Posted by Choosing one of the PA Schools with the easiest admission requirements helps you to easily gain admission to begin your education as a physician assistant.
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What is a Physician Assistant (PA)
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who works directly with patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other clinical settings to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and handle preventative care.
They have similar responsibilities as doctors but practice medicine with significant autonomy.
PAs can diagnose and treat illnesses, conduct medical histories, order diagnostic testing, develop treatment plans, provide prevention advice, perform medical procedures, and participate in clinical research.
PA Program Application Prerequisites
Below is a list of PA Program Prerequisites:
- General Biology
- Anatomy and physiology – two semesters (or one semester each)
- Microbiology
- General or principles of chemistry
- Biochemistry or organic chemistry
- General Psychology
- Statistics or biostatistics.
List of the 20 PA Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
Below is a list of the 20 PA schools with the easiest admission requirements:
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- University of North Texas, Health Science Center
- University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Greenville
- University of Texas, Medical Branch at Galveston
- University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Health Professions
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Health Professions
- University of Colorado
- University of Florida, College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies Program
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- University of Nebraska
- University of Oklahoma
- University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Columbia Physician Assistant Program
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Wingate University, Physician Assistant Studies Program
- Yale University, School of Medicine Physician Associate Program
- Duke University, School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
20 PA Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
1. University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Founded: 1995
- Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
- Financial aid: Available
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a public university in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers Physician Assistant programs
Students benefit from the expertise of dedicated academic and clinical instructors at each institution.
In the first year, didactic instruction is completed at the UWL Health Science Center. Second-year clinical instruction occurs within the healthcare systems represented by our three clinical partners.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Physician Assistant program has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) since 1997.
2. University of North Texas, Health Science Center
- Founded: 1997
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
- Financial aid: Available
The University of North Texas Health Science Center is a public academic health science center in Fort Worth, Texas. The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of North Texas Health Science Center Physician Assistant Program.
They provide students with an environment that is both conducive to learning the art and science of medical practice and to helping our students achieve individual growth as healthcare professionals.
3. University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley
- Founded: 2013
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a public research university located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley aims to provide innovative advanced medical education to physician assistant students who will transform health care delivery to the multicultural population of South Texas.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Physician Assistant Program sponsored by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
4. University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Greenville
- Founded: 2012
- Location: Greenville, South Carolina
- Financial aid: Available
The Department of Physician Assistants is dedicated to helping students succeed in an increasingly vital healthcare role.
During study, students will have clinical experience, extensive training in the classroom, and access to state-of-the-art technologies.
This will teach you how to work as part of an interprofessional healthcare team.
5. University of Texas, Medical Branch at Galveston
- Founded: 1971 (PA Program)
- Location: Galveston, Texas
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is a public academic health science center in Galveston, Texas, United States.
The UTMB PA program teaches a Gross Anatomy course with a full cadaver lab. students learn the complicated and intricate structures of the human body in a respectful and uniquely hands-on way.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
(ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston Physician Assistant Program.
6. University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Founded: 1974
- Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
UND is increasingly regarded as one of the top institutions in the nation for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.
The UND Department of Physician Assistant Studies prepares you to become a competent physician assistant working collaboratively with physicians, emphasizing care in rural communities.
7. University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences
- Founded: 1862
- Location: Vermillion, South Dakota
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies offers the only physician assistant studies program in South Dakota. Graduates of the program have experienced a 100% job placement rate, with many going on to practice in the state’s rural areas.
The Department of Physician Assistant Studies provides expert training, preparing students to become compassionate, competent physician assistants who are leaders and collaborators on the health care team.
8. University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Health Professions
- Founded: 1967
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama
The UAB Physician Assistant Studies program was founded in 1967. It is the second oldest PA program in the nation and was established only two years after the birth of the PA profession.
The program provides intense didactic and clinical experiences in primary care, medicine, and surgery.
It is one of few programs that offers both a cadaveric dissection experience to supplement anatomy and a live pig lab to provide a practical, hands-on experience to strengthen the surgical component of the curriculum.
9. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Health Professions
- Founded: 1971
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
The mission of the UAMS PA program is to produce PA graduates who will practice transformative patient- and family-centered care with the highest professional standards.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Physician Assistant Program.
10. University of Colorado
- Founded: 1968
- Location: Aurora, Colorado
The University of Colorado’s Physician Assistant Program is consistently ranked as one of the best PA programs in the country.
The program is a master’s level, primary care PA program preparing graduates to provide comprehensive medical care for patients of all ages. The program is also recognized for its unique educational value and comprehensive physician assistant training.
11. University of Florida, College of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Founded: 1972
- Location: Gainesville, Florida
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Florida School of Physician Assistant Studies is a continuous 24-month, full-time educational program that prepares physician assistants in a broad range of medical and surgical knowledge and skills and educates them to provide high-quality and compassionate health care to diverse patients.
After the completion of the two-year curriculum, the student is awarded the Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree as well as a Certificate of Completion.
Graduates of this program are then eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
12. University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Studies Program
- Founded: 1974
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Kentucky is a public land-grant research university in Lexington, Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky offers a physician assistant program that prepares students to become well-rounded practitioners with a wealth of clinical knowledge and direct patient-care experience to conduct exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and more.
Graduates from this program achieve some of the highest pass rates on state licensure exams, which proves that the program is dedicated to helping students become the most knowledgeable healthcare providers they can be.
13. University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Founded: 1972
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Financial aid: Available
University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public university in Kansas City, Missouri.
The University of Missouri-Kansas offers a Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program.
Students enrolled in the program benefit from the extensive medical education resources offered by the School of Medicine, such as the Clinical Training Facility, Health Sciences Library, and Medical Education Media Center.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Missouri Kansas City Physician Assistant Program.
14. University of Nebraska
- Founded: 1869
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Nebraska is a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. University of Nebraska offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
To be admitted to the program, students must receive a passing grade of “C” or better or “Pass” in all courses and maintain an overall quality grade point average of 2.50 (on a 4.0 scale) or above.
15. University of Oklahoma
- Founded: 1890
- Location: Norman, Oklahoma
- Financial aid: Available
The University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma.
The University of Oklahoma offers an outstanding and unique educational experience for future physician assistants committed to primary care.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine Physician Assistant Program.
16. University of South Carolina, School of Medicine Columbia Physician Assistant Program
- Founded: 2017
- Location: Columbia, South Carolina
The University of South Carolina offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies which prepares students to become practicing Physician Assistants, once they successfully graduate and pass the national board certification exam (PANCE).
17. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Founded: 1972
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a public academic health science center in San Antonio, Texas.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Physician assistant program.
The program trains students to become competent and caring primary healthcare providers who will meet the needs of society, faculty, staff, and student service to the community and region.
18. Wingate University, Physician Assistant Studies Program
- Founded: 1896
- Location: Wingate, North Carolina
Wingate University offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies which is a 27-month program.
The program aims to develop educated, productive, and ethical physician assistants to serve the healthcare needs of the communities in which they practice.
The program also aims to provide a range of didactic and clinical experiences to prepare graduates best to care for a diverse patient population.
19. Yale University, School of Medicine Physician Associate Program
- Founded: 1970
- Location: New Haven, Connecticut
The Yale School of Medicine offers two high-quality Physician Assistant (PA) education pathways; The Physician Associate Program and the Physician Assistant Online Program, both of which lead to a Master of Medical Science degree.
The Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program prepares students for clinical excellence and the leadership challenges of tomorrow.
To be admitted to the program students will be required to have a verified CASPA application, an official GRE score report, three reference letters, the supplemental application, and no more than one prerequisite in progress.
20. Duke University, School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
- Founded: 1965
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
Duke University offers a physician assistant studies program that educates caring, competent primary care physician assistants who practice evidence-based medicine.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Physician Assistant Program.
FAQs on the Pharmacy Schools with Easy Admission Requirements
Can I still apply to these schools if I don't meet all their admission requirements?
Yes, it's possible to apply to these schools even if you don't meet all their requirements. However, meeting or exceeding their admission criteria will significantly improve your chances of acceptance.
What else should I consider when choosing a PA school beyond admission requirements?
In addition to admission criteria, factors like program location, curriculum, faculty expertise, clinical rotations, and accreditation should also be considered to ensure the right fit for your career goals.
Where can I find more information about each of these PA schools and their admission requirements?
We recommend visiting the official websites of the listed PA schools for detailed information on their admission requirements, program specifics, and contact details for admissions offices.
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Conclusion
Our list prioritizes schools with easier admission requirements while maintaining a balance with program quality. Prospective students need to research each school further to ensure it aligns with their educational and career goals.
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