Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) posits that getting into Physician School is not easy. The requirements for PA schools can be exhausting to meet up. However, some PA schools put a lot of things into consideration. Hence, this compilation of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2024.
Generally, the major headache students who wish to tow the medical line have is low acceptance rates in schools. Most PA Schools demand a lot of documents and a certain level of academic performance from applicants.
While these are precautionary measures to admit only the best students, it can also be quite discouraging for some. We understand this frustration and have compiled a list of PA schools that are pretty easy to get into in 2024.
The article will highlight the basic requirements for these PA schools, though they are not as rigorous as other schools. A glance at the table of contents below will give you an overview of the information found in this article.
Table of contents
- What are Physician Assistants Schools?
- Are there Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs?
- What is PA Schools Acceptance Rate Statistics?
- Are There Physician Assistant Schools with low GPA Requirements?
- What Physician Assistant Program can I get Into Without GRE?
- What are the Easiest PA Schools to get Into in 2024?
- 1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences PA School
- 2. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science PA School
- 3. University of New England PA School
- 4. Thomas Jefferson University PA School
- 5. Western University of Health Sciences PA Schools
- 6. Loma Linda University PA Schools
- 7. Missouri State University PA School
- 8. Barry University Physician Assistant School
- 9. South University Physician Assistant School
- 10. Marquette University PA School
- Easiest PA Schools FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What are Physician Assistants Schools?
Individuals who wish to create awareness about avoiding maladies and all forms of ailments, yet do not possess all that is required to attend a medical school; can become Physician Assistants.
Majorly, physician assistants are medical professional who operates under a doctor’s supervision. These individuals must attend an accredited PA program to get basic training. Afterward, they must sit for state licensure, allowing them to practice in any healthcare facility.
In simple terms, PA schools are educational institutions that offer programs usually divided into didactic and clinical experiences. Individuals who complete programs at these institutions can obtain a license to practice as Physician Assistants.
Read Also: List of Top PA schools with High Acceptance rate.
Are there Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs?
Yes, there are online Entry level Physician assistant programs. This means individuals who complete these PA programs can join the PA profession at an entry level.
Even though PAs are not considered doctors (PAs are only required to have a master’s degree), they are trained and licensed to carry out many of the same essential tasks, including:
- Diagnosing illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medication
- Creating and implementing treatment plans
- Counseling patients about care and treatment options
- Pre- and postoperative care
An entry-level is only possible online because the PA program cannot entirely be online. This is because both licensure and the required Master of Science Physician Assistant degree need substantial hours of hands-on, real-world practicum experience.
Below is a list of Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs:
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- The Touro College and University System
- University of North Dakota
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
What is PA Schools Acceptance Rate Statistics?
Generally, getting into a Physician Assistant School is quite challenging. This can easily be attributed to the low acceptance rate for PA programs.
Some PA school acceptance rates can be as high as 20% or as low as 0.8%. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the acceptance rate statistics for PA schools is about 20%.
Are There Physician Assistant Schools with low GPA Requirements?
Most PA schools require a certain GPA as an admission requirement. This is essential and discouraging for individuals with passion but not too strong academic performance.
However, there are quite a several Physician Assistant Schools that require a low GPA. As part of their admission requirements, students with GPAs lower than the average GPA of 3.0 for most PA schools can apply and stand a chance too.
Below is a list of PA schools with low GPA requirements:
- A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
- University of Utah
What Physician Assistant Program can I get Into Without GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada.
This test, owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service, is a major admission requirement for PA schools. However, some Physician Assistant Schools still grant admission to qualified students who do not have GRE scores.
This makes their PA programs one of the easiest to get into in 2024. Some of these PA programs without GRE include:
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education
- Bethel University (Minnesota) Physician Assistant Program
- Marquette University Physician Assistant Program
- Loma Linda University Physician Assistant Program
- Springfield College Physician Assistant Program
- John’s University Physician Assistant Program
- University of La Verne Physician Assistant Program
What are the Easiest PA Schools to get Into in 2024?
There is no supposed easy PA school to get into just like the easiest medical schools to get into. However, some PA schools receive applications from students with low GPA and no GRE scores. This makes it easier for individuals who have expectations of academic reports to gain admission.
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posits that the median annual wages for PAs were $104,860. So, most PA schools now adopt strict admission requirements.
For individuals who intend to attend a PA program, applying through CASPA, a PAEA branch, is one way to apply to multiple programs with just a single application.
PAEA is the only national organization representing physician assistant educational programs in the United States. CASPA is an acronym for the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) which is a full-service, web-based application system for PA programs.
Below are easy PA schools to enter in 2024, alongside their admission requirements and PA program application link.
1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences PA School
Tuition: $46,862-$48,268
Acceptance Rate: 20%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Accreditation Body: HLC
A. T. Still offers one of the easiest PA programs to get into in 2024. The PA program is offered as an Advanced Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Its curriculum comprises clinical knowledge and skill level of practicing physician assistants.
Students will take fundamental courses in ethical issues, healthcare delivery systems, evidence-based medicine, and clinical research design.
This program, however, is for only licensed or certified physician assistants. ATSU PA program admission requirements include the following:
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.50
- Applicants must graduate from an accredited PA program
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences PA School is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science PA School
Tuition: $48,709
Acceptance Rate: Varies
Graduation Rate: Varies
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Rosalind Franklin PA School offers a Physician Assistant Program that provides students with competent, compassionate, and ethical medical care. This and many more is achieved through its dynamic lectures delivered in very innovative labs.
The PA program’s major goal is to train PAs who can become integral members of the interprofessional healthcare team. Graduates from this PA program graduate to render quality, patient-centered care.
However, the program, as part of its admission requirements, demand students to take prerequisite courses in
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Microbiology
In addition to these prerequisites, other admission requirements are:
- 2.75 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Special consideration will be given to the last 60 hours of completed coursework
- All prerequisite grades must be a “C” or higher
- GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
Rosalind Franklin PA school is one of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2024 because it grants some special consideration and accepts a GPA lower than the average GPA of 3.0.
3. University of New England PA School
Tuition: $46,530
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 63%
Accreditation: NEASC
The university of England offers one of the easiest PA programs to get into. It offers a Master of Science Physician Assistant program that can be completed in 24 months full-time.
The goal of This PA schools’ program is to raise an indispensable team that can deliver care to patients through coursework and clinical experiences. Students who enroll in this program will take courses with a strong foundation in science and pathophysiology.
Hence, they will gain comprehensive knowledge as regards disease processes and clinical medicine.
It is one of the easiest PA schools because it requires a low GPA of 3.0 and no GRE scores. Below is the admission requirement for the UNE PA Program:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- 500 hours of direct patient care
- PA shadowing for a minimum of 20 hours
- Three letters of recommendation
University of New England PA School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
4. Thomas Jefferson University PA School
Tuition: $84,000
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Accreditation: ARC-PA
With a GPA as low as 3.0 and no GRE score requirement, Thomas Jefferson PA School is one of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2024. It offers a Master of Science PA program that strives to translate knowledge and skills into evidence-based, innovative medical practice.
The curriculum is delivered in a way that ensures students are prepared to be successful clinicians who can influence healthcare and impact public health. Its PA program admission requirements include the following:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Direct patient care (no minimum hours, though the school recommends at least 200 hours)
5. Western University of Health Sciences PA Schools
Tuition: $59,560
Acceptance Rate: 7%
Graduation Rate: Varies
Accreditation: ARC-PA
The Western University of Health Sciences offers a PA program that can be completed in two years. Graduates from this PA program are equipped to practice competently in established clinical sciences.
The program also grooms PAs with strong interpersonal and communication skills. In addition, the program graduates PA’s who are influential, patient-centered, and compassionate care.
This PA program is one of the easiest to get into because of its low GPA. Aside from this, applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Furthermore, The Accreditation review commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) granted Accreditation-Continued to the Western University of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program.
6. Loma Linda University PA Schools
Tuition: $98,476
Acceptance Rate:
Graduation Rate: 98%
Accreditation: WASC
Loma Linda offers one of the best PA programs that are easy to get into in 2024. Its PA Program’s primary aim is to raise physician assistants that can provide quality healthcare.
Students who graduate from this PA program, learn compassion for the whole person and are able to provide quality healthcare both locally and internationally.
Furthermore, Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Its admission requirements include:
- A Bachelor’s degree or a strong background in sciences
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Prerequisite courses in science and general education (C- grades are not accepted)
- 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience before enrollment
- Three letters of recommendation
7. Missouri State University PA School
Tuition: $44,751 (resident tuition) and $70,242 (Nonresident tuition )
Acceptance Rate: Varies
Graduation Rate: Varies
Accreditation: ARC-PA
This PA School offers a two-year PA program that equips students with all the needs to succeed in the national certification exam. This PA school which is one of the easiest to get into, achieves this feat through the didactic and clinical experiences offered to its students.
Students who enroll in this program will learn in a state-of-the-art facility with a small class size. This means students will get attention individually, improving the quality of the lectures they receive.
Furthermore, The Missouri State University Physician Assistant Program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Its admission requirements include the following;
- 3.0 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE / MCAT scores
8. Barry University Physician Assistant School
Tuition: $34,485
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Graduation Rate: 99%
Accreditation: ARC-PA
The Physician Assistant program at Barry University is one of the easiest PA programs to get into. The program basically, equips students with the right knowledge to practice collaborative medicine.
The program curriculum is designed to raise PAs that can aid various patients through its technology-rich environment and clinical experiences.
Furthermore, Barry University Physician Assistant Program is accredited by Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Its admission requirements include completing prerequisites in General or Inorganic chemistry, Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Physiology alongside organic Chemistry or Biochemistry. Other requirements are:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- GRE scores
- Official transcripts
- Evidence of experience in health care is highly recommended.
9. South University Physician Assistant School
Tuition: $90,000
Acceptance Rate: Varies
Graduation Rate: Varies
Accreditation: ARC-PA
South University offers a Master of Science degree program for Physician assistants. The PA program’s main aim is to graduate PAs who understand the fundamental medical concepts and theories.
The PA program achieves this by offering courses focusing on evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics, and Therapeutics. Also, students are exposed to counseling and referral.
Furthermore, the ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to South University.
As one of the easiest PA programs to get into, it has the following admission requirements.
- 3.0 GPA (overall and Biology-Chemistry-Physics)
- GRE scores (preference will be given to those with GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above)
- One reference from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner whom you have worked with or shadowed
10. Marquette University PA School
Tuition: $44,970
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 79.4%
Accreditation: ARC-PA
As a Jesuit Memorial school, Marquette PA school offers a PA program that merges Jesuit traditions with didactic knowledge through its College of Health Sciences.
The program is designed to teach students how to care for the whole person. Hence, it takes into cognition ideal teachings for the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of the individual.
In addition, The Marquette University Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). It is a member of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
Marquette PA is an easy PA school to get into, and below is a list of its admission requirements:
- Submission of a completed application to the CASPA
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Minimum of 200 hours of patient contact and other healthcare experience
Easiest PA Schools FAQs
Admission to PA school is highly competitive. Many programs receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a limited number of spots.
Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a bachelor’s degree and completion of prerequisite coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Some programs also require healthcare experience.
Some PA school acceptance rates can be as high as 20% or as low as 0.8%. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the acceptance rate statistics for PA schools is about 20%.
Yes, there are online Entry level Physician assistant programs. This means individuals who complete these PA programs can join the PA profession at an entry level.
Conclusion
The rigorous admission process makes it very discouraging for students who wish to become Physician Assistants.
Interestingly, a few PA colleges feel the pangs of students. Hence, they try to reduce the stress of admission requirements to the barest minimum while maintaining their accreditation status and a high PANCE rate.
This article compiles the easiest PA schools to get into in 2024. Read through the article and pick a school that you satisfy their eligibility thoroughly.
References
- https://teach.com/online-ed/healthcare-degrees/online-pa-programs/
- https://www.gradschools.com/get-informed/before-you-apply/choosing-graduate-program/pa-programs-low-gpa
- https://blog.accepted.com/how-to-get-accepted-to-physician-assistant-pa-programs/
- https://medgeeks.co/articles/pa-schools-that-dont-require-the-gre
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