Hawaii is the world’s largest island chain, the only U.S. state entirely made up of islands, with a population of approximately 1.42 million.
The Physician Assistant (PA) profession is one of the most outsourced professions. Since its conception as a relevant sub-field of medicine aimed at improving and enhancing healthcare, the P.A. profession has become an indispensable practice.
P.A. Schools in Hawaii train physician assistants to diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling career as a physician assistant in Hawaii, this article will provide an overview of the best PA schools and programs in Hawaii.
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Table of Contents
Are there PA Schools in Hawaii?
The role of a physician assistant is essential in healthcare delivery as they are trained medical professionals who assist a physician in a medical setting.
Only two (2) prominent physician assistant schools in Hawaii offer P.A. programs to individuals interested in the profession.
So, if you live in Hawaii and you are looking to enroll in a P.A. school, here is a list of P.A. schools where you can pursue P.A. programs in Hawaii.
- University of Hawai’i Manoa
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
How Do I Get into PA Schools in Hawaii?
Getting into a PA school could be challenging since each physician assistant school can set its admission requirements. Often, these requirements are hard to meet, and aspiring PAs are faced with the question of how to get into a P.A. program successfully.
In this article, we have simplified the admissions requirement peculiar to the two (2) prominent institutions offering P.A. programs in Hawaii.
Academic Prerequisites for P.A. Schools in Hawaii
- Bachelor’s degree in a science or health-related course from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Furthermore, the School of Physician Assistant Studies does not accept foreign degree equivalency evaluations. All coursework must be completed at a school accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies.
- Overall Science GPA: 3.0 (Average)
- Completion of prerequisite science courses such as Human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, general chemistry, statistics & medical terminology (20 – 28 credit hours)
- Patient care experience: 2,000 hours (1 year) (Strongly Recommended)
- Combined GRE score: (Verbal and Quantitative) 300, 3.5, or above. Analytical writing
- Letters of Recommendation
- Residency
How Long are PA Schools in Hawaii?
To become a physician assistant in Hawaii, prospective PAs must enroll in a physician assistant school which takes about three (3) years to complete.
Also, aspiring PAs will be required to complete a fellowship or residency to practice in a specialty. The residence runs for one year.
Also Read: The Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Canada
Can Physician Assistants Practice Independently in Hawaii?
The general duties of a physician assistant include performing physical examinations, ordering tests, diagnosing injuries and illnesses, administering treatment, prescribing medicine, and monitoring the progress of a patient’s recovery.
In Hawaii, a physician assistant can carry out their duties with or without the supervision of a physician, but there are exceptions to this. However, P.A.s are not allowed to practice independently and must always report to their supervising Physician Physician (s)
What are the Best Physician Assistant Schools in Hawaii?
Choosing the best physician assistant schools to begin your foundational knowledge about the profession is essential in your career pursuit.
Hawaii has only two notable institutions designed to offer the P.A. program. However, an affiliate school strictly for Hawaiians provides an extension of its physician assistant studies.
If you are interested in becoming a physician assistant in Hawaii, here’s a list of the best P.A. schools.
- University of Hawai’i Manoa
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
- Pacific University Hawai’i Outreach Initiative
1. University of Hawai’i Manoa (MEDEX – Northwest Hawaii Campus)
The MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program at the University of Hawai’i is a growing P.A. program with many prospects that strive to provide the option to complete the Masters of Clinical Health Services degree in Hawaii at the Kailua-Kona campus.
As one of the nation’s first physician and assistant programs, MEDEX has a 50+ year record of recruiting, training and deploying second-career students with an emphasis on primary care.
The MEDEX Kona campus looks specifically to matriculate aspiring PAs with solid connections to Hawaiʻi, particularly natives of the state.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents to qualify for admission to the program. MEDEX will not sponsor any student visas
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign institution
- Completion of appropriate coursework with a minimum of B- (2.7)
- Submission of TOEFL score, of which the minimum is 92
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statements
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of paid, direct, hands-on clinical patient care
Presently, the program is subject to approval by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Read Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in the United States
2. University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
The University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College offers one of Hawaii’s best physician Assistant programs.
The Medical Assisting curriculum is formulated to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to assist physicians in private medical wards, clinics, and hospitals.
Also, the institution trains its students to assist with patient care and laboratory and diagnostic tests (clinical medical assisting).
Admission Requirements
- Interested applicants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents to qualify for admission to the program.
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or an equivalent degree from an accredited foreign institution
- Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum of 3.0
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statements
- A minimum of 2,000 hours of paid, direct, hands-on clinical patient care
The University of Hawai’i Manoa Physician Assistant program is accredited by ARC-PA.
3. Pacific University Hawai’i Outreach Initiative
Pacific University (P.U.) has a long-standing record with students from Hawaii and would like to broaden and strengthen that relationship.
Understanding the need for more physician assistant programs, P.U.’s Hawai’i Outreach Initiative (HOI) is both admission and a clinical rotation advantage in the state of Hawai’i.
Also, PU will extend invitations to interview the top 5 top-scoring HOI applicants each year. While this does not guarantee admission, it is an acknowledgment of their dedication to applicants from Hawai’i.
Admissions Requirements
- Prospective students must have a solid connection to Hawai’i and have adequate plans to return to the islands to practice as physician assistants.
This strong connection may be shown by one or more of the following: current address, permanent address, high school diploma, college diploma, driver’s license, or Native Hawaiian ancestry.
- Once admitted, students must complete their didactic phase in Hillsboro, Oregon, with the rest of the incoming class.
- A minimum of 1,000 hours of Patient Care Experience at the time of CASPA submission
You may like to check out: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Washington
What are the Easiest Hawaiian PA Schools to Get Into?
Unlike medical schools, research has shown that PA schools have a low acceptance rate. With this occurrence, aspiring PAs who cannot meet the admission requirements of certain schools because of their strict nature usually outsource to PA schools with less stringent admission requirements.
Since Hawaii has few physician assistant schools, the University of Hawai’i Manoa and
University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College has shown a high acceptance rate over the years.
Check This Out: The Best Physician Assistant PA Schools in Minnesota
How Much Does a Physician Assistant Make in Hawaii?
Several factors, such as location, education, and years of practice, greatly influence the salaries of physician assistants.
The average salary for a physician assistant in Hawaii is around $87,880 per year. Also, wages typically start from $47,950 to $163,360.
Physician assistant earnings by seniority
Top-level Physician Assistant:
Average Salary Base: $78.54 per hour and $163,360 per year
Senior-level Physician Assistant:
Average Salary Base: $62.54 per hour and $130,070 per year
Mid-level Physician Assistant:
Average Salary Base: $42.25 per hour and $87,880 per year
Junior-level Physician Assistant:
Average Salary Base: $23.06 per hour and $47,960 per year
What are the Best Physician Assistant Programs in Hawaii?
The essence of a physician assistant program is to prepare aspiring PAs by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed in the healthcare system.
P.A. programs usually consist of rigorous and intense classroom learning and clinical rotations. Prospective PAs will be taught how to administer primary care with or without the supervision of a certified physician.
Hawaiian institutions that offer the best P.A. programs are
- University of Hawai’i Manoa
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
- Pacific University Hawai’i Outreach Initiative
What are the Physician Assistant Schools in Hawaii that Don’t Require GRE?
One of the most dreaded admissions requirements is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is a standardized test that P.A. schools request their applicants to take and meet the stipulated score.
The GRE is one primary requirement that P.A. schools use to measure the overall academic readiness for graduate school. However, there are P.A. schools that do not request it.
The University of Hawai’i Manoa is the only Hawaiian PA school not requesting the GRE.
Are there Physician Assistant Master’s Programs in Hawaii?
A Physician Assistant master’s program provides a comprehensive yet intense primary care training program that combines didactic coursework with clinical experiences.
The importance of the master’s program is to prepare graduates with the knowledge that will be applied in various practice settings.
In addition, students participate in community service projects that include staffing a low-cost clinic and healthcare screening for the homeless.
Some of the master’s P.A. programs include
- Pacific University – Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
- University of Hawai’i Manoa (MEDEX – Northwest Hawaii Campus) – Master of Clinical Health Services
Are there Online Physician Assistant Courses in Hawaii for International Students?
When applying to P.A. schools, students are always advised to select institutions with a suitable program format.
Online physician assistant courses have been made available to students in the digital age. Over the years, Hawaiian PA schools lacked on-campus sites, which resulted in the use of an online tutoring method that has been a convenience for international students.
The following are P.A. schools in Hawaii that offer online courses for international students.
- Pacific University Hawai’i Outreach Initiative
- University of Hawai’i Manoa
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
See Also: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Kentucky
What are the Cheapest PA Schools in Hawaii?
Finding P.A. schools that generally offer quality education and training at an affordable rate is very difficult.
The average cost for a 36‐month physician assistant program:
- Public Resident Tuition – $58,399
- Public Non‐Resident Tuition – $88
- 92,684
- Private Tuition – $101,529
Let’s take a look at the cheapest P.A. schools in Hawaii
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
- University of Hawai’i Manoa
Check Out: 10 Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Oklahoma
What are the Accredited PA Programs in Hawaii?
To become a licensed physician assistant in Hawaii, aspiring PAs must complete their P.A. programs from institutions accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
The ARC-PA is the accrediting agency that protects the interests of the public and the P.A. profession by formulating the standards and principles for P.A. education within the territorial United States to ensure their adherence.
The only two P.A. schools accredited in Hawaii are
- University of Hawai’i Kapi’olani Community College
- Pacific University Hawai’i Outreach Initiative
How To Become A Physician Assistant in Hawaii
In recent years there were 190 PAs employed in Hawaii, earning an average salary of $87,880. The Physician Assistant profession is one of the fastest-rising professions, with a highly projected salary increase than any other profession.
Despite having few physician assistant schools, Hawaii has produced notable physician assistants making waves in their careers.
Residents and international students who are interested in becoming physician assistants in Hawaii can follow these processes:
Apply to a Proper Hawaii Physician Assistant Program for Licensure
After the completion of your bachelor’s degree program from a regionally accredited institution, prospective P.A.s are advised to apply to P.A. schools in Hawaii whose programs have these two accreditations: one by the American Medical Association’s Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditations and one by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) to become a licensed P.A.
Prospective PAs should check their respective schools’ websites to meet the admissions requirement and partake in the P.A. Program.
Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
The PANCE is authorized and approved by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), whose passing is required for certification by the Hawaii Board of Medical Examiners.
All graduates of the Hawaiian PA schools are expected to apply, write and pass the PANCE to become certified to practice as a physician assistant.
However, students who fail the PANCE are given the privilege of repeating the examination.
Apply for Licensure to the Hawaii Board of Medicine
Applying to the Hawaii Board of Medicine for a Physician Assistant license requires the following:
- Completion of an Application for Physician Assistant Licensure
- Arranging for PANCE scores and a Federation Discipline Report to be sent to the board
- Including either a $90 or $150 application fee, depending on the license dates preferred
- Attaching a copy of a graduation certificate from a P.A. degree program and a Verification of Supervising PhysicianPhysician
Completed applications and accompanying paperwork can be sent to the Hawaii Medical Board in Honolulu.
Maintain Certification and License in Hawaii
The Hawaii Medical Board mandates all its physician assistants to keep their Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) certification up to date.
This requires completing 100 continuing medical education credits every two years and taking the NCCPA’s Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every tenth year for $350.
Also, to renew their Hawaii license, P.A.s must submit their current PA-C certification, a license renewal application, and a $120 renewal fee by January 31st of even-numbered years.
See Also: The Best Physician Assistant PA Schools In Virginia
Physician Assistant Certification Council of Hawaii
The only physician assistant certification council in Hawaii constituent of the U.S. is the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Pacific University accept hours earned as a part of another degree, license, or certificate?
Our policy on hours earned for academic credit or as a part of another training program has changed. As of the entering class of 2019, we will no longer accept hours that an applicant earned to obtain a degree, license, or certificate.
This includes hours earned as a part of an EMT/paramedic program, athletic training student hours, and rotations for a different health profession, such as nursing or radiology technician.
How many hours do P.A.s work?
Physician assistants typically have full-time jobs. Some people work a week of over forty hours. Physician assistants may work weekends, evenings, or even on national holidays. They might also be on call, which requires them to be prepared to accept a job request at short notice.
How much does a Physician Assistant earn in a year in Hawaii?
The average salary of a physician assistant in Hawaii is $87,880.
Is it compulsory to write the PANCE?
To become a licensed P.A. in Hawaii, all graduates must write and pass the PANCE.
Conclusion
The goal of all the rigors faced in a P.A. program is to become a PA-C, a fully trained medical care provider responsible for administering primary care to its patients.
In Hawaii, Physician assistants can carry out their duties remotely with or without the supervision of a physician(s).
References
- physicianassistantedu.org
- careerexplorer.com
- familymedicine.uw.edu
- manoa.hawaii.edu
- kiiky.com
- pacificu.edu
- anchorgist.com
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