Best Physician Assistant Schools in Arizona 2024

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Whether you’re interested in challenging healthcare roles or want to be a versatile medic who helps change lives, becoming a physician assistant isn’t bad.

And if you’re keen on getting trained by qualified teachers in conducive learning environments, you should consider choosing any of the best physician assistant schools in Arizona.

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Enrolling in the best P.A. schools in Arizona allows you to be skilled in more than one medical specialty. Through student-oriented curricula, faculty mentors, and clinical training, you’ll build your skill set through a vast range of classroom and lab experiences.

This way, you can fit into various medical roles and tap into different opportunities in your PA career. 

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In this article, we’ve provided the necessary information about the best PA school in Arizona. Also, you can read on to see how you can become a physician assistant in the state – and other information.

Let’s get into it!

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Are There Physician Assistant Schools in Arizona?

Arizona is home to exceptional physician assistant schools. They rank among the best physician assistant schools in the country. Through the services of qualified teachers, these schools offer students nothing less than quality. In short, there are physician assistant schools in Arizona, and their programs are top-notch.

How Do I Get into A Physician School in Arizona?

While many students think getting into PA school’s by sheer luck, it’s not – in most cases. Making conscious efforts will increase your chances of getting into your preferred school. 

Firstly, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in any science major or health-related program. After which, you should have a reasonably high GPA or just enough to get accepted. Most PA schools receive a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Although it mightn’t be required, gaining clinical experience and submitting proof increases your chances of being accepted. Also, students should submit their applications through the Central Application Services for Physician Assistants (CASPA) portal. And don’t forget to take the GRE and pass it!

How Long Are Physician Assistant Schools in Arizona?

On average, PA schools in Arizona take about two years to complete. However, due to necessities, this duration might be exceeded. You know, a physician assistant must be thoroughly trained.

Best Physician Assistant Schools in Arizona

PA schools in Arizona have long-standing reputations as part of the best in the country. They also have experienced teachers, modern-day tech equipment, and multidisciplinary learning spaces. This makes them excellent choices among the best PA schools in the country. They include:

#1. Northern Arizona University (NAU)

The Northern Arizona University offers a unique physician assistant program affiliated with the University of Arizona, Phoenix College of Medicine. It’s an accredited program designed to train students to become high-quality P.A.s.

The Phoenix-based program enjoys the services of experienced staff who train students with a blend of knowledge and skill. Interestingly, NAU is the only Arizona-based physician assistant program that doesn’t require the GRE.

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#2. A.T. Still University – School of Health Sciences

Located in Mesa, AZ, the School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University offers a fully accredited physician assistant program. The program takes about 26 months, with various classroom and laboratory lessons.

Coupled with the traditional on-campus learning style, the school offers a distance learning option. Its facilities are top-notch, and the curriculum is comprehensive. The program trains students to be versatile and competent physician assistants.

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#3. Midwestern University

While the program’s design is to train reliable P.A.s, students at Midwestern University are given the best clinical experiences. The school’s located in Glendale, Arizona, where students undergo detailed training in preparation for the PANCE and smooth P.A. careers.

Like the others, the school requires that applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Its environment is spacious and open to students from all over the world. The school boasts of a PANCE pass rate of 96%.

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What Are the Easiest Physician Assistant Schools to Get into in Arizona?

No doubt, P.A. is one of the best medical careers in the world; as such, it has won the hearts of many. Due to many applications, most P.A. schools use different means to handpick the best applicants. Since that makes admissions more challenging and, perhaps, more stressful, Arizona’s got accessible P.A. schools. They include:

  • A.T. Still University – School of Health Sciences
  • Midwestern University

What Are the Cheapest Physician Assistant Schools in Arizona?

Every student loves the idea of a prestigious P.A. school in Arizona, but it depends on your financial power. Your finances determine your school but not how well you learn. As such, you should attend a physician assistant school you can both gain from and afford. So far, the cheapest P.A. school in Arizona is:

  • A.T. Still University – School of Health

Can a PA Practice Independently in Arizona?

The simple answer is no! Physician assistants in Arizona can only practice under the supervision of certified physicians. Legally, PAs can also share company ownership rights with their supervising physicians.

How Much Does A PA Make in Arizona?

The increasing demand for PAs across various medical specialties has contributed to their reasonable salaries. An average PA in Arizona makes between $110,000 and $120,000 per year.

PA Schools in Arizona That Don’t Require GRE

The GRE can look terrible when you’re too busy to study. And sometimes, exams like that mightn’t be where you shine. Although most physician assistant schools require students’ GRE scores to process their acceptance, here’s the only Arizona-based PA school that doesn’t require your GRE score:

  • Northern Arizona University

Are There PA Master’s Programs in Arizona?

Handled by expert-level, qualified faculty mentors, all PA programs in Arizona are Master’s degree programs. That’s why they accept students with bachelor’s degrees in any science major. They include:

  • Midwestern University
  • A.T. Still University – School of Health Sciences
  • Northern Arizona University

Are There Online PA Courses in Arizona for International Students?

Currently, there aren’t any online physician assistant programs for international students. However, international students are welcome at any of the three campuses.

How To Become A Physician Assistant in Arizona

It begins with you! 

It would be best if you were focused from the start – mentally and in every other aspect- because you’ll deal with many simple, complex, sensitive, and deadly health cases. As such, you must establish stability within yourself. That’s the only way you can help others and yourself.

Then, you must meet the requirements of your preferred physician assistant school in Arizona. These include:

  • Earning a bachelor’s degree in any health or science course
  • Having a good GPA (at least 3.0)
  • Having a good GRE score
  • Gaining clinical experience

You’re expected to take your PA classes and lab sessions seriously. This way, you’ll be ready for the state’s PANCE. The PANCE exam covers everything you’ll be taught in your PA school, including human body functions and emergency procedures. After passing the PANCE, you can apply for licensure.

Physician Assistant Certification Council of Arizona

The Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants oversees all policies regarding the activities of P.A.s in the state. The board will review your application if you’re seeking to obtain your license.

FAQs

Is Arizona a Good State for Physician Assistants?

Considering the high demand for PAs, Arizona’s a good state to pursue your PA career. Also, the salary range for average PAs is reasonably high. That also suggests Arizona’s a great location to venture into your physician assistant practice.

How Many Are PA Schools in Arizona?

There are three accredited physician assistant schools in Arizona. These schools have student-oriented programs that build students’ skill sets in the PA career.

How Many Questions Are in the PANCE Exam?

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) comprises 300 multiple-choice questions. You’re expected to answer the questions over five hours – breaks excluded.

Conclusion

Although Arizona has few physician assistant schools compared to other states, the schools maintain high academic standards. Thus, attending any of the abovementioned physician assistant schools in Arizona will significantly benefit you and your P.A. career. We hope you go through our list, compare the schools, and pick the one that meets your needs.

References

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