Online Physician Assistant Programs: Top Schools & Key Details
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Healthcare Education Nursing Pre-Nursing
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Surgical Medicine Women's HealthTake 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.
From the Experts: Finding a Physician Assistant Program that Works for You
PA programs are among the most competitive in healthcare, and the programs in this ranking are all strong, credentialed options. At this level, the details matter enormously: clinical rotation variety, faculty clinical backgrounds, and the program’s match rate for graduates in competitive specialties can all shape your trajectory. Our healthcare professionals share what they’d research beyond the rankings.
Clinical Hours Must Be Hands-On
PA school admissions have become a lot more competitive over the past five years. Students who have the most success are those with not just a good number of patient care hours, but hours that demonstrate hands-on clinical exposure. Spending a year as an EMT or medical assistant looks much better to an admissions committee than a year of administrative healthcare work.
Reconsider Full-Time Work Plans
You may have heard PA school described as “drinking from a fire hose,” and it’s because you’re learning a tremendous amount of medical information in a short period of time, and between coursework, labs, exams, and clinical rotations, many students find it difficult to maintain the work schedule they originally planned. Before choosing an online program, be realistic about why you’re drawn to the format. If the goal is to keep working full-time, I’d strongly encourage you to ask around and think it through.
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
Career Growth, Salary & Outlook for Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $99,380 | $135,880 | $190,280 |
| Alabama | $83,020 | $104,960 | $145,100 |
| Alaska | $106,060 | $150,700 | $201,270 |
| Arizona | $106,030 | $134,650 | $174,420 |
| Arkansas | $88,160 | $118,430 | $159,080 |
| California | $99,380 | $165,650 | $225,190 |
| Colorado | $104,590 | $134,540 | $174,090 |
| Connecticut | $106,380 | $139,860 | $180,900 |
| Delaware | $108,560 | $139,350 | $175,970 |
| District of Columbia | $84,520 | $135,140 | $213,560 |
| Florida | $98,530 | $129,620 | $181,610 |
| Georgia | $62,230 | $115,390 | $172,050 |
| Hawaii | $79,280 | $164,050 | $178,110 |
| Idaho | $100,590 | $133,790 | $160,120 |
| Illinois | $105,160 | $131,950 | $162,330 |
| Indiana | $105,810 | $132,050 | $196,280 |
| Iowa | $102,330 | $134,770 | $182,940 |
| Kansas | $98,280 | $125,640 | $168,480 |
| Kentucky | $79,550 | $120,760 | $161,820 |
| Louisiana | $100,920 | $128,870 | $162,200 |
| Maine | $107,630 | $131,170 | $169,250 |
| Maryland | $110,190 | $137,560 | $174,280 |
| Massachusetts | $65,220 | $142,410 | $204,140 |
| Michigan | $104,000 | $131,510 | $162,570 |
| Minnesota | $112,390 | $141,190 | $183,320 |
| Mississippi | $44,030 | $105,920 | $165,630 |
| Missouri | $82,690 | $135,130 | $169,650 |
| Montana | $112,200 | $141,470 | $165,560 |
| Nebraska | $103,720 | $133,040 | $165,540 |
| Nevada | $60,040 | $134,660 | $175,300 |
| New Hampshire | $119,540 | $150,960 | $175,380 |
| New Jersey | $117,860 | $165,690 | $207,000 |
| New Mexico | $70,010 | $139,920 | $172,900 |
| New York | $106,440 | $160,880 | $201,410 |
| North Carolina | $101,100 | $129,360 | $164,770 |
| North Dakota | $77,300 | $133,450 | $173,860 |
| Ohio | $96,460 | $132,090 | $210,350 |
| Oklahoma | $102,890 | $136,550 | $173,010 |
| Oregon | $123,100 | $155,780 | $198,490 |
| Pennsylvania | $99,050 | $127,070 | $158,690 |
| Rhode Island | $98,760 | $139,930 | $200,030 |
| South Carolina | $77,620 | $122,490 | $158,860 |
| South Dakota | $104,660 | $133,200 | $158,020 |
| Tennessee | $93,380 | $118,240 | $141,670 |
| Texas | $102,650 | $134,550 | $169,000 |
| Utah | $82,910 | $134,740 | $171,430 |
| Vermont | $112,460 | $150,490 | $186,960 |
| Virginia | $98,330 | $135,940 | $213,010 |
| Washington | $125,580 | $164,360 | $218,150 |
| West Virginia | $98,200 | $128,610 | $160,890 |
| Wisconsin | $102,420 | $133,950 | $169,150 |
| Wyoming | $102,320 | $136,080 | $177,900 |
Source: Physician Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Physician Assistants
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 162,700 | 195,800 | 33,100 | 20.3% | 12,000 |
| Alabama | 790 | 1,010 | 220 | 28.1% | 70 |
| Alaska | 530 | 590 | 50 | 10.1% | 30 |
| Arizona | 3,660 | 4,830 | 1,180 | 32.2% | 320 |
| Arkansas | 990 | 1,330 | 340 | 33.9% | 90 |
| California | 13,500 | 17,100 | 3,600 | 26.7% | 1,100 |
| Colorado | 3,240 | 4,540 | 1,300 | 40.1% | 290 |
| Connecticut | 4,030 | 4,670 | 640 | 15.9% | 280 |
| Delaware | 720 | 920 | 200 | 28.5% | 60 |
| District of Columbia | 600 | 750 | 150 | 25.5% | 50 |
| Florida | 10,790 | 14,240 | 3,460 | 32% | 950 |
| Georgia | 4,320 | 5,900 | 1,570 | 36.4% | 400 |
| Hawaii | 450 | 550 | 100 | 21.6% | 30 |
| Idaho | 1,280 | 1,770 | 490 | 38.3% | 120 |
| Illinois | 4,050 | 4,940 | 890 | 22% | 310 |
| Indiana | 2,120 | 2,560 | 440 | 20.9% | 160 |
| Iowa | 1,290 | 1,590 | 300 | 23.3% | 100 |
| Kansas | 1,060 | 1,260 | 200 | 19.1% | 80 |
| Kentucky | 1,290 | 1,420 | 130 | 9.8% | 80 |
| Louisiana | 1,820 | 2,020 | 200 | 11.1% | 110 |
| Maine | 970 | 1,190 | 220 | 22.3% | 80 |
| Maryland | 2,990 | 3,600 | 610 | 20.5% | 220 |
| Massachusetts | 4,440 | 5,250 | 810 | 18.2% | 320 |
| Michigan | 5,670 | 6,970 | 1,300 | 22.9% | 440 |
| Minnesota | 4,840 | 6,250 | 1,410 | 29.1% | 410 |
| Mississippi | 380 | 500 | 120 | 32.6% | 30 |
| Missouri | 2,560 | 3,090 | 530 | 20.7% | 190 |
| Montana | 640 | 800 | 160 | 24.6% | 50 |
| Nebraska | 1,370 | 1,610 | 240 | 17.3% | 100 |
| Nevada | 1,220 | 1,700 | 480 | 39.4% | 120 |
| New Hampshire | 1,080 | 1,310 | 240 | 22.1% | 80 |
| New Jersey | 2,470 | 3,140 | 670 | 27.1% | 200 |
| New Mexico | 670 | 790 | 120 | 17.1% | 50 |
| New York | 20,470 | 25,400 | 4,920 | 24.1% | 1,600 |
| North Carolina | 8,830 | 10,980 | 2,150 | 24.3% | 700 |
| North Dakota | 530 | 680 | 140 | 27.3% | 40 |
| Ohio | 4,640 | 5,440 | 800 | 17.2% | 320 |
| Oklahoma | 2,010 | 2,420 | 410 | 20.2% | 150 |
| Oregon | 2,100 | 2,740 | 640 | 30.7% | 180 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,220 | 8,560 | 1,340 | 18.6% | 520 |
| Rhode Island | 640 | 740 | 110 | 17.1% | 40 |
| South Carolina | 2,000 | 2,540 | 540 | 27.2% | 160 |
| South Dakota | 600 | 780 | 190 | 31.1% | 50 |
| Tennessee | 2,340 | 2,970 | 630 | 27% | 190 |
| Texas | 10,180 | 13,230 | 3,060 | 30% | 870 |
| Utah | 1,760 | 2,470 | 710 | 40.1% | 170 |
| Vermont | 430 | 500 | 70 | 16.7% | 30 |
| Virginia | 3,650 | 4,580 | 930 | 25.4% | 300 |
| Washington | 3,200 | 4,060 | 860 | 26.9% | 350 |
| West Virginia | 1,090 | 1,400 | 310 | 28.6% | 90 |
| Wisconsin | 3,180 | 3,840 | 660 | 20.6% | 240 |
| Wyoming | 420 | 530 | 110 | 25.2% | 40 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
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:
Programs that might interest you:
