Quick Look:
- Duke University School of Medicine
- University of Southern California
- Yale University
- Emory University School of Medicine
- University of Florida
If you aren’t yet interested in the best accelerated PA programs, you should be. Being a physician assistant (PA) has several benefits that make accelerated programs attractive.
- Shorter path toward a rewarding healthcare career
- High job demand and security
- Competitive salaries
- Consistent working hours instead of the on-call hours of other healthcare professionals
- Flexibility in work responsibilities and work settings
- Access to productive learning opportunities
Indeed, why spend four years or more to become a successful healthcare professional? With physician assistant programs for recent graduates, it’s possible in as few as 24 months.
Related:
- Fast-Track Your Healthcare Career With an Accelerated Degree
- Accelerated Nursing Programs with the Highest NCLEX Pass Rates
- Best Master’s in Healthcare Administration Online
- Accelerated Nursing Programs with the Best Clinical Rotations
- Top Certified Nurse Midwife Programs
What Are Accelerated PA Programs?
Both traditional and accelerated PA programs train the next generation of physician assistants. But there are significant differences between them.
| Traditional PA Programs | Accelerated PA Programs | |
| Student diversity | – More diverse student population – Applicants from non-healthcare backgrounds can apply | More emphasis is placed on students from specific academic backgrounds. |
| Prerequisites/ Admission requirements | – Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a healthcare-related field – Healthcare experience – Completion of prerequisite courses | – Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a healthcare-related field. Accelerated programs may also prefer applicants from pre-PA programs or STEM programs. – Specific healthcare experience – Completion of prerequisite courses |
| Program duration | Between 24 and 36 months | As little as 12-24 months |
| Pace and intensity | – Features a standard learning pace – Offers semestral breaks | – Fast-paced program of study – Heavier course load – No breaks between terms – Students tackle didactic courses and clinical experiences at the same time |
| Clinical rotations | Candidates can spread out their clinical rotations. | Candidates have a fast-paced program of clinical rotations within a shorter period. |
We must emphasize that these programs offering fast-track PA degrees aren’t for everybody. You must be motivated, driven, and determined to survive any of the best accelerated PA programs.
If you believe you have what it takes, accelerated PA programs provide several benefits.
- Faster entry into the healthcare industry
- Higher savings on tuition, fees, and other costs of attendance
- More streamlined curriculum with an emphasis on practical knowledge and skills
Criteria for Choosing the Best Accelerated PA Programs
- Always choose from accredited PA programs. Look for the Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) accreditation.
- Consider the structure, sequence, and learning outcomes of the didactic courses. Look for a comprehensive curriculum that combines theory and practice.
- Check out PA programs with strong clinical rotations. Look for quality and variety in supervised clinical experiences.
- Consider the financial aid opportunities. Start by looking at affordable PA programs, too.
- Make your choice from the top PA programs for job placement. It means graduates are getting excellent job offers.
- Ask about the quality, scope, and availability of student support services, including mentoring, alumni network, and career services.
Top 5 Accelerated PA Programs for Recent Graduates
Based on the above criteria, here are the top PA programs for healthcare careers.
Duke University School of Medicine – PA Program
Durham, NC
The 24-month program emphasizes interprofessional education and clinical rotations. Students are taught to deliver equitable, patient-centered care. Enrollees must have had direct, “hands-on” patient contact through assistance in direct care responsibilities. Considered the oldest and among the best PA programs, it has a high first-time PANCE pass rate.
University of Southern California – Primary Care Physician Assistant Program
Los Angeles, CA
This is a 33-month program that features extensive clinical rotations in various disciplines. The program focuses on primary care and underserved populations. One of the few of its kind in the US, this PA program emphasizes medical Spanish, such that graduates become confident in communicating with Spanish-speaking patients.
Yale University – Physician Assistant Online Program
New Haven, CT
Candidates in the 28-month hybrid program tackle online courses and in-person clinical rotations. It’s as rigorous as the on-campus program that emphasizes students’ competencies, including medical knowledge, interpersonal and communication skills, clinical and technical skills, professionalism, practice-based learning, and systems-based practice.
Emory University School of Medicine – PA Program
Atlanta, GA
The 29-month program features an integrated curriculum. Its top-quality, evidence-based curriculum and clinical training emphasize team-based medicine and commit to the medically underserved. If you’re interested in public health and global health, it’s an excellent choice.
University of Florida (UF) – School of Physician Assistant Studies
Gainesville, FL
Candidates in the 24-month program receive comprehensive training in primary care, surgical, and specialty medicine. Strong clinical partnerships complement rigorous academic standards.
How to Apply to Accelerated PA Programs
If you’re planning on earning one of these accelerated healthcare degrees, be prepared.
- Choose from among the best accelerated PA programs first.
- Note the application requirements, deadlines, and prerequisites, among other information.
- Complete and submit your CASPA application form.
- Submit the required application materials. These include your official transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
- Prepare for the interview.
Here are a few more useful PA program application tips.
- Submit strong letters of recommendation, personal experience, and resume. Create a good first impression.
- Showcase your relevant healthcare experiences.
- Highlight your communication skills, emotional stability, and problem-solving skills during the interview.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Options
You can spend $95,165 in average tuition and fees (in-state) or $103,660 (out-of-state) for a 27-month PA program. Fortunately, there are financial aid opportunities available.
- PA Foundation Scholarships
- NHSC Scholarships and Loan Repayment Program
- State-specific scholarships for aspiring PAs, such as the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- State Loan Repayment Programs (e.g., California, North Carolina, and Texas)
Ask your university’s financial aid officer about your alternative options, too.
You must also adopt effective cost-saving strategies.
- Consider an in-state program.
- Maximize every financial aid opportunity.
- Create and follow a budget.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
You must have a state-issued license as a physician assistant to practice. After graduation, you must pass the PANCE exam and apply for a PA license. You can then use the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) credential.
Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data has indicated that the employment growth rate among PAs is 28% (2023-2033). You should be able to find gainful employment in a wide range of settings.
There’s also a wide range of specializations to choose from, including:
- Primary care
- Surgery
- Emergency medicine
- Dermatology
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Oncology
- Ob-gynecology and women’s health
- Psychiatry
PAs earned $130,020 in median annual wages. But it can range between $86,280 and over $170,790 per year. PAs in outpatient care centers, hospitals, and physicians’ offices earn the highest incomes.
Conclusion
Taking on a comprehensive range of responsibilities, PAs perform physical exams, diagnose and treat a number of illnesses, order tests and interpret results, provide preventive health care advice, assist in surgeries, and write prescriptions. PAs are also authorized to offer diagnostic and therapeutic services. They also hold research and administrative roles.
Enrolling in one of the best accelerated PA programs recognized by the ARC-PA or Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant opens up opportunities for a successful healthcare career. You can earn your PA degree in 24 months or less and, thus, enter the workforce sooner. Indeed, it’s a challenging road ahead, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
