast an exceptionally high first-time pass rate on the national PA certification exam.
• 100% of students are employed as PAs within four months of graduation.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Includes access to a skills lab, simulation center, and the only gross anatomy lab in the Lehigh Valley.

Cons:

• The university's rural location may limit access to certain clinical experiences.

6. Hofstra University

Hofstra University offers a five-year dual-degree PA program that combines a strong liberal arts foundation with comprehensive medical training.

Pros:

• Students participate in clinical clerkships in diverse settings and a research semester with community engagement.
• Students benefit from multi-modal instruction: lectures, cadaver labs, simulations, working with standardized patients, and case-based learning.

Cons:

• Students must follow a strict curriculum plan and cannot easily change majors without forfeiting entry into the PA program.
• If students don’t meet academic or progression benchmarks (e.g., GPA, healthcare hours, interview, background check), they may lose the PA track mid-program; it is not guaranteed for undergrads.

7. Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University offers two undergraduate pathways for aspiring Physician Assistants.

There is a 4+2 accelerated dual-degree program that guarantees entry into both the BS and MS in PA Studies for students who meet progression criteria and a traditional 4-year BS in Health Sciences with PA prerequisites, where eligible students are guaranteed an interview for reserved seats in the graduate PA program.

Pros:

• Situated in a major medical hub, students have access to diverse clinical experiences and cutting-edge research.
• The program emphasizes a patient-centered approach and interprofessional collaboration.
• Students can apply to graduate PA programs at either the East Falls or Voorhees, NJ campus.

Cons:

• Students on the 4-year pre-PA path are not guaranteed admission to Jefferson’s MS PA program—only an interview opportunity.
• Compared to other PA programs, Jefferson’s site provides less detail on course content, clinical rotations, or faculty, which may make it harder for students to evaluate program fit.

8. Drexel University 

Drexel University’s BS/MHS Bridge Program allows students to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in just five and a half years. The program structure begins with three years of undergraduate study, followed by a two-and-a-quarter-year graduate PA curriculum. 

Pros:

• The inclusion of co-op opportunities allows students to gain valuable, hands-on experience in the healthcare field while still completing their studies.
• Drexel’s PA program is one of the oldest and largest in Pennsylvania, with a strong reputation and a diverse student body.
• The program’s commitment to attracting students from minority and medically underserved backgrounds ensures a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Cons:

• With a set academic structure, students have little room for electives or minors that could broaden their educational experience. 
• This program is highly competitive and designed for students who demonstrate high academic achievement.
• The combination of undergraduate and graduate courses, alongside co-op requirements, can create a heavy workload. 

‍Inspira Advantage helps aspiring PA students like you get into a competitive accelerated program. Meet with your own counselor today to match into the perfect program.