Online Physician Assistant Programs: Top Schools & Key Details
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingPre-Nursing
HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing
Surgical MedicineWomen's HealthElizabeth Provanzana is a licensed physician assistant with 13 years of clinical experience across multiple specialties, including general, vascular, thoracic, gynecology, obstetrics, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and urological surgery. She earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Physician Assistant Sciences from St. Francis University, demonstrating a strong educational foundation in her field. Her diverse background reflects extensive expertise in various surgical and medical disciplines.
Elizabeth Provanzana, PA
Elizabeth Provanzana is a licensed physician assistant with 13 years of clinical experience across multiple specialties, including general, vascular, thoracic, gynecology, obstetrics, neurosurgical, orthopedic, and urological surgery. She earned a Bachelor of Health Sciences and a Master of Physician Assistant Sciences from St. Francis University, demonstrating a strong educational foundation in her field. Her diverse background reflects extensive expertise in various surgical and medical disciplines.
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Take your first steps toward a career as a physician assistant with this guide to today’s best online PA programs. Find out about curriculum content, delivery formats, admissions requirements, costs and financial aid, and much more. We’ll also fill you in on potential salaries and job prospects once you graduate.
Why Consider an Online PA Program?
Along with the convenience of online study, online physician assistant programs offer the same quality education and training as their campus-based counterparts. That’s because, while online programs deliver all or most of their didactic course material online, they also include in-person components such as campus-based labs and clinical practice hours attended at local healthcare facilities.
As you explore your online PA program options, keep an eye out for these features:
Asynchronous delivery: Many online PA programs deliver their online content in an asynchronous format, meaning that students can log on and complete their coursework at any time fitting their own schedules.
However, some programs deliver all or part of their content synchronously, i.e., requiring students to log on and attend live-streamed class sessions at specifically-scheduled times.
Therefore, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of exactly how online content is delivered in any program you consider before you enroll.
Single payment vs. per-credit tuition: Depending on the program, online physician assistant students may be charged a one-time total program fee or by the credit.
Per-credit programs can be helpful in that students can pay for their programs class to class. However, most programs that charge a single payment also offer tuition deferment or installment plans that allow students to pay over time.
Self-paced format: Most online PA programs require students to study either full-time or part-time. Some, though, offer formats that allow students to complete course requirements at their own chosen pace.
Self-paced programs can be particularly attractive to students who must continue in their jobs throughout their PA programs, especially those with inconsistent or unusual work schedules.
Online Degree Options for Physician Assistants
To work as a PA, you generally need to earn a master’s degree. Master’s-holding PAs interested in advancing their careers to top-level roles as decision makers, educators, and scholars will continue their studies to obtain a doctorate.
Here’s a look at each degree option:
Master’s degree
Physician assistant master’s programs prepare students to practice under physician supervision. Following the medical model, students learn to:
- Diagnose illnesses
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medications
- Provide preventive care
Programs are structured in two phases. The first phase consists of intensive class sessions and labs in subjects that include anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and physical assessment.
The second phase includes supervised clinical rotations in areas such as:
- Emergency medicine
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Women’s health
Most programs take about 24 to 36 months to complete.
Admission is competitive. Typical admissions requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Completion of a range of science-related prerequisites
- Prior patient care experience
Doctoral degree
Physician assistant doctoral degree programs are designed for practicing PAs seeking to fill terminal positions in:
- Advanced clinical practice
- Education
- Healthcare administration
- Policy making
- Research
Common course subjects include:
- Health policy
- Evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement
- Healthcare systems leadership
- Medical education
- The full range of advanced clinical topics
Many programs culminate in completion of a scholarly project, capstone, or applied research initiative aimed at improving patient care or healthcare delivery.
Admission into physician assistant doctorate programs is competitive. Admission requirements include:
- A physician assistant master’s degree
- Current PA-C certification and state PA licensure
- Stated number of years of direct patient care practice (one to three years is common)
Typical program lengths are 12 to 18 months full-time and one to three years part-time.
Learn how you can stand out during your PA school admissions interview.
Sources:
- Online Physician Assistant Programs, Yale School of Medicine
- PA Prerequisites and Certification, American Academy of PAs
- Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Online
- M.S. in PA Studies, Stanford
- Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Doctor of Medical Science, University of Lynchburg
- Types of Doctoral Degree Programs for Physician Assistants, A.T. Still University
- Doctor of Medical Science Program, Lincoln Memorial University
What to Look for in an Online Physician Assistant Program
Every student has different educational needs and career goals, so it’s imperative that they find an online physician assistant program that is the right fit. Apart from personal needs, important factors you should consider include:
- Accreditation
- Study flexibility
- Program length
- Certification exam pass rates for program graduates
Here are details for each:
Accreditation: Proper accreditation is critical in ensuring that a physician assistant program meets important standards of academic quality and effectiveness. Both online and campus-based PA programs in the U.S. are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
High PANCE pass rates: In order to become certified, physician assistant graduates are required to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). It’s strongly advised that you confirm high PANCE rates for graduates before enrolling in any online physician assistant program.
Program flexibility: Online PA programs are all about study flexibility and convenience. But the form that flexibility and convenience takes differs from program to program.
Therefore, it’s important to gain a clear and detailed understanding of exactly how an online program is structured — both in academic content and delivery format — before signing up.
Program length: Completion times for online PA programs also vary from program to program. So, you need to first decide on a study pace (full-time, part-time) and then consider those programs whose courses of study best fit that pace.
Other Program Elements to Keep an Eye On
- Application fees
- Application deadlines
- GPA requirements
- GRE/MCAT requirements (if any)
- Prerequisite requirements
- Program start dates
Core Physician Assistant Knowledge & Skills
While clinical practice hours play an integral part in all PA programs, physician assistant students can obtain a surprising number of the skills needed for competent professional practice through online courses. The following are examples of some of the skills students learn in the online and clinical components of their programs.
Prescribing medications
Physician assistants in the U.S. are authorized to prescribe medications to patients, so coursework in pharmacology is a part of all PA program curriculums. In these courses, students learn about:
- Types of drugs (including those used to treat psychiatric, oncologic, endocrinologic, neurologic, and other specific health issues)
- Proper dosages
- Positive and negative effects
Conducting research
PA students interested in pursuing careers in research will complete coursework that prepares them to analyze, apply, and conduct clinical research to improve patient care. Key subjects covered include:
- Biostatistics
- Evidence-based medicine
- Medical databases
- Quality control and improvement
- Research design and methodology
- Research ethics
- Scientific writing and communication
Understanding diagnostic tests
Physician assistants administer, order, and interpret a variety diagnostic tests in order to provide correct treatment to patients. Types of tests include:
- Laboratory: blood work, urinalysis, microbiology, specialized screenings
- Physical and preventative: physical exams, cancer screenings, sensory tests
- Cardiovascular and imaging: cardiology, radiology, vascular studies
- Specialized procedures: pulmonary, neurology, biopsies
Knowledge and skills gained online are reinforced in conducting diagnostic tests during clinical practice experiences.
Communicating with patients and families
Effective communication is essential to ensuring patient trust and safety, and improving clinical outcomes. Skills are developed in the areas of active listening, empathy, and nonverbal cues through courses in subjects such as:
- Patient Interviewing
- Clinical Behavioral Medicine
- Medical Ethics
Performing therapeutic procedures
Hands-on experience is needed in order to teach future physician assistants how to perform therapeutic procedures. Common areas of therapeutic procedures include:
- Clinical Psychiatric Support
- Emergency and acute care
- In-office treatments
- Orthopedic interventions
- Surgical Assisting
- Wound care and minor surgery
Examining patients
Performing physical examinations on patients is a foundational part of PA practice. Components of a typical physical exam given by a physician assistant include:
- General survey
- Vital signs
- Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (HEENT)
- Neck
- Cardiovascular system
- Respiratory system
- Abdomen
- Musculoskeletal system
- Neurological system
- Skin
The basics of physical exams can be covered in online coursework, but the development of skills in performing exams can only be accomplished in a clinical setting.
Sources:
Financing Your Online PA Program
Earning a physician assistant degree is an expensive proposition. And practically all PA students get help to pay for their degrees from one or more financial aid resources.
Here’s a look at the two most popular financial aid types for students in online physician assistant programs.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants are always popular because they aren’t paid back. The primary difference between scholarships and grants is that scholarships are often awarded based on merit while grants are typically awarded based on financial need.
There are lots of scholarship and grants sources out there specifically for PA students. A few examples include:
- Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology
- Physician Assistant Foundation
- Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery
- Society of Army Physician Assistants
Find more scholarships for your PA education and get tips for winning them with EduMed’s Online Resources & Scholarships for Physician Assistant Students.
Student Loans
Student loans are also popular with PA students, but for a very different reason. Most students in accredited PA programs are eligible for them, so they’re relatively easy to get.
Student loans are available from a wide range of sources, including state agencies, private providers, and even some PA programs themselves. But by far the biggest source of student loans is the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program.
For more information on how to finance your physician assistant education, check out EduMed’s College Student’s Guide to Financial Aid.
Sources:
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Career Growth, Salary & Outlook for Physician Assistants
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $95,240 | $133,260 | $182,200 |
| Alabama | $57,470 | $101,620 | $152,510 |
| Alaska | $69,970 | $136,350 | $185,300 |
| Arizona | $108,750 | $135,240 | $183,470 |
| Arkansas | $32,970 | $103,550 | $153,410 |
| California | $94,870 | $161,080 | $219,300 |
| Connecticut | $100,000 | $138,440 | $177,780 |
| Delaware | $103,530 | $138,720 | $175,560 |
| District of Columbia | $81,860 | $131,070 | $206,270 |
| Florida | $83,990 | $127,200 | $175,080 |
| Georgia | $59,990 | $109,990 | $157,130 |
| Hawaii | $67,030 | $163,020 | $172,020 |
| Idaho | $100,120 | $129,000 | $154,050 |
| Illinois | $102,420 | $122,990 | $156,340 |
| Indiana | $104,990 | $132,200 | $202,790 |
| Iowa | $108,400 | $133,400 | $172,510 |
| Kansas | $98,800 | $124,440 | $166,400 |
| Kentucky | $53,040 | $110,300 | $148,030 |
| Louisiana | $65,000 | $129,610 | $162,650 |
| Maine | $105,250 | $131,250 | $169,080 |
| Maryland | $105,870 | $134,100 | $170,560 |
| Massachusetts | $63,860 | $138,090 | $192,200 |
| Michigan | $104,540 | $131,980 | $158,620 |
| Minnesota | $116,450 | $139,300 | $169,690 |
| Mississippi | $39,250 | $104,570 | $160,950 |
| Missouri | $98,440 | $139,200 | $168,000 |
| Montana | $102,130 | $132,980 | $159,660 |
| Nebraska | $101,870 | $128,240 | $163,410 |
| Nevada | $50,450 | $133,450 | $196,480 |
| New Hampshire | $110,690 | $137,330 | $174,920 |
| New Jersey | $107,070 | $140,490 | $198,730 |
| New Mexico | $95,640 | $139,990 | $223,250 |
| New York | $103,210 | $152,650 | $204,870 |
| North Carolina | $99,460 | $128,540 | $161,480 |
| North Dakota | $74,300 | $126,180 | $149,970 |
| Ohio | $98,280 | $126,760 | $168,600 |
| Oklahoma | $51,990 | $130,750 | $167,510 |
| Oregon | $101,920 | $149,130 | $206,480 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,350 | $124,880 | $154,640 |
| Rhode Island | $110,240 | $141,600 | $187,830 |
| South Carolina | $67,750 | $119,190 | $149,510 |
| South Dakota | $102,720 | $128,130 | $154,050 |
| Tennessee | $91,830 | $113,990 | $136,970 |
| Texas | $102,490 | $132,810 | $172,790 |
| Utah | $95,290 | $134,390 | $164,900 |
| Vermont | $106,500 | $138,610 | $172,390 |
| Virginia | $95,250 | $135,490 | $186,600 |
| Washington | $121,740 | $156,990 | $201,950 |
| West Virginia | $65,380 | $122,970 | $158,200 |
| Wisconsin | $107,170 | $132,820 | $163,370 |
| Wyoming | $101,140 | $133,330 | $171,130 |
Source: Physician Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 148,000 | 187,300 | 39,300 | 26.60% | 12,200 |
| Alabama | 770 | 1,010 | 240 | 31.20% | 70 |
| Alaska | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% | 30 |
| Arizona | 3,440 | 5,180 | 1,740 | 50.60% | 390 |
| Arkansas | 870 | 1,160 | 290 | 33.30% | 80 |
| California | 13,000 | 18,200 | 5,200 | 40.00% | 1,290 |
| Colorado | 2,860 | 3,920 | 1,060 | 37.10% | 270 |
| Connecticut | 2,950 | 3,830 | 880 | 29.80% | 260 |
| Delaware | 660 | 900 | 240 | 36.40% | 60 |
| District of Columbia | 450 | 590 | 140 | 31.10% | 40 |
| Florida | 8,830 | 12,180 | 3,350 | 37.90% | 850 |
| Georgia | 4,800 | 6,340 | 1,540 | 32.10% | 430 |
| Idaho | 920 | 1,310 | 390 | 42.40% | 90 |
| Illinois | 4,960 | 5,960 | 1,000 | 20.20% | 370 |
| Indiana | 1,640 | 2,100 | 460 | 28.00% | 140 |
| Iowa | 1,210 | 1,580 | 370 | 30.60% | 110 |
| Kansas | 900 | 1,140 | 240 | 26.70% | 70 |
| Kentucky | 1,220 | 1,550 | 330 | 27.00% | 100 |
| Louisiana | 1,790 | 2,150 | 360 | 20.10% | 130 |
| Maine | 800 | 970 | 170 | 21.30% | 60 |
| Maryland | 3,350 | 4,290 | 940 | 28.10% | 280 |
| Massachusetts | 1,430 | 1,860 | 430 | 30.10% | 120 |
| Michigan | 5,550 | 7,000 | 1,450 | 26.10% | 450 |
| Minnesota | 3,830 | 4,900 | 1,070 | 27.90% | 320 |
| Mississippi | 380 | 470 | 90 | 23.70% | 30 |
| Missouri | 1,560 | 1,930 | 370 | 23.70% | 120 |
| Montana | 740 | 1,030 | 290 | 39.20% | 70 |
| Nebraska | 1,590 | 1,940 | 350 | 22.00% | 120 |
| Nevada | 1,300 | 1,720 | 420 | 32.30% | 120 |
| New Hampshire | 970 | 1,260 | 290 | 29.90% | 80 |
| New Jersey | 4,810 | 6,450 | 1,640 | 34.10% | 440 |
| New Mexico | 570 | 830 | 260 | 45.60% | 60 |
| New York | 15,020 | 19,100 | 4,080 | 27.20% | 410 |
| North Carolina | 7,440 | 10,170 | 2,730 | 36.70% | 710 |
| North Dakota | 320 | 420 | 100 | 31.30% | 30 |
| Ohio | 3,210 | 3,990 | 780 | 24.30% | 260 |
| Oklahoma | 1,650 | 2,020 | 370 | 22.40% | 130 |
| Oregon | 1,420 | 1,930 | 510 | 35.90% | 140 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,240 | 9,290 | 2,050 | 28.30% | 610 |
| Rhode Island | 770 | 910 | 140 | 18.20% | 50 |
| South Carolina | 1,800 | 2,510 | 710 | 39.40% | 180 |
| South Dakota | 590 | 790 | 200 | 33.90% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 2,240 | 3,080 | 840 | 37.50% | 210 |
| Texas | 9,220 | 12,700 | 3,480 | 37.70% | 890 |
| Utah | 1,940 | 2,960 | 1,020 | 52.60% | 220 |
| Vermont | 350 | 440 | 90 | 25.70% | 30 |
| Virgin Islands | 30 | 30 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Virginia | 4,390 | 5,920 | 1,530 | 34.90% | 410 |
| Washington | 3,130 | 3,950 | 820 | 26.20% | 340 |
| West Virginia | 580 | 730 | 150 | 25.90% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 2,980 | 3,950 | 970 | 32.60% | 270 |
| Wyoming | 360 | 470 | 110 | 30.60% | 30 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking Leading Online Physician Assistant Programs
Ready to start your program search? To help you out, we’ve surveyed the current landscape of online physician assistant programs and identified some of the best, which we’ve listed in our program rankings below.
Our selections were made taking into account a number of student-focused elements, including:
- Proper accreditation
- Availability of online options
- Program costs and access to financial aid
- Student/faculty ratio
- Access to quality student support services
Click the “About the Ranking” button to learn more about our program selection process.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected D’Youville University
- D’Youville’s Doctor of Medical Science program for Physician Assistants offers 100% online delivery with flexible coursework, accommodating working professionals and allowing study without interrupting careers.
- The Physician Assistant program provides accelerated completion options, enabling motivated students to finish their degrees in less time than traditional pathways.
- Students benefit from extensive clinical training with nine rotations, including two electives, supported by close faculty guidance and diverse clinical partnerships for practical experience.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Lynchburg
- The University of Lynchburg PA program features an innovative and progressive curriculum that allows graduates the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree immediately upon graduation, expanding their professional roles in healthcare.
- The program fosters a lifelong community and strong alumni network, where faculty maintain close personal and professional relationships with students, supporting career development and industry connections beyond graduation.
- The PA program benefits from partnerships with local healthcare providers such as Blue Ridge Medical Center, enhancing clinical placement opportunities and practical experience for students.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Milligan University
- The Milligan University Physician Assistant program offers multiple scholarship opportunities, including the Tennessee PA Foundation J.C. Carey Memorial Scholarship and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) National Health Service Corps scholarships, to support students financially.
- The program emphasizes servant leadership and cultural sensitivity, with students consistently scoring high on evaluations for empathetic, respectful patient communication across diverse populations.
- Milligan provides a strong clinical experience with required rotations covering all age groups from pediatrics to geriatrics, ensuring comprehensive hands-on training in various patient care settings.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Carlow University
- Carlow University’s Physician Assistant program offers high-fidelity patient simulators and a state-of-the-art medical simulation lab, enhancing hands-on clinical skills training.
- The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with a significant portion of cohorts comprising underrepresented ethnic minorities and males, fostering a rich learning environment.
- Students complete eight clinical rotations across varied specialties (family practice, emergency medicine, surgery, and more), ensuring broad practical experience before graduation.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Hofstra University
- Hofstra’s Physician Assistant program offers a unique, clinically focused cadaver lab in partnership with Northwell Health, enhancing hands-on anatomical learning experiences.
- The program integrates advanced simulation experiences at the Northwell Center for Learning and Innovation, replicating real-life clinical scenarios to develop critical skills.
- Students complete original research projects during a dedicated research semester, fostering opportunities in clinical practice improvement through collaborations with Hofstra and Northwell Health.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bethel University
- Bethel's Physician Assistant program offers a tight-knit cohort model, fostering close peer relationships that often become professional mentors and lifelong friends.
- The program includes 15 months of extensive hands-on clinical rotations across multiple specialties, ensuring diverse real-world medical experience.
- The curriculum prepares students for certification and licensure with a comprehensive capstone and summative exam process that integrates clinical knowledge with ethical, patient-centered care grounded in Christian principles.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 77% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Saint Francis University
- The Physician Assistant program at Saint Francis University offers an accelerated 5-year (3+2) format, enabling students to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Physician Assistant Science in reduced time, speeding their path to employment without compromising academic rigor.
- Students complete 45 weeks of comprehensive clinical rotations starting in the summer of the graduate phase, providing extensive hands-on patient care experience across diverse medical settings, enhancing readiness for professional practice.
- The program integrates a holistic and integrated curriculum with a strong liberal arts foundation and specialized preparatory science courses, ensuring graduates are well-rounded, ethically grounded, and clinically skilled for primary patient care.
Program Details
- MSCHE Accreditation
- 72% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Point Loma Nazarene University
- The Physician Assistant program at Point Loma Nazarene University offers extensive clinical rotations with a strong network of diverse clinical affiliates, providing hands-on experience across multiple healthcare settings.
- Students benefit from mentorship by nationally recognized, experienced faculty who model professional service, collaboration, and leadership in medical education.
- The program emphasizes compassionate, team-based patient care rooted in service and faith, transforming students into clinicians prepared to serve vulnerable populations effectively.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 92% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- The UNC Physician Assistant program boasts a 100% employment rate for alumni within one year of graduation, highlighting exceptional job placement success.
- The program emphasizes inter-professional education with mentoring from 19 departments and four professional schools, fostering a collaborative healthcare team approach.
- With a strong mission to serve, UNC prioritizes veteran applicants and North Carolina residents, promoting workforce development in medically underserved populations.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 92% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shenandoah University
- The South University Physician Assistant program offers an accelerated curriculum with a quarter system, allowing students to complete courses every three months and progress efficiently through the program.
- Students benefit from faculty with professional knowledge and real-world clinical experience, providing strong foundational and practical preparation for medical practice.
- Graduates are eligible to sit for the nationally recognized Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), enabling licensure in all 50 U.S. states and broad employment opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 64% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Graduate Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-3 and #4-5 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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