Online Physician Assistant (PA) Programs with No GRE Requirement: Top Schools & Details

Growing Shift Away from Standardized Tests

Healthcare education programs are joining a broader national trend away from standardized testing. Schools are questioning whether tests like the GRE accurately measure the skills required to thrive in clinical settings.

There are also longstanding concerns that standardized tests may disadvantage lower-income students and underrepresented groups, creating barriers unrelated to academic or clinical ability. Removing the GRE helps level the playing field while allowing schools to evaluate applicants more holistically.

Focus on Other Admissions Criteria

Without GRE scores, PA programs place greater weight on:

• Healthcare work and volunteer experience
• Grades in prerequisite science courses
• Personal statements and essays
• Professional references

These areas reflect an applicant’s actual commitment to the PA profession far more than a generalized test score.

Attracting a Broad Pool of Applicants

Dropping the GRE requirement expands access to students who may be strong candidates but poor test-takers, unable to invest time in GRE prep, or discouraged by high exam costs.

This shift also aligns with equity and inclusion goals, helping programs recruit students with diverse backgrounds and richer patient care perspectives.

West Coast University – Master of Physician Assistant Program

West Coast University offers a 24-month hybrid MPA program based in Los Angeles. Students complete their first-year coursework online with on-campus labs; the second year focuses on clinical rotations. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional teamwork, communication, and the effective use of simulation technology.

Program Format: Hybrid

Program Length: 24 months

Admission Requirements:

• Attestation of ability to meet technical standards
• Completed application, personal statement, and 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 BCP GAP
• “B” or higher in prerequisite courses
• BLS and ACLS certifications
• Background check, drug screening, immunizations
• Admissions interview

University of Pittsburgh – Physician Assistant Studies (MS)

Pitt’s hybrid PAS program takes 24 months to complete and blends online coursework, required on-campus sessions, and eight clinical rotations. Specialties include family medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, internal medicine, women’s health, and more.

With the GRE waived, admissions focuses heavily on academic strength, direct patient care experience, and alignment with the program’s mission.

Program Format: Hybrid

Program Length: 24 months

Admission Requirements:

• CASPA application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• 3.0 cumulative and 3.0 science prerequisite GPA minimum
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Mission-aligned essay
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Minimum 500 hours of direct patient care
• “C” or better in prerequisites

Pace University – Physician Assistant Online Completion Program

Pace University’s completion program is designed for currently certified PAs who want to earn a master’s degree. This part-time online program builds on existing clinical experience and prepares PAs for leadership roles in research, academia, and administration.

Program Format: Fully online, part-time

Program Length: 12 months

Admission Requirements:

• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree
• Graduation from an ARC-PA–accredited PA program
• NCCPA certification
• 3,600 hours of post-baccalaureate clinical experience
• Competency attestation from employer

Southern California University of Health Sciences – Master of Science: Physician Assistant

SCU’s hybrid PA program includes live online lectures during year one, along with two to three days per week of on-campus lab sessions. Year two is dedicated to full-time clinical rotations. The program includes PANCE prep and guarantees fixed tuition for admitted students.

Although the GRE is not required, the program notes that high GRE scores may strengthen an application.

Program Format: Hybrid

Program Length: 28 months

Admission Requirements:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts
• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
• 3.2 BCP and core science GPA
• Minimum 1,000 hours of paid healthcare experience
• “C” or better in prerequisite coursework
• Three evaluations (preferably PA and supervisor)

Northeast College of Health Sciences – MS in Physician Assistant Studies

Northeast’s hybrid PA program includes one on-campus trimester followed by primarily online coursework for the remainder of year one. Year two is entirely clinical. The curriculum emphasizes high academic standards, ethical care, and professional readiness.

Program Format: Hybrid

Program Length: 24 months

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3.2 cumulative and 3.2 BCP GPA
• “B” or better in prerequisites
• Minimum 500 hours of paid or volunteer patient care
• Background check and immunizations
• Personal statement and interview
• Three letters of recommendation
• Ability to meet technical standards

Academic Background

• Minimum cumulative GPA around 3.0–3.2
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Strong grades in prerequisite sciences (usually B or better)

Professional and/or Clinical Experience

Most programs require 500–1,000+ hours of direct patient care. Common qualifying roles include:

• CNA
• EMT or paramedic
• Medical assistant
• Medical scribe
• Phlebotomist

This experience shows you understand clinical environments and are prepared for the intensity of PA training.

Letters of Recommendation

Expect 2–3 letters, often including:

• A healthcare supervisor
• An academic instructor
• A character or professional reference

Admissions committees want to understand how you work, learn, and communicate in real-world settings.

Personal Statements & Interviews

In GRE-free programs, personal statements carry even more weight. These essays illustrate:

• Your motivation for becoming a PA
• Your understanding of the profession
• Your long-term goals
• How your experience has prepared you

Most programs also require interviews, either in person or online.