Can you imagine completing your coursework to become a physician assistant in as little as 12 months?
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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
Many online PA programs are now offering PA degrees with 12 months of online coursework followed by 12 months of clinical rotations. Online PA programs offer the flexibility to work at your own pace. Plus, you won’t need to relocate or commute. This is especially valuable if you’re already working in healthcare.
In addition, the clinical rotations can often be completed in the community where you live. Let’s explore how to make becoming a physician assistant a reality!
4 Online PA degree tips
First, you’ll want a bachelor’s degree in physician assisting or another healthcare degree. Most of the 12-month online Master’s programs are set up to accommodate healthcare professionals with previous experience. However, don’t despair if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree! There are also online and hybrid PA programs designed for you. These programs look at the completion of specific prerequisite coursework. Often they take longer to complete, typically 2-3 years. Also, they usually require you to have a minimum of 500 hours of clinical experience. This is possible to achieve if you work as a medical assistant, RN, EMT, paramedic, CNA, surgical tech, or any other allied health profession.
Second, you’ll need to be comfortable using technology as a learning platform. Courses typically use an online learning platform such as Canvas. In addition, programs often require online group discussions. Typically, all assignments are submitted online. Learning often takes place as you complete modules consisting of readings and videos.
Third, don’t procrastinate! Typically, online PA students spend 15-20 hours a week doing coursework. Make sure you set aside time to learn and stay on top of assignments. Procrastination can create a lot of stress when you are working and trying to complete a graduate program. Use your time wisely and be focused!
Fourth, be flexible! Most of us have high hopes when we start something new and exciting like becoming a PA. Once you start your online PA program, if you’re falling behind, it’s reasonable to adjust your learning plan. Remember, online PA programs want you to succeed. Talk to your enrollment counselor or academic advisor if you need a cushion.
Popular Online Physician Assistant Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.12-month Physician Assistant Online Programs
Yale School of Medicine
Imagine the prestige of earning your degree from the Yale School of Medicine. Here are some highlights of what the Yale School of Medicine PA program has to offer.
- Awards graduates with a Master’s of Medical Science(MMSc), allowing you to seek licensure as a PA-C.
- Classes are held in a live, virtual classroom and focus on pediatrics, gerontology, and emergency medicine.
- Clinical opportunities begin early in the program to give students hands-on experience.
- Clinical rotations are arranged in the communities where you live.
- Simulated labs are held on campus to help build relationships with staff and peers. Immersion labs are one week long and held 3 times over the course of the program.
What do I need to do to apply to the Yale School of Medicine Online PA program?
- Hold or be working toward a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Completed a minimum of 500 hours of paid patient-care experience.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate science GPA of at least 3.0 and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Completed core undergraduate prerequisite science courses at a U.S. college or university with a grade of B or higher.
Pace University
Pace University’s Master’s Degree program can be completed in 12 month and is fully online. Here are the highlights of their dynamic program!
- Awards an MS (Master’s of Science) degree as a Physician Assistant.
- The entire program can be completed online in as little as 12 months.
- The program is flexible and allows for part-time students.
- Prepares PA to work in family medicine, emergency medicine, pharmaceuticals, and general practice.
How to apply to the Pace University Master’s Degree program for PA’s?
- Successfully completed an accredited PA program.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Hold a national certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Have a record of 3,600 hours of employment in a healthcare field.
- Obtain two letters of reference for a physician or physician assistant.
- Submit your official college transcripts.
Touro University
Touro University is completely online and can be finished in as little as 12 months. Here’s what you need to know about this great program!
- Awards an MS (Master’s of Science) degree in Physician Assistant studies.
- The entire program can be completed online in as little as 12 months.
- The program is flexible and allows for full or part-time students.
- Courses start in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
- Formatted as a guided-independent learning style.
- Tuition is only $8,670!
How to apply to the Touro University Master’s Degree program for PA’s?
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Physician Assistant studies.
- Hold a national certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
- Have documentation of 2,600 clinical hours in a healthcare field.
- Obtain two letters of reference for a physician or physician assistant.
- Submit your official college transcripts.
Further Reading: Online Physician Assistant Programs
Physician Assistant Program Insights: Data for Prospective Students
In today’s healthcare landscape, pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) can be a rewarding and impactful choice. To help prospective students make informed decisions about their education and career path, this report provides valuable data and insights about Physician Assistant programs and professionals in the United States.
Program Overview:
- Total Degrees Awarded in 2021: 11,351 (Growing 5.63%)
- Median In-State Public Tuition: $7,890 (Growing 2.25%)
- Median Out-of-State Private Tuition: $34,934 (Declining 0.0458%)
- Average Wage: $78,297 (Growing 1.41%)
- People in Workforce: 4.3 Million (Growing 4.2%)
- Average Employee Age: 42.9 (Declining 0.429%)
Educational Institutions:
- Institution with the Most Degrees Awarded in Physician Assistant: University of Lynchburg
- Common Sector Offering Physician Assistant Programs: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above institutions (158 total)
- Most Common Degree Types: Masters Degree, Bachelors Degree, and Professional Doctorate
Program Location Insights:
- Locations with the Highest Concentration of Physician Assistant Degree Recipients (2021): New York, NY, Boston, MA, Lynchburg, VA
- Locations with a Relatively High Number of Physician Assistant Degree Recipients (2021): Short Pump, VA, East Whittier, CA, Philippi, WV
- Most Specialized Location: University of Lynchburg with 32.7% of degrees awarded in Physician Assistant
Employment and Wages:
- Average Salary for Physician Assistant Majors: $78,297
- Common Occupations: Registered nurses, Pharmacists, Medical & health services managers
- Highest Paying Locations: Memphis City (Southeast) PUMA, TN, South of I-635 & West of US-75 PUMA, TX, Flint City Area PUMA, MI
Diversity and Demographics:
- Most Common Degree Type: Masters Degree
- Sex Imbalance: Female (73.7%)
- Most Common Race/Ethnicity: White (7,573 degrees awarded)
Skills and Competencies:
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Instructing
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Active Learning
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Complex Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Science
- Coordination
- Persuasion
- Mathematics
- Negotiation
- Service Orientation
- Systems Analysis
- Systems Evaluation
- Management of Personnel Resources
- Operations Analysis
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operation Monitoring
- Management of Material Resources
- Management of Financial Resources
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Equipment Selection
- Operation and Control
- Technology Design
- Programming
- Installation
For Whom Would This Degree Be a Good Fit?
Physician Assistant Majors:
- Are ideal for those with a passion for healthcare and medical professions.
- Suit individuals with strong skills in:
- Reading comprehension
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Are perfect for those who enjoy problem-solving and have an aptitude for science and mathematics.
Note: If you’re keen on becoming a physician assistant, this degree is not only a suitable choice but often a requisite for entering the profession.