12-Month Physician Assistant Programs Online

Online physician assistant programs, like those at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Drexel University, offer flexible 24-28 month initial training, while Pace University provides a 12-month master’s completion for certified PAs. Always verify ARC-PA accreditation to ensure program legitimacy.

Physician Assistant (PA) programs train healthcare professionals to provide primary care under physician supervision. Online PA programs offer flexibility, but understanding the difference between initial and master’s completion programs is key. This guide clarifies these options and lists accredited programs to help you choose.

Types of PA Programs

• Initial PA Programs: Designed for first-time students, these 24-28 month programs include didactic education and clinical rotations, leading to PA certification.
• PA Master’s Completion Programs: For certified PAs, these 12-month online programs allow professionals to earn a master’s degree while working.
• Dual BS→MS Programs: Accelerated pathways (e.g., 3+2 years) combine undergraduate and graduate studies, typically in-person.

Initial Online PA Programs

No accredited initial online PA programs are 12 months long; most require 24-28 months. Below are two reputable options with online didactic phases.

• University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC PA Program):
  • Duration: 27 months (13 months didactic, 14 months clinical)
  • Format: Online didactic, local clinical rotations
  • Accreditation: ARC-PA
• Drexel University (Drexel PA Program):
  • Duration: 27 months
  • Format: Online didactic, clinical rotations
  • Accreditation: ARC-PA
• Note: Yale’s 28-month online PA program is no longer accepting students and will close in 2026 (Yale PA Online).

PA Master’s Completion Programs

These 12-month online programs are for certified PAs seeking a master’s degree. They offer flexibility for working professionals.

• Pace University (Pace PA Completion):
  • Duration: 12 months (4 semesters)
  • Format: Fully online
  • Requirements: Certified PA, clinical experience, bachelor’s degree
  • Tuition: Contact Pace for current rates
• Touro University (Touro PA Completion):
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Format: Fully online, guided independent study
  • Requirements: Certified PA, 2,600 clinical hours, bachelor’s degree
  • Tuition: Approximately $8,670 (verify with Touro)

Comparison Table

Program Type	Example Program	Duration	Format	Tuition	Accreditation
Initial PA	UNMC	27 months	Online didactic, clinical rotations	Varies	ARC-PA
Initial PA	Drexel	27 months	Online didactic, clinical rotations	Varies	ARC-PA
Completion	Pace	12 months	Fully online	Varies	N/A (not ARC-PA)
Completion	Touro	1 year	Fully online	~$8,670	N/A (not ARC-PA)

Dual BS→MS Accelerated Pathways

For students starting as undergraduates, dual-degree programs combine bachelor’s and master’s studies. These are typically in-person and take 5 years.

• Seton Hall University (Seton Hall PA):
  • Duration: 5 years (3 years BS + 2 years MS)
  • Format: In-person
• Le Moyne College (Le Moyne PA):
  • Duration: 5 years (3 years BS + 2 years MS)
  • Format: In-person

How to Choose the Right Program

• First-Time Students: Select ARC-PA accredited initial programs like UNMC or Drexel, ensuring clinical rotations are feasible locally.
• Certified PAs: Opt for master’s completion programs like Pace or Touro for career advancement without disrupting work.
• Undergraduates: Consider dual BS→MS programs for a faster track, but note these are not online.

Admission Requirements

• Initial PA Programs:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Science prerequisites (e.g., biology, chemistry)
  • 500+ hours of healthcare experience
  • GRE scores (some programs, e.g., Drexel may waive)
  • Letters of recommendation
• Master’s Completion Programs:
  • Completion of an accredited PA program
  • National certification (NCCPA)
  • 2,600-3,600 clinical hours
  • Bachelor’s degree in PA studies or related field

Are Online PA Programs Legitimate?

All initial online PA programs listed here are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) (ARC-PA). Master’s completion programs may not require ARC-PA accreditation since students are already certified. Always verify program accreditation to ensure eligibility for licensure.

Application Tips and Timeline

• Start Early: Begin preparing 12-18 months before application deadlines, typically via CASPA (CASPA).
• Gain Experience: Accumulate healthcare hours through roles like EMT or medical assistant.
• Check GRE Requirements: Some programs, like Touro, are GRE-free, which suits busy professionals.

Pros and Cons of Online PA Programs

• Pros: Flexible schedules, no relocation needed, local clinical placements.
• Cons: Intensive coursework, limited in-person interaction, clinical rotation logistics.

FAQ

• Can you become a PA online in 12 months? No, initial online PA programs like UNMC or Drexel take 24-28 months, but certified PAs can complete a master’s at Pace in 12 months.
• Are online PA programs accredited? Yes, initial programs like UNMC and Drexel are ARC-PA accredited, ensuring legitimacy; completion programs like Touro may not need accreditation.
• What’s the shortest online PA program? For certified PAs, Pace and Touro offer 12-month master’s completion programs; initial programs require at least 24 months.
• Do online PA programs require GRE scores? Some initial programs like Drexel may waive GRE, and completion programs like Touro are typically GRE-free.
• Can I work while studying in an online PA program? Completion programs like Pace allow working, but initial programs like UNMC are intensive due to clinical requirements.

Conclusion

No 12-month initial online PA programs exist, but options like UNMC and Drexel offer flexibility for first-time students. Certified PAs can advance with 12-month programs at Pace or Touro. Verify accreditation and align your choice with career goals.

Online PA Degree Programs FAQ

References

• ARC-PA Accredited PA Programs
• Pace University PA Master’s Completion Program
• Touro University PA Master’s Completion Program
• University of Nebraska Medical Center PA Program
• Drexel University PA Program
• Yale Physician Assistant Online Program
• Seton Hall University PA Program
• Le Moyne College PA Program
• CASPA Application Portal