Top 10 Best Colleges for Physician Assistant 2024

Becoming a physician assistant (PA) requires completing a rigorous educational program, and the college or university you choose can have a significant impact on your career prospects and overall experience.

There are many colleges and universities that offer PA programs, but some are considered to be among the best in the country. These top-ranked programs typically have strong reputations, experienced faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

These factors can all contribute to a well-rounded education and a successful career as a PA. In this context, we will explore some of the best colleges for physician assistant programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings.

Best Colleges for Physician Assistant

There are many colleges and universities that offer physician assistant (PA) programs, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Some of the top PA programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 rankings, include:

1. Duke University
2. University of Utah
3. University of Wisconsin-Madison
4. George Washington University
5. University of Colorado
6. University of Iowa
7. Emory University
8. University of Alabama at Birmingham
9. University of Nebraska Medical Center
10. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Duke University

Duke University’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 104-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Utah

The University of Utah’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #2 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #3 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

George Washington University

George Washington University’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #4 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Colorado

The University of Colorado’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #5 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #6 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

Emory University

Emory University’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #7 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #8 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #9 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Physician Assistant program is ranked #10 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The program is a 27-month, 105-credit master’s degree program that includes a mix of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

top pa programs in the country

In the United States, there are numerous PA (Physician Assistant) programs that offer high-quality education and training for individuals who aspire to become PAs. However, some programs stand out as the top PA programs in the country based on their reputation, curriculum, faculty, and career prospects.

One of the top PA programs in the country is the Duke University School of Medicine PA Program, located in Durham, North Carolina. This program has consistently ranked among the top ten PA programs in the country for several years, and it boasts a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning, and patient-centered care. The program also offers extensive clinical rotations and hands-on experience, which prepare students for successful careers as PAs in a variety of healthcare settings.

Another top PA program is the Emory University School of Medicine PA Program in Atlanta, Georgia. This program is known for its comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of medical specialties, including primary care, surgery, emergency medicine, and pediatrics. Students in this program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, and they benefit from a diverse and experienced faculty that includes practicing PAs, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Finally, the Yale University School of Medicine PA Program in New Haven, Connecticut, is also considered one of the top PA programs in the country. This program offers a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines medical and public health education, and it emphasizes the development of leadership skills, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making. Students in this program have the opportunity to work with leading experts in various fields of medicine, and they can take advantage of Yale’s extensive network of healthcare institutions and research centers.

In conclusion, when considering the best colleges for physician assistant programs, it is important to research and visit the schools of interest, speak with current students and faculty, and check accreditation status prior to applying. The colleges and universities mentioned in this article are considered to be among the top-ranked PA programs in the country, but it’s always best to evaluate and compare the programs based on your individual needs and preferences.

Keep in mind that a strong educational program is just one of many factors that can contribute to a successful career as a physician assistant. It is also important to gain clinical experience, network with professionals in the field, and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) in order to be a competitive candidate for job opportunities. In the end, the most important thing is to find a program that aligns with your goals and provides the support and resources you need to succeed in the profession.