Physician Assistant Graduate Programs

Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals working under the formal supervision of medical doctors. PAs meet with patients to examine, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses.

Physician Assistants are employed by the government, hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in the offices of practicing medical doctors.

As of May 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Reported the Median Annual Salary of Physician Assistants was $90,930.

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291071.htm

Applying to Physician Assistant graduate programs is a unique process. Most programs utilize the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). This system allows applicants to complete one application that can be sent to many different schools (note: some programs may request additional information).

Specific admissions requirements vary by school, but generally applicants to PA programs should demonstrate the following:

• Strong Academic Record – 3.5 GPA or Higher• Experience in the medical field

(work/internship/shadowing)

1. Duke University2. University of Iowa3. University of Utah4. Emory University5. George Washington University6. Baylor College of Medicine7. Oregon Health and Sciences University8. University of Medicine and Dentistry New

Jersey9. University of Texas Southwestern Medical

Center10. University of Washington

Top Ranked PA programs According to US News and World Report

November 2013

Coursework and Training:

PA program requirements will vary by school, but most programs require students to complete a combination of coursework and clinical training to earn their degree. Coursework is likely to include:

• Anatomy• Physiology• Patient Assessment• Diagnostic Methods• Pharmacology and Therapeutics• Physical Diagnosis• Evidence based medicine• Practice and the Healthcare System• Behavioral Aspects of Medicine

For more information or to search Physician Assistant graduate

programs

References: http://paprogram.mc.duke.edu/PA-Program/Curriculum/http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291071.htmhttp://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/physician-assistant-rankings