Top Online Physician Assistant (PA) Degree Programs
Review some of today’s best online PA programs, read through curriculum details, and learn why both school and program accreditation matters. Take your first steps toward a career as a physician assistant.
Physician assistants are an integral part of the medical community. They work alongside doctors and other health care professionals to provide quality hands-on services to patients. In order to help prospective physician assistants find the school that will meet their education and career needs, EduMed has created the Best in Class initiative, a list of the highest-quality degree programs around the country that we chose based on factors such as curriculum and affordability. Below are the standout schools for 2025.
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Private
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Why Consider an Online PA Program?
Physician assistants are required to obtain a great deal of hands-on training in order to be effective in their careers. As a result, some people interested in pursuing this field may be reluctant to enroll in an online degree program because they fear they won’t be able to develop the vital skills they need. However, that is not the case: Online physician assistant programs are made up of didactic portions that can be conducted via the Internet, as well as intensive hands-on training that is delivered on campus and through local health care facilities. As a result, students are able to gain an understanding of the theoretical concepts of the field, and then put those theories into practice.
There are numerous benefits for students to enroll in online physician assistant programs, including the following:
Instead of being locked into a strict schedule, those who enroll in online programs get more freedom than their on-campus counterparts. When students enroll in asynchronous programs, they get the opportunity to work at their own pace and watch lectures at a time that’s right for them, rather than a scheduled class period. This flexibility makes it easier for students to juggle their education with other responsibilities.
Depending on the program, online physician assistant students may be charged by the credit for their tuition and fees, which can help keep costs down. Also, schools may offer scholarships to help defray the cost of tuition.
Just as they may have more freedom with lectures, online students may also have greater flexibility with assignments and tests, depending on the program. As a result, students may not be required to complete work on a set schedule, which allows them to work through material at their own pace.
Online Degree Options for Physician Assistants
To work as a PA, you generally need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree, depending on your career goals. As with other disciplines, the higher the degree level, the more complicated the coursework becomes and the longer it takes for students to complete. The following is a look at what students can expect when they enroll in these degree programs.
Master’s degree
Physician assistant master’s degrees, which generally take about two-and-a-half years to complete, are designed to teach students how to perform specific medical duties, such as providing physical examinations, performing diagnostic tests, and creating a care plan. In order to get accepted into these degree programs, prospective students are expected to complete a number of prerequisites, such as coursework in biology, physiology, statistics, and psychology. In addition, depending on the program, students may be required to complete the GRE and have previous patient care experience, including work as a registered nurse, emergency room technician, or paramedic.
Once enrolled in these programs, students take coursework that builds on their previous education and work skills, such as classes in health care policy and ethics, epidemiology, and multicultural medicine. After taking these courses, which can be completed online, students are required to participate in a residency in order to gain the clinical skills they need to practice.
Doctoral degree
Practicing physician assistants who aspire to become decision makers, educators, and scholars in the field can enroll in doctoral degree programs to reach these goals. In some cases, these programs are designed to train students to deliver advanced care in a health care specialty like neurology, primary care medicine, and infectious disease. Other programs focus on leadership or education and may include classes about health care policy and law, human resource management, and organizational behavior. These programs, which are about three years long, may also require that students complete clinical work designed to sharpen their advanced skills or a capstone project where they demonstrate their understanding of the program’s curriculum.
To gain admission to a doctoral program, applicants should have a physician assistant master’s degree, a 3.0 minimum grade point average, and an active physician assistant license. In addition, prospective students may be required to have a certain amount of professional experience in order to enter the program and will generally have to participate in an admissions interview.
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
Doctor of Medical Science, University of Lynchburg
Types of Doctoral Degree Programs for Physician Assistants, A.T. Still Universityh
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. No matter what students are looking for, the following are some of the most important considerations they should keep in mind when evaluating schools.
Accreditation: In order to ensure that students are getting the high-quality training they need to enter the field, they should choose a school that has been accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). During the accreditation process, the ARC-PA evaluates the curriculum of programs, as well as the faculty and staff, to ensure the school offers education that meets industry standards.
High PANCE pass rates: In order to become certified, physician assistant graduates are required to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). To ensure that programs are providing the training they need to get their certification, students should inquire about pass rates and only consider schools with high ones. Prospective students can generally find this information on a school’s website, and they can also discuss it if they have an interview.
Program flexibility: Depending on students’ other responsibilities, they may need to find a program that is flexible enough to fit well into their lifestyle. In order to be successful in their studies, students should enroll in a school that allows them to complete coursework around their job schedule.
Program length: Some programs take longer than others, so students who want to begin their careers quickly may look for a more intensive program that takes less time to complete. Generally, it takes two to three years to complete the didactic and clinical requirements.
Things to Keep an Eye On
- Application fees
- Application deadlines
- GRE/MCAT requirements
- Program start dates
- GPA requirements
- Prerequisite classes
Sources:
How to Choose the Target PA Programs Right for You
Choosing the Best Physician Assistant School for You
Core Physician Assistant Knowledge & Skills
The specific skills and knowledge that students get from a physician assistant degree program depends on the degree level they choose. In some cases, students can get the skills they need while taking online courses, while other abilities can only be acquired during the program’s hands-on training. The following are examples of some of the skills that physician assistants can learn during the online component of their program.
Prescribing medications
Physician assistants are required to prescribe medications to patients, so they take coursework in pharmacology to learn about the different types of drugs available, when they are appropriate to use, and the positive and negative effects they have on patients. This course may focus on drugs that are used to treat psychiatric, oncologic, endocrinologic, and neurologic health issues.
Conducting research
Students who want to become researchers should know about the mechanics of conducting studies that will expand the knowledge base of the physician assisting field. Research methods courses cover how to construct and execute a study, interpret data, and report on findings.
Understanding diagnostic tests
Physician assistants administer, order, and interpret diagnostic tests in order to provide the correct treatments to patients. As a result, coursework in physician assistant programs may cover how to work with blood tests, X-rays, and electrocardiograms.
Once students have acquired skills during their online didactic coursework, they go on to clinical experiences where they reinforce those abilities and gain new ones. The following are examples of some of those skills.
Communicating with patients and families
Physician assistants need to know how to talk to patients about their health problems, as well as communicate with families. In order to hone this skill, students need to work in simulated settings, as well as with real patients in clinical settings.
Performing therapeutic procedures
Hands-on experience is needed in order to teach future physician assistants how to perform therapeutic procedures. This can include taking care of wounds, giving injections, and managing infections.
Examining patients
Professionals regularly examine patients to find out what their medical problems are and determine how they should be addressed. The clinical training in physician assistant programs allows students to apply the care principles they learned in their online courses to real patients.
Sources:
Course Descriptions, Yale School of Medicine
Physician Assistant Program, University of Wisconsin
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Online
PA Program Curriculum, Cuny School of Medicine
Physician Assistant Course Descriptions, Samuel Merritt University
Physician Assistant Studies Course Descriptions, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Financing Your Online PA Program
One important consideration that students generally have is how they will pay for their education, and they may make their school choice based on the financial aid that’s available to them. The following are some of the options students have.
Scholarships
There are several sources of scholarships that students may be eligible to receive. For example, the Physician Assistant Foundation, which is part of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, offers several scholarships to those preparing to work in the field. Other professional organizations that offer scholarships include the Society of Army Physician Assistants, the Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology, and Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery.
Find more scholarships for your PA education and tips for winning them by reading our guide to physician assistant scholarships.
Loans
Students who need additional funds for college after winning scholarships may take out loans to help pay for their tuition. Graduate students are eligible to receive federal loans, as well as loans that are offered through their school.
For more information on how to finance your physician assistant education, read through our comprehensive guide to financial aid.
Sources:
Physician Assistant Scholarships, Grants, and Loan Repayments
Physician Assistant Scholarships
Career Growth, Salary & Outlook for Physician Assistants
The demand for qualified physician assistants is growing across the United States, with a 26.6% growth rate year over year. This is well above the average growth rate for all jobs, indicating that physician assistants should have little trouble finding work. An above-average growth rate also suggests that there is room for promotion or advancement into leadership roles. Often, promotions and leadership responsibilities lead to higher pay, although physician assistants earn competitive salaries regardless of their experience level. In fact, most earn between $86,280 and $170,790 annually. In certain states, such as Connecticut, Indiana, and New Jersey, there is potential to earn even more. Alongside where someone lives, their skill set and any specializations also impact salary. A physician assistant with additional training in mental healthcare, for example, may be able to earn more and more easily align their career with their specific passions within the health industry.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $86,280 | $130,020 | $170,790 |
| Alabama | $52,000 | $97,360 | $132,680 |
| Alaska | $103,270 | $141,020 | $176,900 |
| Arizona | $96,590 | $130,270 | $164,460 |
| Arkansas | $31,730 | $99,220 | $147,470 |
| California | $84,450 | $157,490 | $209,890 |
| Colorado | $100,200 | $128,800 | $168,590 |
| Connecticut | $113,470 | $140,880 | $191,850 |
| Delaware | $107,820 | $135,520 | $169,380 |
| Florida | $66,520 | $125,600 | $169,040 |
| Georgia | $55,780 | $113,200 | $160,740 |
| Hawaii | $52,240 | $141,350 | $185,420 |
| Idaho | $33,380 | $122,690 | $149,150 |
| Illinois | $101,370 | $118,400 | $153,830 |
| Indiana | $99,960 | $125,250 | $181,440 |
| Iowa | $104,080 | $128,960 | $164,490 |
| Kansas | $85,000 | $116,970 | $154,790 |
| Kentucky | $43,420 | $103,490 | $133,420 |
| Louisiana | $88,510 | $123,290 | $158,700 |
| Maine | $107,430 | $131,540 | $165,530 |
| Maryland | $74,830 | $127,810 | $159,170 |
| Massachusetts | $58,510 | $135,720 | $191,840 |
| Michigan | $97,220 | $126,890 | $148,470 |
| Minnesota | $101,520 | $131,290 | $164,270 |
| Mississippi | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| Missouri | $94,330 | $134,670 | $161,490 |
| Montana | $107,380 | $131,340 | $157,720 |
| Nebraska | $99,160 | $125,090 | $165,880 |
| Nevada | $81,320 | $158,720 | $204,210 |
| New Hampshire | $102,480 | $132,980 | $169,510 |
| New Jersey | $112,980 | $137,100 | $178,780 |
| New Mexico | $90,540 | $131,930 | $172,660 |
| New York | $76,290 | $137,490 | $172,500 |
| North Carolina | $95,490 | $126,480 | $157,100 |
| North Dakota | $98,530 | $132,660 | $159,570 |
| Ohio | $93,700 | $122,180 | $153,790 |
| Oklahoma | $46,850 | $126,080 | $161,080 |
| Oregon | $108,670 | $134,740 | $172,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $96,440 | $119,170 | $151,240 |
| Rhode Island | $97,810 | $126,920 | $173,130 |
| South Carolina | $84,990 | $114,710 | $135,460 |
| South Dakota | $103,190 | $121,070 | $148,510 |
| Tennessee | $86,120 | $111,540 | $138,680 |
| Texas | $104,840 | $131,080 | $168,010 |
| Utah | $97,040 | $128,060 | $166,420 |
| Vermont | $108,370 | $135,710 | $175,280 |
| Virginia | $77,600 | $121,980 | $160,720 |
| Washington | $106,890 | $156,930 | $201,480 |
| West Virginia | $83,000 | $120,820 | $158,090 |
| Wisconsin | $100,630 | $128,580 | $159,500 |
| Wyoming | $106,520 | $136,940 | $164,330 |
Source: Physician Assistants, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, 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.
