Reviewed by:
Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University
Reviewed: 5/13/22
Are you looking to apply to physician assistant schools but worried you might not get in? This guide covers the easiest PA schools to get into and how you can increase your chances of getting in.
A career as a physician assistant is a great way to be directly involved in the medical field without becoming a doctor. In fact, a physician assistant has a lot of the same responsibilities as a medical doctor.
Here we discuss what is a PA, the 10 easiest PA schools to get into, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a PA. Let’s get started!
A PA is a healthcare professional who works closely with doctors to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. PAs are trained to examine and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and write prescriptions. They may also assist in surgery and provide follow-up care to patients.
The job duties of a PA may vary depending on the state in which they work and the specific needs of their practice. PAs work in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or surgery.
One of the first steps to becoming a PA is to complete a PA program. Physician assistant programs are postgraduate programs that educate students to work as physician assistants. These programs typically last two to three years and include didactic coursework and clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
PA programs are designed to prepare students to work under the supervision of doctors, providing a range of medical services, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgery.
These programs are very competitive and often require applicants to have a strong academic background and some healthcare experience. Admissions committees look for various factors when evaluating applicants, including grades, test scores, and clinical experience.
Additionally, PA programs often look for applicants who have a strong desire to pursue a career as a physician assistant and who demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the profession.
If you feel like you are not a strong applicant for PA school, it is worth trying to apply to easier PA schools in the country. This article will go over a list of the easiest PA schools to get into in the U.S., and some tips on giving yourself a competitive edge when applying.
Below is a list of the easiest PA schools to get into.
Ranking: #4 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Cumulative GPA: 2.70
Science GPA: 2.70
GRE score: N/A
Acceptance rate: 8%
In-state tuition: $82,172
The University of Utah, Physician Assistant Program, is one of the oldest PA programs in the country. It is a full-time, 27-month program.
Admission to this program is based on various factors, including undergraduate GPA, prerequisite courses, and healthcare experience.
The program includes didactic coursework and clinical training in many medical specialties, such as internal medicine, psychiatry, and general surgery. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to perform their PA duties in a clinical setting.
The PA program also provides students a chance to get involved with the community. The program's goal is to address health disparities in the Utah community and have students engage and serve the community while also gaining valuable learning experience.
Ranking: #331 in National Universities
Location: Gainesville, Georgia
Cumulative GPA: 2.75
Science GPA: 2.75
GRE score: verbal 151, quantitative 150
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $44,852
Brenau University is a private university that offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. The program is designed to include group-based learning, technology, and interprofessional collaboration.
The Brenau University physician assistant program typically takes two years to complete and includes didactic coursework, clinical rotations, and a capstone project. During the clinical year, students must complete nine rotations, where they will learn and develop skills in caring for and treating patients.
The program strives to produce PAs who are prepared to collaborate in healthcare and practice with integrity and compassion.
Ranking: #108 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Cumulative GPA: 2.75
Science GPA: N/A
GRE score: verbal 52%, quantitative 34%, and analytical 61%.
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $7,223/semester
The University of Kentucky offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program through its College of Health Sciences. The PA program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is a full-time, 27-month program that includes didactic coursework and clinical rotations. The curriculum covers various topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and patient assessment.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a good GRE score, and meet the prerequisite course requirements, including biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and psychology.
Ranking: N/A
Location: Los Angeles, California
Cumulative GPA: 2.70
Science GPA: 3.00
GRE score: N/A
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $76,986
If you have always wanted to live in sunny Los Angeles, consider going to West Coast University for their Master of Physician Assistant program. The program focuses on teaching students clinical and cultural competence, personal wellness and insight, and ethical responsibility.
The PA program curriculum covers many medical subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics. Students also receive hands-on training through clinical rotations, which are supervised by licensed physicians.
These rotations allow students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting and gain valuable experience working with patients.
Ranking: #169 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Cumulative GPA: 2.75
Science GPA: 3.00
GRE score: 294
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $14,112/semester
Keiser University's Master of Science in Physician Assistant program is a 24-month program. The first 12 months consist of didactic courses, while the last 12 months include clinical instruction and rotations.
Students must complete clinical rotations in various fields, such as family practice, internal medicine, women's health, surgery, and psychiatry.
Overall, the Keiser University PA program is a rigorous but rewarding program that prepares students to become competent and compassionate PAs who can positively impact their patients' lives.
Ranking: #46 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Oakland, California
Cumulative GPA: 2.80
Science GPA: 2.80
GRE score: N/A
Acceptance rate: 2%
In-state tuition: $67,500
If you love the warm weather in California, consider going to Samuel Merritt University. They offer a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program designed to prepare students for a career as a physician assistant.
The program at Samuel Merritt University is a full-time, 27-month program that includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the medical knowledge, communication and teamwork skills, and patient care skills to become successful physician assistants.
Ranking: N/A
Location: Parker, Colorado
Cumulative GPA: 2.80
Science GPA: 3.00
GRE score: no minimum requirement, however, scores in the 50th percentile or higher are preferred
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $795/credit hour
Rocky Vista University is a private college that offers students a Master of Physician Assistant Studies program designed to prepare students for a career as a physician assistant.
The program is 28-months long and consists of didactic coursework and clinical rotations. Students learn all the crucial skills needed to become competent physician assistants during their didactic and clinical work.
In addition to coursework and clinical rotations, students in the PA program must complete a capstone project, a research project, or a case study demonstrating their knowledge and skills in the field.
Ranking: #108 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Cumulative GPA: 2.80
Science GPA: N/A
GRE score: 307
Acceptance rate: 16%
In-state tuition: $17,712/semester
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at Des Moines University provides students with rigorous training that will have them thrive in the profession.
The PA program is a 26-month, full-time program that trains students to become licensed healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a physician.
Students are trained to perform various medical tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans.
In addition to teaching basic science, the program also focuses on clinical reasoning, pharmacotherapeutics, medical ethics, and public health.
The program intends to produce physician assistants who practice collaboration, integrity, and professionalism when treating and caring for patients.
Ranking: #26 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Cumulative GPA: 2.80
Science GPA: N/A
GRE score: N/A
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $52,416
Northwestern University Physician Assistant program is a 24-month program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
To be eligible for the Northwestern University PA program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree and meet other requirements, such as prerequisite coursework and clinical experience. Prerequisite coursework typically includes biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.
In addition to classroom instruction, the Northwestern University PA program includes clinical rotations, which provide students with hands-on experience in various medical specialties. Students may complete clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices.
Ranking: #46 in Best Physician Assistant Program
Location: Macon, Georgia
Cumulative GPA: 3.00
Science GPA: 2.90
GRE score: 300
Acceptance rate: N/A
In-state tuition: $11.105/semester
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at Mercer University is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). It is a 28-month program that consists of didactic and clinical education.
The didactic portion is typically completed in the first two years, while the clinical portion is completed in the final year. The didactic portion includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and medical ethics, as well as clinical rotations in various specialties.
PA school can be challenging to get into. If you’re worried about your chances of getting into PA school, here are some tips to help you be a more competitive applicant.
Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, although some programs may have a higher or lower requirement. Earning a strong GPA during your undergraduate studies demonstrates your ability to handle the challenging academics of PA school.
PA programs typically require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and biology. Make sure you have completed all required courses and earned strong grades in them.
Many PA schools have a minimum 3.0 science GPA requirement that they consider when accepting applicants. You must maintain a high science GPA, which will determine your acceptance into PA school.
Your personal statement is critical to your PA school application. It outlines your goals, experiences, and qualifications as they relate to your desire to become a physician assistant. Use it to highlight your strengths and explain why you are interested in becoming a PA.
Your personal statement should be well-written, with clear and concise language. It's important to keep your personal statement concise and focused, and to avoid including unnecessary or irrelevant information.
PA schools ask for one to three letters of recommendation. Ask professors or supervisors who can speak on your academic and professional abilities to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Many physician assistant programs require applicants to have a certain amount of healthcare experience, such as volunteering or working in a healthcare setting. This experience helps demonstrate your commitment to the field. It also helps you gain valuable skills and knowledge that will be useful in your future career as a physician assistant.
It can be competitive to get into PA school, so applying to multiple programs is a good idea to increase your chances of being accepted. Make sure to research the different programs and their requirements to ensure you are a good fit.
Also, if you're worried about not being a competitive applicant, apply to PA schools that are easy to get into. This guide provides you with a list of easy PA schools to choose from.
If you still have questions about the easiest PA schools to get into, check out these frequently asked questions.
Some PA schools have a low GPA requirement; they are:
Although these schools have a low GPA requirement, you should aim for a higher GPA score to be considered a competitive applicant.
If you're worried that your GRE score is low, you can apply to PA schools that don't require it. PA schools with no GRE requirement include the University of Utah, Oregon Health and Science University, and Stony Brook University.
It isn’t easy to get into PA school. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), in a recent study, out of 25,593 applicants, only 8,106 people got accepted into a PA program. This translates into 31% of applicants getting into PA school, which is a low acceptance rate.
The easiest PA schools to get into in New York are:
These schools offer great PA programs for students and are great schools if you're considering going to school in the New York region.
If you're contemplating applying to PA programs but are worried your grades could be better, consider applying to the easiest PA schools in the country. This guide has provided you with a sufficient number of PA schools all over the U.S. that are relatively easier to get into than others.
Just note that although these PA schools have a low GPA requirement, it would be wise to get your GPA higher than the school's requirement to stay competitive.
Best of luck!
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