Physician assistants (PAs) perform a range of medical services in various health care settings, including hospitals, clinics, health centers and medical offices. Depending on the setting, PAs may conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, develop treatment plans or provide counsel on preventative care. No matter where they work, PAs play an integral role in supporting the health and well-being of patients.

There are a number of schools that offer graduate physician assistant programs. Whether in a hybrid or fully remote format, an online master’s PA program may provide the flexibility to further your education and advance your career as a medical professional, without putting your life on hold.  

 The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc (ARC-PA) accredits programs that confer a graduate level PA degree after program completion. And to qualify for certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, you’ll need to complete an accredited program. Those that offer online options are listed below.

Some of the online master’s programs below only admit students who have already completed a bachelor’s level degree in physician assistant studies. Be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

From accreditation to admission requirements to course structure, there are a number of factors that may make a PA master’s program better suited for you. Below are a few things to consider to help you choose a program that fits your lifestyle needs, learning style and professional goals. 

Your Goals

Do you hope to complete your PA master’s degree as quickly as possible? Or do you want to continue to work and complete your degree at a slower pace? These are questions you may ask yourself to help you find a program that aligns with your goals in becoming a physician assistant. Additionally, while some students prefer the autonomy to complete coursework on their own time, others enjoy the experience of a virtual classroom setting. Consider who you are as a learner to decide whether a hybrid model or fully remote model is best for you, and what type of setting would best support your goals.

Program Accreditation 

Accreditation is a method of quality assurance to determine whether a school meets the established standards for their educational programs. All programs listed on this page are accredited by the ARC-PA, the independent accrediting body for PA programs. Accreditation benefits both schools and prospective students—encouraging schools to continuously evaluate and improve their methods, while allowing students to identify programs that meet nationally accepted standards. To pursue certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), future PAs must have completed an ARC-PA accredited graduate program. Certain employers may require a degree from an ARC-PA accredited school, so be sure to check the school of your choice’s status before making your decision. 

Requirements

While specific requirements differ from school to school, online PA master’s programs may require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college—candidates will usually have earned one already or will be in the process of pursuing one. Some may have a preference for candidates with a degree in science and health studies. Some may also require a minimum GPA, submission of transcripts and letters of recommendation. Schools that offer post-professional programs also typically require NCCPA certification as a physician assistant and a minimum number of patient-care hours. However, master’s PA programs may have different requirements, so be sure to thoroughly review all admissions requirements before applying.

Curriculum & Course Structure 

Generally speaking, online PA master’s programs begin with one to two years of didactic learning, either in synchronous or asynchronous lessons. In this phase, students take courses in basic medical sciences, behavioral sciences, and behavioral ethics, sometimes accompanied by a research or master’s project component, though this will be determined by the program. During the program, students can expect to complete supervised clinical  practice experiences and/or on-campus immersion is typically required for hands-on experience. Students can expect to develop skills that will help them in the field, such as life support, patient care or assisting with surgeries.

Due to an aging and growing population, physician assistants are in high demand across the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physician assistants is expected to increase 31 percent from 2020 to 2030, at a rate much higher than the national average. While salary can depend on level of experience, employer and work setting, BLS data shows that physician assistants earned a median salary of $115,390 in 2020. 

Physician assistants have the ability to specialize in one or several areas throughout their career, allowing them to work with patients of different ages in both specialty and primary care areas (much like family nurse practitioners). Depending on the population PAs want to work with, they can work in a variety of roles in hospitals, medical offices, community health centers, nursing homes, educational facilities and correctional institutions. 

No matter the setting, physician assistants may expect to work alongside other qualified health care professionals such as nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse-midwives. Learn more on how to become a nurse.

In order to become a licensed physician assistant, you must receive certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, the only certifying organization for PAs in the United States. 

Getting certified requires that you complete a PA master’s program accredited by the ARC-PA and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The certification process ensures all PAs meet the established standards of clinical knowledge and are qualified to provide patient services. Additionally, PA certification may permit for clinical flexibility or the ability to change specialties within the PA profession. For instance, if you want to transition from emergency medicine to family medicine, PA certification may allow you to do so.

The costs associated with a degree program may be a challenge for some aspiring physician assistants. However, there are a number of scholarships and financial resources that might help to make your path to a master’s degree more attainable. Additionally, you may consult the financial aid office of the school you choose for more opportunities. Below are just a few resources that may help you finance your education. 

From learning about the scope of practice to joining a membership organization, there are a number of resources online for aspiring physician assistants. We’ve compiled just a few for you to look into as you embark on your journey to become a PA:

Physician assistants have the opportunity to advance their knowledge in multiple areas or specialties throughout their career. This versatility allows PAs to work in a variety of roles and settings. Below are other types of education for physician assistants or aspiring PAs:

If you have a desire to work in health care but aren’t sure if a career as a physician assistant is right for you, you may consider these related programs available at the graduate level:

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about pursuing a PA master’s degree. 

Last updated January 2022.