Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is of the view that securing admission in a physician school is difficult. meeting up with the criteria for PA schools can be an uphill task. Notwithstanding, many PA schools consider some factors. Little wonder, this compilation of the easiest PA schools to seek admission in 2020.
Generally, students interested in medical schools are often faced with the challenge of low acceptance rates in schools. The requirements of most PA Schools are too high to meet up with by applicants.
Undoubtedly, the high standard set to be met by applicants is aimed at ensuring that only the best students are admitted,however, it tends to deny many applicants the opportunity to enroll into medical schools. We are not unaware of this challenge, consequently, we have put up a list of PA schools that are quite easy to get into in 2020.
The basic requirements for these PA schools are considered herein. A glance at the table of contents below will give you an overview of the information found in this article.
Physician Assistants Schools
Individuals who are interested in enlightening the public on how to prevent infirmities and all forms of ailments, but are bereft of the requisite requirements to attend a medical school; can become Physician Assistants.
Often times, physician assistants are medical professional who work under a doctor’s supervision. In order to acquire the basic skills and training, these folks must undergo an accredited PA program. Thereafter, they are licensed by the state to practice in any healthcare facility.
Simply put, PA schools are educational institutions that offer programs that are usually divided into didactic and clinical experiences. Individuals who round-off programs at these institutions can be licensed to practice as Physician Assistants.
Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs
There are online Entry level Physician assistant courses. This implies that individuals who successfully complete these PA programs are eligible to join the PA profession at an entry level.
Even though PAs are not seen as doctors (PAs are only required to have a master’s degree), but they are trained and licensed to execute many of the same essential tasks including:
- Diagnosis of illnesses and injuries
- Prescription of medication
- Creation and implementation of treatment plans
- Counseling patients about care and treatment options
- Pre- and postoperative care
An entry level is only feasible online, but PA program cannot entirely be online. This is because both licensure and the required Master of Science Physician Assistant degree require substantial numbers of hours of hands-on, real-world practicum experience.
Below is a list of Online Entry Level Physician Assistant Programs:
What is PA Schools Acceptance Rate Statistics?
Generally, admission into a Physician Assistant School is uneasy. This is attributable to the low acceptance rate for PA programs.
Some PA school acceptance rates cost as high as 20% or as low as 0.8%. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), acceptance rate statistics for PA schools is about 20%.
Are There Physician Assistant Schools with low GPA Requirements?
Attainment of certain GPA is a criterion for admission into most PA schools. This is really essential as well as discouraging for individuals with the passion but without a strong academic record .
Notwithstanding, there are quite a number of Physician Assistant Schools with a low GPA requirement. This means as part of their admission requirements, students with GPA lower than the average GPA of 3.0 for most PA schools can apply and get admitted.
Below is a list of PA schools with low GPA requirements:
What Physician Assistant Program can I get Into Without GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada.
This test owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service is a major admission criterion for PA schools. Notwithstanding, some Physician Assistant Schools admit qualified students who do not possess GRE scores.
This makes their PA programs one of the easiest to get into in 2020. Some of these PA programs without GRE include:
What are the Easiest PA Schools to get Into in 2020?
No PA school is easy to get into just like the easiest medical schools. However, some PA schools receive applications from students with a low GPA and no GRE scores. This in turn makes it easier for individuals with low academic reports to gain admission.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for PAs were $104,860. So, most PA schools now adopt strict admission requirements.
For individuals who intend to attend a PA program, applying through CASPA which is a branch of PAEA is one way to apply to multiple programs with just a single application.
PAEA is the only national organization representing physician assistant educational programs in the United States. CASPA is an acronym for the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) which is a full-service, web-based application system for PA programs.
The schools below are easy PA schools to get into in 2020 alongside their admission requirements and PA program application link.
1. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences PA School
A. T. Still offers one of the easiest PA programs to get into in 2020. The PA program is offered as an Advanced Masters in Physician Assistant Studies. Its curriculum comprises clinical knowledge and skill level of practicing physician assistants.
Students will take key courses in ethical issues, healthcare delivery systems, and evidence-based medicine and clinical research design.
This program, however, is for only licensed or certified physician assistants. ATSU PA program admission requirements include:
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.50
- Applicants must graduate from an accredited PA program
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science PA School
Rosalind Franklin PA School offers a Physician Assistant Program that provides students with competent, compassionate, and ethical medical care. This and many more is achieved through its dynamic lectures delivered in very innovative labs.
The PA program’s major goal is to train PAs who can become integral members of the interprofessional health care team. Graduates from this PA program graduate to render quality, patient-centered care.
However, the program as part of its admission requirements demand students to take prerequisite courses in
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Microbiology
In addition to these prerequisites, other admission requirements are:
- 2.75 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Special consideration will be given to the last 60 hours of completed coursework
- All prerequisite grades must be a “C” or higher
- GRE scores in the 50th percentile or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal Statement
Rosalinf Franklin PA school is one of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2020 because it grants some special consideration and accepts a GPA lower than the average PA school GPA of 3.0.
3. University of New England PA School
The university of England offers one of the easiest PA programs to get into in 2020. Basically, it offers Master of Science Physician Assistant program that can be completed in 24 months on full time basis.
The goal of This PA schools’ program is to raise an indispensable team that can deliver care to patients through coursework and clinical experiences. Students who enroll for this program will take courses that have strong foundation in science and pathophysiology.
Hence, they will gain all round knowledge as regards to disease processes and clinical medicine.
It is one of the easiest PA schools because it requires a low GPA of 3.0 and no GRE scores. Below is the admission requirement for the UNE PA Program:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- 500 hours of direct patient care
- PA shadowing for a minimum of 20 hours
- Three letters of recommendation
4. Thomas Jefferson University PA School
With a GPA as low as 3.0 and no GRE score requirement, Thomas Jefferson PA School is one of the easiest PA schools to get into in 2020. It offers a Master of Science PA program that strives to translate knowledge and skills into evidence-based innovative medical practice.
The curriculum is delivered in a way that ensures students are prepared to be successful clinicians who can influence healthcare and impact public health. Its PA program admission requirements include:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement or Essay
- Direct patient care (no minimum hours, though the school recommends at least 200 hours)
5. Western University of Health Sciences PA Schools
The Western University of Health Sciences offers a PA program that can be completed in two years. Basically, students who graduate from this PA program are equipped to practice competently in established clinical sciences.
They program also grooms PAs with strong interpersonal and communication skills. In addition, the program graduates PA’s who are effective, patient centered and compassionate care.
This PA program is one of the easiest to get into because of its low GPA. Aside from this, applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
6. Loma Linda University PA Schools
Loma Linda offers one of the best PA programs that is easy to get into in 2020. Its PA Program primary aim is to raise physician assistants that can provide quality healthcare.
Basically, students who graduate from this PA program, learn the compassion for the whole person and are able to provide quality healthcare both locally and internationally.
Its admission requirements include:
- A Bachelor’s degree or a strong background in sciences
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- Prerequisite courses in science and general education (C- grades are not accepted)
- 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care experience prior to enrollment
- Three letters of recommendation
7. Missouri State University PA School
This PA School offers a two year PA program that equips students with all the need to succeed in the national certification exam. This PA school which is one of the easiest to get into achieves this feat through its didactic and clinical experiences offered to its students.
Students who enroll for this program will learn under a stte of the art facility with small class size. This means students will get attention indivdually improving te quality of lecture they have received.
Its admission requirements include;
- 3.0 GPA
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE / MCAT scores
8. Barry University Physician Assistant School
The Physician Assistant program at Barry University is one of the easiest PA programs to get into. The program basically, equips students with the right knowledge to practice collaborative medicine.
The program curriculum is designed raise PAs that can aid various patients through its technology rich environment and clinical experiences.
Its admission requirements include completion of prerequisites in General or Inorganic chemistry, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology alongside organic Chemistry or even Biochemistry. Other requirements are:
- 3.0 GPA (cumulative and science)
- GRE scores
- Official transripts
- Evidence of experience in health care is highly recommended
9. South University Physician Assistant School
South University offers a Master of Science degree program for Physisican assistants. The PA program main aim is to graduate PAs who understand the fundamental medical concepts and theories.
The PA program achieves this by offering courses that focus on evaluation, monitoring, diagnostics and Therapeutics. Also, students are exposed to counselling and referral.
As one of the easiest PA programs to get into, its has the following admission requirements.
- 3.0 GPA (overall and Biology-Chemistry-Physics)
- GRE scores (preference will be given to those with GRE scores at the 50th percentile or above)
- One reference from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner whom you have worked with or shadowed
10. Marquette University PA School
As Jesuit Memorial school, Marquette PA school offers a PA program that merges Jesuit traditions with didactic knowledge through its College of Health Sciences.
The program is designed to teach students how to care for the whole person. Hence, it takes into cognition ideal teachings for the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of the individual.
Marquette PA is an easy PA school to get into and below is a list of its admission requirements:
- Submission of a completed application to the CASPA
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- 3.0 GPA
- Minimum of 200 hours of patient contact and other health care experience
Easiest PA Schools FAQs
Can I get into PA school with an online degree?
Yes, bachelor’s degree earned online from an accredited school is duly recognized. So, individuals with a BSC in biology, chemistry or any related field can actually apply to a PA school.
What is the easiest physician assistant program to get into?
The easiest physician assistant program to get into is the PA program offered by Thomas Jefferson University. It requires the lowest GPA of 2.75, unlike other schools.
How hard is physician assistant school?
PA School is Hard! The academic and clinical experience are quite rigorous just as obtainable in a medical school.
What is the hardest class in PA school?
According to aapa.org, the hardest classes in a physician assistant school is anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. So, it is important that students continuously refresh their memory on the knowledge of these things.
What should I study before PA school?
Before applying to a PA school, students should take courses in anatomy and physiology, review medical terminology, and medical shorthand. It is also important that students review the basics of an EKG. Though not required, it will definitely, boost your chances of adapting to a PA School.
Conclusion
The herculean admission process discourages students who are passionate in becoming Physician Assistants.
Thankfully, a few PA colleges have come to ameliorate the plights of students who have such passion. Hence, they make admission easier through their requirements while maintaining its accreditation status and a high PANCE rate.
This article is a compilation the easiest PA schools to get into in 2020. Select a school that you can satisfy its eligibility requirements after a thorough reading of the article.
