Top 10 Physician Assistant Schools

There are a plethora of schools that offer physician assistant (PA) programs. Choosing the best school to provide you the necessary education is of essential consideration. By securing your degree from the best or at least institution that fulfils minimum requirements, you are assured of an enjoyable learning experience and a degree that is marketable. If you are always on the lookout for things with quality of crème de la crème, read through to find out about the best ten institutions offering PA degrees that can polish your resume.

1. University of Iowa

The physician assistant programs offered at this university are unlike other programs in the country as its curriculum is designed such that students complete more than 60% of their didactic curriculum with sophomore medical students. Emphasis is also placed on developing skills for lifelong learning.

2. Duke University

The birthplace of the PA profession, this university offers the program in two sections. The first 12 months are devoted to pre-clinical studies whereas the remaining 12 months are devoted to clinical experiences in primary care and the medical and surgical specialties. Only full-time students are admitted to this program.

3. Emory University

Students have to undergo a 28-month graduate program at this institution. Its graduates’ good scores at the PANCE exam and employers’ comments are testimony to its excellent curriculum. With an emphasis on primary health care, its curriculum is divided into three phases – didactic, clinical and advanced didactic phase.

4. George Washington University

This institution offers two graduate level programs: the traditional 2-year program leading to a Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) and the 3-year joint program leading to both MSHS and a Master of Public Health (MPH). Of particular interest is that its curriculum includes a nationally recognized community service in underserved areas in Washington Metropolitan.

5. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas

This reputable institution has more Nobel Prize-winning faculties than any other medical schools in the world. Commencing at the end of May each year, the PA program offered requires students to undergo four didactic semesters with an additional semester on clinical rotation.

6. University of Utah

With strength of having an experienced faculty, this institution prides itself on having one distinctive attribute – the extensiveness of clinical exposure that its first-year students receive. Its PA programs are generally divided into two phases – a first year that focuses on didactic teaching and a second year that focuses on clinical teaching.

7. University of Washington

The Physician Assistant Training Program at this university offers education for both bachelor and master degree. Students will spend their time studying various medical topics, working on projects and attending clinical sessions.

8. University of Colorado – Denver and Health Sciences Center

The PA program gives emphasis on pediatrics, although its primary care curriculum prepares students to treat patients of all ages. One interesting characteristic is that this program implements what is called the rural track that prepares students who wish to serve in rural areas.

9. Baylor College of Medicine

The program offered is of master level. It is a 30-month study that consists of a 13-month didactic phase and a 17-month phase of experiential learning.

10. Oregon Health and Sciences University

The program at this institution stretches for 26 months, whereby the didactic phase lasts for 12 months and the clinical phase lasts for 14 months. Classes start in June every year.