How to Become a Physician Assistant in Iowa
Aspiring Physician Assistants (PA) in Iowa (IA) will need to first graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program before sitting the national certification exams and applying for a state license.
Accreditation ensures that the training aligns with industry standards, providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful entry into the dynamic field of healthcare.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant schools in Iowa for 2024.
Accredited PA Schools in Iowa – 2024
There are 5 accredited PA schools in Iowa – 4 of which are fully accredited and 1 which is still on provisional/probationary accreditation*
Entry criteria for the top PA programs in Iowa are stringent. Applicants will usually need to have a bachelor’s degree, which need not be exclusively in healthcare or science; prerequisite science courses, and a mandated minimum of work hours in a healthcare environment.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines University | Des Moines | Yes | Program Page |
| St. Ambrose University | Davenport | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Dubuque | Dubuque | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City | Yes | Program Page |
| Northwestern College | Orange City | Yes* | Program Page |
Please note: The majority of schools use the CASPA application system so please double check application deadlines on the CASPA website.
Des Moines University, Des Moines
- 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312
- (515) 271-1499
Des Moines University is a private institution situated in Des Moines, IA. The campus, with 1,550 enrolled students, provides a dynamic urban environment for learning.
The ARC-PA accredited PA program at Des Moines admits approximately 65 students each year and will take 26 months to complete and awards a Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion.
The CASPA application admission deadline is around December 1st. Tuition and fees for this program exceed $100,000.
St. Ambrose University, Davenport
- 518 West Locust Street, Davenport, IA 52803
- (563) 333-6000
St. Ambrose University in Davenport is a private institution with approximately 3,003 students. The campus offers a vibrant atmosphere and on-campus accommodation for full-time graduate students.
St Ambrose University offers an accredited 29-month Physician Assistant program. The program admits around 30 students annually, with applications accepted through CASPA, typically by November 1st. Tuition and fees for this program are over $109,000.
Admission requirements may include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, and healthcare experience. Graduates earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The program’s accreditation by ARC-PA ensures compliance with national standards, ensuring a high-quality education for aspiring healthcare professionals.
University of Dubuque, Dubuque
- 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001
- (563) 589-3000
The University of Dubuque, a private institution with about 2,200 students, offers a 27-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program. Located in Dubuque, the campus provides a tranquil setting.
The program accepts around 30 students each year through CASPA, with an application deadline in early October. Tuition and fees for the program exceed $30,000.
Admission prerequisites may include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, and healthcare experience. Graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). This program is committed to maintaining national standards for quality education in the field of Physician Assistant studies.
University of Iowa, Iowa City
- 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
- (319) 335-7018
The University of Iowa, a public institution in Iowa City with 30,177 students, offers a 28-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
The program admits about 25 students each year through CASPA, with an application deadline of around October 1st. Tuition and fees for the program exceed $115,000.
Admission prerequisites may include a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite coursework, and healthcare experience. Graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPA). The program is dedicated to upholding national standards for high-quality Physician Assistant education.
Iowa PA Certification and License Requirements
Following graduation from an accredited PA program in Iowa, aspiring PAs must pursue national certification. This involves sitting for the PANCE.
The exam assesses essential medical knowledge and clinical skills. It is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Successful completion is a prerequisite for state licensure. PAs can take the PANCE at various testing centers, and exam dates are available throughout the year.
Licensing and Scope of Practice
Once you have achieved certification it is required by Iowa law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there. The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
Iowa’s state laws define the supervision and permitted duties of PA’s. Whilst direct supervision isn’t mandatory, physicians must be available for consultation and all delegated responsibility and services must be within the scope of the PA and supervising physician. PA’s can prescribe drugs and Schedule III – V controlled substances but not certain Schedule II depressants. PA’s in Iowa will need to obtain an additional Controlled Substance License.
The Iowa Board of Physician Assistants governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Iowa. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Bureau of Professional Licensure, Riverpoint Office Complex. 400 SW 8th Street Suite D, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: (515) 281-0254
Website: https://hhs.iowa.gov/Licensure/Iowa-Board-of-Physician-Assistants
Physician Assistant Income and Employment in Iowa
In 2024, there were 1,140 individuals employed as Physician Assistants in Iowa, with an average salary of $123,490. This equates to an hourly wage of $59.37, representing a marginal -1.44% deviation from the national average of $125,270.
From 2018 to 2022, the average salary for physician assistants in Iowa experienced a notable increase, rising by $12,940 or 12%. In terms of employment, the number of PAs in Iowa grew by 140, reflecting a 14% increase over the same period.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a substantial 27% growth in physician assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, emphasizing the optimistic trajectory for this profession in Iowa over the coming decade.