According to the American Medical Association, the U.S. will experience a physician shortage of upwards of 122,000 by 2032. The primary cause for this shortage is the aging of current physicians and burnout. Physician Assistants (PA) fill a critical role in maintaining quality patient care. Depending on the state of residence, masters prepared PAs can work with physicians and provide many of the same services, without the expenses and 8-12 year educational and residency commitments.
15 Best Online Master of Physician Assistant Programs
U.S. News and World Report names Physician Assistant as the #1 Best Health Care Job and #3 Overall Best Jobs in its 2019 rankings. This popularity also translates into increased job growth, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating a much faster than average 31% employment rates. Licensed PAs may find employment in physician clinics, hospitals, outpatient and long term care facilities, as well as government agencies. Depending on location, Payscale estimates a salary range from $76,000-$122,000 annually and the BLS estimates between $102,870-$115,560.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees searched for online, hybrid or blended, PA degree programs. We looked to see if the program was: 1) accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), 2. program time commitment, 3) school or program ranking by U.S. News and World Report, 4) estimated program cost (tuition only), and 5) Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) five-year pass rates as well as school-reported graduation rates to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Note: Program curriculum and cost are subject to change by the school.
1. University of Nebraska Medical Center
If you're already a licensed PA and want to advance your career, the degree advancement option (DAO) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center may be a good option. Admission requires you hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.0 GPA, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification, personal liability insurance, and be currently employed. Studies involve Health Care Policy, Management in Healthcare, Health Care Ethics and Critical Thinking, a Capstone Project, etc. This school rates a #15 ranking by U.S. News and World Report's Best Physician Assistant Programs.
Program Length: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Program Cost: $20,561
PANCE Pass Rate: 100%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 94%
School Website: University of Nebraska Medical Center
2. Touro College
Touro College has an online completion degree for currently employed Physician Assistants. You need an ARC-PA certified degree from an accredited PA program, be NCCPA certified, and provide transcripts and letters of recommendation. You'll study Evidence Based Medicine, Health Science and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Medical Ethics and Healthcare Policy, a PA Master's Project, etc. Located in NYC, Touro College ranks #155 in the Best Physician Assistant Programs ratings by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 12 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $8,500
PANCE Pass Rate: 100%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 47%
School Website: Touro College
3. University of Florida
Rated #21 by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Physician Assistants Programs, the University of Florida has an online two-year, Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). One of the first in the nation, admission to this program requires an academic degree, GRE scores, professional references, and prerequisite courses. Coursework includes studies in Gross and Radiographic Anatomy, Physical Diagnosis, Human Physiology, Evidence Based Medicine, and Advanced Clinical Practicum, etc. Clinical rotations are conducted in Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, and Pensacola.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $55,880 (FL Resident); $122,554 (Non-Resident)
PANCE Pass Rate: 100%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 90%
School Website: University of Florida
4. University of North Dakota
The Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of North Dakota ranks #37 in U.S News and World Report's Best Physician Assistant Programs. This is a hybrid program, with online coursework and clinical experiences conducted in your home community. There is, however, an orientation on the Bismarck, North Dakota campus held in May. The program has a competency-based focus, and admission preference is given to students from North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $6,802 (ND Resident); $8,638 (Contiguous); $10,203 (Non Resident)
PANCE Pass Rate: 100%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 55%
School Website: University of North Dakota
5. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The School of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has a blended, distance track Physician Assistant program designed for students living close to Madison or who commit to practicing in underserved, rural areas. You'll study Clinical Pharmacology, History and Physical Exam, Clinical Prevention and Community Practice, etc. The program has an on-campus requirement during the first summer of enrollment. You'll need to complete prerequisites and hold a baccalaureate degree with a 3.20 GPA. The university ranks in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's National Universities and a Best College for Veterans.
Program Length: 36 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $48,455 (WI Resident); $98,430 (Non Resident)
PANCE Pass Rate: 99%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 87%
School Website: University of Wisconsin-Madison
6. Yale University
Yale University has a newly offered online Physician Assistant degree that ranks in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report. This is a Master of Medical Science (MMSc) degree which leads to licensure. Admissions require you hold (or be working toward) a bachelor's degree, GRE scores, be a U.S. citizen or resident, have a 3.0 GPA, and complete prerequisites. Didactic studies include Basic Science, Human Anatomy, Pharmacology, Diagnostic Studies, etc. Clinical rotations may be offered in your home community, and there are two, week-long immersions on Yale's New Haven, Connecticut campus.
Program Length: 28 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $105,080
PANCE Pass Rate: 98%
Overall Graduation Rate: 97%
School Website: Yale University
7. Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University has an online Master of Medical Science degree designed for certified PAs through Saint Francis University's nationwide, affiliated certification programs. Courses concentrate on research, pharmacology, clinical residency, and clinical applications in primary care. You need a bachelor's degree, be a fulltime student in an affiliated undergraduate PA program, letters of reference, transcripts, and other documents for admission.
Program Length: 15 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $11,300
PANCE Pass Rate: 98%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 69%
School Website: Saint Francis University
8. Nova Southeastern University Florida
Nova Southeastern University Florida offers a Masters of Health Science degree for Physician Assistants. Designed for bachelor's prepared students, this program is accredited the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (CCSACS). Depending on which of the seven concentrations you choose, you'll take courses in Research Methods, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ethical Issues in Healthcare, and electives. The Fort Lauderdale based school ranks #74 in the Best Physician Assistant Programs by U.S. News and World Report. You must have prior healthcare experience for admission.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $15,873
PANCE Pass Rate: 98%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 50%
School Website: Nova Southeastern University
9. Drexel University
If you live in the Philadelphia, PA area, the Physician Assistant program at Philadelphia's Drexel University may be a good fit. The program allows you to graduate with a masters degree. This is a hybrid program that rates #10 by U.S. News and World Report's Best Physician Assistant Programs. You'll take didactic courses, some of which are online, in Physician Assistant Practice, Gross Anatomy, Patient Communication, Clinical Assessment, etc., as well as do clinical rotations and preceptorships. Drexel utilizes the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) for admission processing. The school is on the quarter system and admission runs from mid-April to September 1st.
Program Length: 48 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $94,320
PANCE Pass Rate: 97%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 74%
School Website: Drexel University
10. Pace University
Pace University has an online Physician Assistant completion degree program. You'll need to have completed an ARC-PA accredited PA program, a bachelor's degree, academic transcripts, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) certification, 3,600 post-baccalaureate clinical hours, and letters of reference. Studies include courses in Epidemiology, Leadership, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, etc. Ranking #64 in U.S. News and World Report's Best Physician Assistant Programs, Pace University is located in New York City.
Program Length: 12 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $4,950
PANCE Pass Rate: 97%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 56%
School Website: Pace University
11. Missouri State University
Missouri State University ranks in the top 100 of U.S. News ad World Report ranking of Best Physician Assistant Programs in 2019. MSU has a blended MPAS which may be a good fit for Missouri residents. The program includes 42 credit hours in didactic studies such as Medical Physiology, Clinical Assessment, Medical Human Anatomy and Radiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, Clinical Problem Solving, etc. Clinical experiences will involve rotations in Family Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, etc. You may apply for admission through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $45,960 (MO Resident); $70,494 (Non Resident)
PANCE Pass Rate: 96%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 54%
School Website: Missouri State University
12. A.T. Still University
A.T. Still University provides a blended Advanced Physician Assistant Post Professional degree. Coursework is 100% online and also offers an Education/Leadership track if you want to pursue a Physician Assistant educator role. You'll study Ethical Issues in PA Practice, Evidence-Based Medicine & Clinical Research Design, Medical Writing, Clinical Medicine, and Clinical Practice experiences. To qualify for admission, students must be a licensed PA and have a bachelor's degree as a Physician Assistant from an accredited PA program with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and submit official school transcripts. A.T. Still University is recognized as a Military Friendly School. Note: This program is accepting its final PA class in Spring 2020.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $22,128
PANCE Pass Rate: 96%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 95%
School Website: A.T. Still University
13. University of Detroit Mercy
The University of Detroit Mercy is the state of Michigan's largest Catholic university and offers a hybrid Physician Assistant Masters Completion program if you're interested in Administrative Leadership. The program concentrates on practice-based education and theory. Courses include Research Methods, Health Care Delivery and Policy Issues, Health Economics, Information Systems for Health Services Administrators, etc. You'll need a bachelor's degree, completion of a Physician Assistant program, and be licensed in Michigan for admission. U.S. News and World Report rate this program at #126 in its Best Physician Assistant Programs.
Program Length: 24 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $25,530
PANCE Pass Rate: 98%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 65%
School Website: University of Detroit Mercy
14. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
If you're currently a practicing PA with a bachelor's degree, you may want to consider this online Master in Physician Assistant Studies Bridge Program. This program concentrates on clinical skills and research. You must hold a bachelor's degree in Physician Assistant Studies, licensed, NCCPA certification, currently practicing, have personal malpractice insurance, as well as a clear background check. UTRGV ranks second in the 2019 Washington Monthly's "Best Bang for the Buck-Midwest" school.
Program Length: 12 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $16,000
PANCE Exam Pass Rate: 94%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 46%
School Website: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
15. Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, CT, has a hybrid Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree, which may be a good choice if you live in the area. Coursework includes studies in Principles in Medicine, Medical Science, Pharmacology, Evidence-Based Practice, as well as clinical experiences. The program accepts admission through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). U.S. News and World Report rank Sacred Heart University as a Best Value School and Best Colleges for Veterans.
Program Length: 27 Months
Estimated Program Cost: $102,955
PANCE Pass Rate: 85%
Overall School Graduation Rate: 70%
School Website: Sacred Heart University