10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania 2024 | How to Apply

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Becoming a physician assistant requires serious training. This is because you’ll not only be helping physicians out but also becoming a lifesaver.

Hence, it would be best to enroll in a physician assistant school where the teachers are up to the task. This way, you’ll become an expert at ensuring that patients are healthy – and alive.

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Pennsylvania is among the best places to pursue your physician assistant (PA) career. If you’re in or will relocate there and you’re looking forward to attending a physician assistant school there, this article is for you.

Read on as we unveil the 10 best physician assistant schools in Pennsylvania, their features, and some related questions and answers.

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Read Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant (PA) Schools in Texas

Are there Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania?

Yes! There are schools in Pennsylvania where you can be trained to become a physician assistant. These schools have maintained excellent academic records, and you’ll surely enjoy your stay while learning. 

How do I Get into A Physician Assistant School in Pennsylvania?

Firstly, you’ll need to earn an undergraduate certification where your calculated GPA must be at least 3.0. You should undertake science or health-related courses during your undergrad degree.

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Also, you should’ve strengthened your soft skills, including decision-making, maturity, accountability, academic ability, critical thinking, and swift reasoning.

Next, you can freely choose a PA school at Penn. Here, you should check for quality, accreditation, location, academic records, past & current developments, program duration, and your budget. 

Don’t forget to get your letter of recommendation ready. If you already have some healthcare experience, that’s an advantage. Just in case, prepare for an interview. 

How Long are Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania?

On average, Pennsylvania-based physician assistant schools take two to three years before you can graduate. You’ll be exposed to extensive classroom and clinical work during this time.

Read More: Best Physician Assistant Schools in Indiana

Best Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania

Physician Assistant schools in Pennsylvania offer students the opportunity to learn and practice what the PA career entails.

Through exposure, they ensure that you become a professional healthcare provider. Here are some of the best PA schools you can find in Pennsylvania:

  1. Arcadia University
  2. Pennsylvania State University – College of Medicine
  3. Saint Francis University
  4. Lock Haven University
  5. Drexel University
  6. Gannon University
  7. Chatham University
  8. DeSales University
  9. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  10. Seton Hill University

Read Also: 6 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Illinois| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#1. Arcadia University

The PA program at this university is top-notch, as the school maintains a 100% pass rate in PANCE.

It’s located in Glenside, PA, and students can choose a dual-degree program option. This way, they can earn a PA degree and a Master of Public Health degree simultaneously.

The school’s facilities are top-class and practical sessions like anatomy classes are well-designed. The fact that Arcadia University employs modern technology in its program guarantees that you’ll enjoy the school.

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#2. Pennsylvania State University – College of Medicine

Speaking about achievements, the College of Medicine at Pennsylvania State University has proven to be top-class. The school’s located in Hershey, PA, where its programs are handled by committed, competent, and qualified tutors. 

Since its establishment in 2014, the school has maintained a 100% PANCE pass rate. After graduation, graduands are sure to get jobs within six months of graduation. The school is, for sure, one big opportunity.

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Read Also: 9 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Tennessee| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#3. Saint Francis University

At Saint Francis University, students are open to a wide range of experiences that can strengthen their PA skill set.

More especially, with programs like clinical rotation, health seminars, and health trips, you can be sure to become a professional before you graduate.

Saint Francis University is located in Loretto, PA, and it maintains a record of a 100% first-time pass rate in PANCE.

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#4. Lock Haven University

Lock Haven University is one of the best PA schools in the United States. This is because of the outstanding performances that result from its comprehensive programs.

Students are taught basic medical sciences and clinical experiences at the school up to soft skill development. 

The school has an average PANCE pass rate above 94% and focuses more on teaching students about the need to provide healthcare services to rural areas.

Not only that, the class sizes are small, allowing students to earn their teachers’ full attention. Lock Haven University is located in Lock Haven, PA.

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Read More: 8 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Michigan| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#5. Drexel University

Like at most PA schools, the PANCE pass rate at Drexel is well above the national mean. This results from the intense training and clinical experiences that competent PAs give to students. Drexel University is located in Philadelphia, PA.

Students must undergo clinical practices in rural and urban settings besides excellent training sessions and adequate facilities. This gives them more insight into physician assistants and healthcare provision.

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#6. Gannon University

With its well-designed PA program that runs for five years, Gannon University allows students to bag two degrees simultaneously. At the school, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in PA science.

Although the school has run two programs for five years, quality remains essential. This is because its mission is to build students into top-class and disciplined healthcare providers. Gannon University is located in Erie, PA.

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Read Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Utah |Best Ranking

#7. Chatham University

Currently, this is one of the best PA programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the years, the school has won many students’ hearts due to its graduates’ quality.

Chatham University encourages students to dwell more on real-life clinical situations. As a result, they engage students in activities like family practice, surgery, and emergency treatment.

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#8. DeSales University

DeSales University is situated in Center Valley, PA. The school’s programs are well-structured and sophisticated.

Facilities are top-notch, and students can gather reasonably much experience from the school. Also, students are groomed to be competent and compassionate health professionals through different clinical exposures. 

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#9. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Located in Philadelphia, this college creates a learning space where students enrolled in its PA program can learn about healthcare and patient management. The tutors are certified and experienced. 

Interestingly, students have been performing outstandingly at the school. While most PA schools maintain good after-graduation job placement rates, Philadelphia College of Medicine maintains an excellent pre-graduation job placement rate.

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Read Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in California

#10. Seton Hill University

This Greensburg-based school is one of the best in the United States. Here, students are groomed to be ethical, respectful, and professional.

It also offers a five-year PA program where students can earn two degrees simultaneously. The school’s instructional materials are of modern-day quality and well-designed to suit each student’s understanding.

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What are the Easiest PA Schools to Get into in Pennsylvania?

Although all physician assistant schools at Penn put up expert measures to admit the best students for the professional PA career, some are easier to get into.

While this doesn’t – in any way – reduce their quality, you might want to know them. So far, the easiest PA school in Pennsylvania is:

  • Thomas Jefferson University

What are the Cheapest PA Schools in Pennsylvania?

Budget is important when choosing a physician assistant school. As such, you should attend a PA school that doesn’t cost more than your financial capacity. This is because an expensive school mightn’t be the best for you. Here are the cheapest physician assistant schools at Penn:

  • King’s College
  • Lock Haven University
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology

Can Physician Assistants Practice Independently in Pennsylvania?

Physician assistants at Penn cannot practice independently. Instead, they’re to operate under the supervision of a licensed physician. Should they establish a company, they must share ownership rights with the physician.

Read Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Florida

How Much Does A Physician Assistant Make in Pennsylvania?

A PA in Pennsylvania makes between $104,154 and $124,752. You should note that a physician assistant’s salary depends on factors like his employer, experience level, and educational achievements.

Physician Assistant Schools in Pennsylvania that Don’t Require GRE

Getting into a PA school in Pennsylvania can be tiresome because you always have to be on your toes. With serious work like taking undergraduate courses, maintaining high GPAs, and acing your interviews, it can be exhausting to hear that you still have to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). 

So, if you’re seeking to avoid taking the GRE, here are some PA schools at Penn that don’t require GRE:

  • Duquesne University
  • Drexel University

Are there PA Masters’s Programs in Pennsylvania?

Of course, Pennsylvania-based physician assistant schools offer Master’s programs. Some offer extra opportunities to students, after which job opportunities might set in. PA schools in Penn where you can offer Master’s programs include:

  • DeSales University
  • Lock Haven University
  • Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Are there Online PA Courses in Pennsylvania for International Students?

Pennsylvania is one location you can trust for comprehensive PA courses. However, you might need a PA school that doesn’t only offer traditional (physical) teaching but also online teaching – and even hybrid (physical and online).

This is good for you if you prefer online learning or have very busy schedules or part-time jobs. At the moment, all PA programs at Penn are On-Campus.

How to Become A Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania

There are two simple steps to becoming a PA in Pennsylvania – maybe not that simple! First, you must earn your PA degree in an accredited PA school. At the school, you’re to undertake courses approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). 

After that, you should sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). This is similar to taking the Penn State Bar Exam, which qualifies law students in Pennsylvania as lawyers. Prepare well for it and hit the top grades. Then, you can obtain your license.

Physician Assistant Certification Council of Pennsylvania

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) looks into the licensure of PAs in Pennsylvania. NCCPA also helps to check whether a PA’s license is valid.

FAQs

How Many PAs Can A Physician Supervise in Pennsylvania?

At most, a licensed Penn State-based physician can supervise four physician assistants. In case of more, he has to seek approval from the authorized healthcare board.

How Often Is the PANCE Exam Offered?

PANCE is offered thrice in a calendar year. The examination is to be taken by all physician assistant students at accredited PA schools as part of their requirements for their PA licensure. 

How Much Does the PANCE Exam Cost?

The required examination for to-be physician assistants costs $475. This fee should be paid after the interested individual has submitted a registration form to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Conclusion

A PA’s role is very flexible, unlike that of other health professionals. However, to become an expert PA who can switch roles and see that people are okay, you must attend a very good PA school. If you’re in Pennsylvania or its environs, you can check out our list of the 10 best PA schools in Pennsylvania for some guidance.

References

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