Like other occupations, working as a physician assistant in the modern healthcare system requires more training and education than in previous decades. That said, graduates should accomplish a master’s degree program and become certified through PANCE or Physician Assistant National Certification Exam. Although physician assistants aren’t considered doctors, they should be licensed and trained to perform many of the doctor’s essential tasks, such as prescribing medication, pre and post-operative care, and developing and implementing treatment plans.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data say the physician assistant employment outlook from 2019 to 2029 sits at 31%. Hence, completing a degree in a physician assistant program guarantees you a stable and rewarding career.
If you want to work as a physician assistant or already practicing, you can develop your expertise and skills to become proficient and highly desirable in the rapidly-growing profession. In general, working as a P.A. requires the completion of a master’s or Ph.D.
We are putting the spotlight on the Online Physician Assistant degree! We’re compiling the best online schools for ARC-PA accredited online programs in the country, and answering some FAQs to help you make an educated decision as you pursue this career pathway!
To come up with the 8 Best Online Schools for ARC-PA Accredited Online Physician Assistant Degree Programs in 2021, our researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com evaluated the colleges and universities that are lauded for their high-quality online degree offerings. Each of the schools on this list, featured in random order, is distinctive for its top-notch approach to shaping the next best generation of Physician Assistants. In particular. the online schools and programs has most, if not all, any of these qualities make them our best picks:
- 100% online or hybrid Online Physician Assistant programs, highlighting flexibility and convenience for school-age and adult learners
- Properly ARC-PA Accredited completion, bridge, and graduate programs to demonstrate compliance with academic and industry standards
- Recognized and positively reviewed by academic organizations and affiliates
- Rigorous training and coursework, emphasizing the most modern practices, equipment and technologies in the profession and related disciplines
- Transferable college credits, as applicable
- Grants, scholarships and financial aid
Learn more about our selection process by visiting our Methodology page.
Navigate your 8 Best Online Schools for ARC-PA Accredited Online Physician Assistant Degree Program options using these quick links:
- Pace University
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Stony Brook University
- Yale University
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Touro University Worldwide
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of North Dakota
Pace University
Online MS in Physician Assistant Completion program
Program Standouts:
Pace University offers an online Master of Science in Physician Assistant program that can be completed within 12 months or four semesters of part-time learning. The PA completion program only accepts currently certified students with a physician assistant degree at the baccalaureate level. The rigorous and selective program only enrolls students who can meet the university’s set of criteria. One of the standard requirements includes the completion of 3,600 hours of post-baccalaureate clinical experience. Out of 3,600 clinical hours, the 200 credit hours are already considered 1-credit hour. Students must complete 30 credit hours for degree completion. Hence, the 3,600 clinical hours already complete the 18-credit hour advanced standing component. That said, they only need to take four core courses. The courses are completed in an asynchronous learning format, given that research papers, assignments, and examinations are accomplished. The online P.A. program accepts new students every January only.
Campus Location: New York City, New York
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 75.9%
- Graduation: 58%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- ACR-PA accredited bachelor’s degree
- National certification from the NCCPA
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of professional recommendation
- Documentation of 3,600 hours of clinical experience
- $70 non-refundable application fee
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Research Methods/Master Project
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Leadership and Theory in Healthcare
- Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine
Degree Outcomes:
Aside from earning their MSPA degree, graduates at Pace University have the opportunity to submit their research work. Through their submission, they can garner prominent national recognition and awards. After completing their online P.A. program, they have obtained the essential knowledge for the groundwork for research. The majority of graduates have testified their research skills improved and widened their learning of evidence-based medicine.
Learn more about Pace University’s Online Master of Science in Physician Assistant Completion Program.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Online MS in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a leading provider of an online Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge program. It allows working physician assistants with a baccalaureate degree to earn a master’s program. The university accepts students all year round; however, they are encouraged to apply at least two months before the program starts. Although they have open admissions, students only enroll applicants during the fall, spring, and summer seasons. While admitted to the Bridge Program, each applicant will complete three clinical tracks. The clinical tracks have a 4-week duration. Aside from the three clinical tracks, students must also complete the research experience course.
Campus Location: Edinburg, Texas
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 81%
- Graduation: 40%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree in a P.A. studies program
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Copy of current P.A. license
- Current NCCPA certification
- Medical malpractice insurance
- One letter of reference
- Criminal background check
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Bridge Clinical Track I – III
- Bridge Research Experience
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates with an online MPAS degree demonstrate their competence to develop well-built clinical questions based on patient challenges and conduct evidence-based medical literature strategies that bring optimal results. They gain the essential research expertise to create relevant medical research, highlighting evidence-based clinical research for effective clinical decision-making.
Learn more about The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Online Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program.
Stony Brook University
Online MS – Physician Assistant Post-Professional Program
Program Standouts:
The online Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (Post-Professional) program at Stony Brook University can be completed in 15 to 18 months. The university offers various learning formats that students can choose from, namely on-campus, online, and hybrid. The post-professional P.A. program is designed for professional physician assistants who want to strengthen and gain in-depth clinical and medical reasoning and knowledge. Thirty credit hours in total may be required to graduate from the program. Students should complete their degrees within five years. They should take 18-credit hour core courses and choose electives for the remaining 12 credit hours. Physician assistants who seek to specialize in nutrition and management can complete courses as their electives that make up the Advanced Certification in Nutrition credentials and the Advanced Certificate in Health Care Management credentials.
Campus Location: Stony Brook, New York
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 42%
- Graduation: 72%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Baccalaureate degree from an ACR-PA accredited program
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Copy of current NCCPA certification
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Research Writing for Health Professionals
- Ethics in Health Care
- Principles and Practices of Clinical Prevention
- Clinical Pharmacology Seminar for Physician Assistants
- Contemporary Issues in Health Care Delivery
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates at Stony Brook University with a master’s in physician assistant degree gain advanced knowledge in management, research, leadership, and clinical medicine. They have increased their marketability, competence, and capacity in the field of medicine. Aside from that, they can pursue advanced studies to work as clinical researchers or university professors.
Learn more about Stony Brook University’s Online Master of Science – Physician Assistant Post-Professional Program.
Yale University
Online Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant
Program Standouts:
Yale University’s online Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant program is designed to be completed in 28 months of full-time learning. Students take four integrated modules. The first component covered the 57-credit hour coursework completion and completed in the didactic year.
The second integrated component is the CEED or the Clinical Experience in Early Didactic, providing more than 120 hours of immediate patient care experience during the didactic year. During the second term, students start their CEED requirement at an approved healthcare facility. Until the end of the didactic year, they spend four to six hours weekly under a faculty instructor’s supervision.
The third component is an on-site clinical rotation at a Yale-approved facility near students’ homes. The mandatory clinical rotation covers seven specialized areas: internal medicine, behavioral medicine, pediatrics, primary care, women’s health, general surgery, and emergency medicine.
The last mandatory component is a 7-day immersion in the Connecticut and New Haven campuses. As part of the simulation lab, students can work in the Yale Center for Medical Simulation while on campus.
Campus Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- New England Commission of Higher Education
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 63%
- Graduation: 94%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite core Science courses
- Completion of the CASPer Assessment
- Official transcripts
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Personal statement
- Three program-specific essays
- Completion of a paid minimum of 500 patient care experience
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Online interview (If applicable)
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Behavioral and Preventive Medicine I – III
- Basic Science I – III
- Clinical Medicine I – III
- Diagnostic Studies I – III
- Human Anatomy I – III
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from prestigious universities like Yale University can easily find career opportunities in the country and abroad. They have gained an online P.A. degree from a reputable and rigorous program, developing them with interpersonal skills and the competence to practice in a professional, empathetic, and ethical approach.
Learn more about Yale University’s Online Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Program.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Online Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Standouts:
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is well-known for its Master of Physician Assistant Studies program. It is a degree advancement program for working physician assistants. The online MPAS program requires 36 credit hours for degree completion, providing students with the opportunity to earn their degree within five years. Each semester has a 14 to 16-week duration. The program offers a clinical track, letting students accomplish a supervised clinical experience. Students pursuing the clinical track must complete 800 clinical hours equivalent to 160 hours per semester. The specialization should sync with the student’s line of practice, such as internal medicine, geriatrics, or family medicine. As part of the program’s admission requirements, students must have a current state license except for the military and federal employees. Aside from that, students work with a faculty advisor to create a study plan, tailoring their educational and clinical background with their career objectives.
Campus Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 8%
- Graduation: 96.1%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Baccalaureate degree from a P.A. program
- Current NCCPA credential
- Proof of state P.A. licensure
- Proof of personal, professional liability coverage
- Proof of employment in a clinical or academic role
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Health Care Policy
- Health Care Management
- Master’s Project
- Health Care Ethics & Critical Thinking
- Clinical Inquiry and Writing
Degree Outcomes:
The University of Nebraska Medical Center produces graduates with an MPAS degree. These graduates are equipped with comprehensive knowledge of medical ethics and health care policy. Also, graduates develop research aptitude by investigating a medical scope and exhibiting the results in a scientific research paper. Aside from that, they possess the skill to provide the highest quality of patient care and service.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Online Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.
Touro University Worldwide
Online Doctorate of Physician Assistant
Program Standouts:
Touro University Worldwide has an online Doctorate of Physician Assistant program that can be completed within 1.5 years. Students transfer a maximum of six credit hours into the program. The 42-credit hour online doctorate program has 8-week courses. The program is purely coursework completion; hence, no residency requirement is needed to graduate. It is suitable for working physician assistants who pursue career advancements and gain in-depth knowledge in medical studies, surgery, medicine, and other healthcare-related discipline.
Campus Location: Vallejo, California
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 100%
- Graduation: 77.8%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- $25 non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Copy of NCCPA or Emeritus credentials
- Curriculum vitae
- Doctoral Entrance Essay
- Master’s degree
- Cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher
- Two years of clinical experience or practice
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Advanced Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Contemporary Professional Issues in Medicine
- Healthcare Management and Delivery Systems
- The Scholar-Practitioner Model
- Healthcare Law and Professional Practice
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates with an online doctorate in physician assistant program are trained with professional skills and resources to develop evidence-based solutions in their area of expertise. Through the program’s curriculum, physician assistants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and comprehensive understanding of research and theories required to optimize clinical proficiencies in their current or future profession. By completing an online DPA program, administrators, educators, and physician assistants progress in their careers. They also immerse themselves in diverse opportunities to advocate leadership practices, perform scholarly research, and implement clinical innovations.
Learn more about Touro University Worldwide’s Online Doctorate of Physician Assistant Program.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Online Physician Assistant Program
Program Standouts:
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s online Physician Assistant program is offered in a distance learning track for students driving Madison’s driving distance. The distance learning track is also suitable for students who want to practice in a medically underserved location. Students earn their degree within 36 months, consisting of 24 months of didactic learning and 12 months of full-time clinical experience. Discussions and lectures are completed asynchronously through the university’s School of Medicine and Public Health virtual library and UW-Madison’s online learning platform. For the medically-underserved areas (MUA), laboratory sessions are offered twice per semester through the Health Sciences Learning Center in Madison. The online P.A. program doesn’t accept applicants from students living in California for the MUA distance track due to federal laws and restrictions.
Campus Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 51.7%
- Graduation: 85%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree
- Prerequisite courses
- Minimum GPA of 3.20
- Proof of 1,000 hours of direct patient care and service
- Three to five letters of recommendation
- Accomplishment of CASPer Exam
- Unofficial transcripts
- Personal essay
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Preceptorship I – V
- Pediatrics
- Professional Seminar and Capstone I and II
- Infectious Disease of Human Beings
- Clinical Prevention and Community Practice I and II
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates with an online Physician Assistant program are equipped with the fundamental skills and in-depth understanding of evidence-based clinical medicine components. They have the opportunity to apply their integrated learning in a variety of healthcare settings and rural communities. Besides that, graduates have obtained the knowledge and credentials needed to qualify and pass the national certification examination.
Learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Online Physician Assistant Program.
University of North Dakota
Online Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Program Standouts:
The online competency-based Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of North Dakota is primarily designed for professional P.A.s and distance learners with a healthcare or science background. The 2-year online MPAS program requires 90 credit hours for degree completion. The program prioritizes applicants from North Dakota and its neighboring states and underserved and rural communities. Students who don’t have the credentials or experience as physician assistants are accepted from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. Aside from that, they should have a minimum of 500 hours of practical experience in healthcare. The university doesn’t accept transfer credits from other programs. UND’s online MPAS program starts with an on-campus orientation in May followed by two online courses emphasizing foundational science content. Although coursework completion is 100% online, students attend scheduled dates and times for online phone conferences, video conferences, and online examinations.
Campus Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Accreditation:
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- Higher Learning Commission
Acceptance and Graduation Rates:
- Acceptance: 82.2%
- Graduation: 55%
Admission Requirements:
- Two online applications: 1 for the School of Graduate Studies, and 1 for the Physician Assistant Studies program via CASPA
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statement
- CV/Resume
- Copy of current health care certification or license
- Documentation for verifying clinical hours and experience
- Accomplishment of the Residence, Rural and Underserved History Form
- Apply with a primary clinical site or preceptor
- $35 application fee
- Complete a T.B. Screening Form and Mandatory Immunizations
- Criminal background check
- Prerequisite courses
- Interview
Sample Course Options and Requirements:
- Emergency Department Clerkship
- Specialty Clerkship
- EKG Interpretation
- Medical Human Anatomy & Radiology
- History and Physical Exam
Degree Outcomes:
After completing the online MPAS program, graduates demonstrate proficiencies in patient management and assessment. They participate in the critical evaluation of research associate with evidence-based medical practice experiences to develop patient care outcomes. Graduates at UND become health care advocates for future physician assistant learners and professionals in the healthcare industry.
Learn more about the University of North Dakota’s Online Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program.
Why is it important to have an ARC-PA Accreditation for my online physician assistant program?
Before granting an accreditation status, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the school’s physician assistant programs. If you want to become a highly-desired and skilled physician assistant, you should get certified through the Physician Assistant National Certification Exam. One of the requirements for qualifying for the PANCE is to complete a degree from an ARC-PA-accredited program. You should verify first with your school if the program you’re enrolling in is ARC-PA accredited. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible to take the certification exam.
Check with your current state before enrolling in an online physician assistant program since licensure laws differ per state. That said, ensure that your state recognizes the online program you’re pursuing since it’s crucial when you’re applying for state licensure as a physician assistant.
ACR-PA’s accreditation standards include adequate funding to offer the program, clinical rotations that should cover the training and required skills to become a physician assistant. This curriculum meets students’ objectives, experienced faculty members, and a separate Medical Director and Program Director. Each online P.A. program must consistently re-assess the implementation practices, procedures, curriculum, and courses to improve and maintain the program’s credibility as advertised.
Through the ARC-PA accreditation, an online P.A. program can have one out of seven accreditation status. The program can have a “continued” accreditation since they continue to meet accreditation standards and requirements, “provisional” for new P.A. programs that aim to meet the criteria, and “probation” for current ARC-PA accredited programs that need improvement. As long as the online P.A. program is accredited before enrolling, your degree is recognized.
How will I comply with the clinical rotation requirement for my online Physician Assistant program?
Regardless of the degree level you’re pursuing. All physician assistant programs have a minimum requirement to complete a specific number of hours of clinical experience. In short, clinical rotations are always part of the curriculum. That said, you should set your expectations and schedule regarding the nature of the program. The primary objective of clinical rotations is to provide students with relevant experience in treating, diagnosing, and assessing patients. Although coursework completion is 100% online, students should work with a faculty advisor to create negotiations or arrangements regarding their clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities. Despite on-site clinical rotations, students have the opportunity to choose a clinical site that is convenient and accessible for them. Students’ clinical rotations involve licensed professionals to supervise their work at a selected healthcare facility.
How much will I earn as a graduate of an online Physician Assistant program?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that physician assistants’ salary range is between $72,720 to $157,120. Speaking of median annual income, physician assistants have $112,260. According to the same report, physician assistants can receive more lucrative wages in outpatient care facilities. The majority of these professionals work full-time, while some of them work 40+ hours per week. Like other healthcare professionals, they may report for duty on weekends, graveyard shifts, and holidays. In some instances, they work on-call; thus, they must respond to urgent work requests without notice.
