To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in North Dakota, follow these general steps. Start by completing an accredited PA program, which usually spans approximately two years. Prerequisites typically include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience. After graduation, pass the national certification exam and secure state licensure for practice. It’s vital to engage in ongoing education and adhere to renewal requirements to uphold your licensure status.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, North Dakota.
Top Accredited PA Schools in North Dakota
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited PA school in North Dakota is crucial. Accreditation ensures a high standard of education, vital for successful certification. In the state, there is 1 accredited PA school, with full accreditation, offering the assurance of a quality program essential for future PA practice.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks | Yes | Program Page |
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application method. Therefore, it is essential to verify application deadlines through the CASPA website to ensure timely submission.
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
- 261 Centennial Dr, Grand Forks, ND 58202
- +1 701-777-3000
The University of North Dakota, situated in Grand Forks, is a public institution. With a spacious campus that accommodates over 13,876 students, it offers various on-campus housing options.
Their fully accredited Physician Assistant Program offers a comprehensive curriculum and welcomes 35 students in each class. This 24-month program culminates in a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
For prospective students, it’s worth noting that the program costs over $106,000 for residents and $120,000 for non-residents. They participate in the CASPA application system, with an application deadline set for September 1st
Certification and Licensing Requirements
After graduating from an accredited PA program, aspiring PAs in North Dakota must pursue national certification. This typically involves passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, which is essential for practicing as a PA. PANCE is administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the country, including North Dakota, providing convenient access for examination. Successful completion of this examination verifies a PA’s competence and readiness to provide quality healthcare services, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.
Licensure and Scope of Practice
Licensing requirements and PA scope of practice vary from state to state.
In North Dakota, a PA’s scope of practice is determined by supervising physicians and must align with the PA’s competence. PAs can prescribe medications within their authorized scope of practice under their supervising physician’s guidelines, including Schedule II-V substances. PA’s in North Dakota do not need a separate controlled substances license.
The North Dakota Board of Medicine governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in North Dakota. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 4204 Boulder Ridge Rd, Suite 260, Bismarck, ND 58503-6162
Phone: 701-450-4060
Website: https://www.ndbom.org/practitioners/pa/apply/index.asp
<h3id=”salary”>Physician Assistant Salary in North Dakota
A career as a Physician Assistant offers great income potential and excellent job prospects.
In 2024, North Dakota employed 310 Physician Assistants, earning an average salary of $122,590. This translates to an hourly wage of $58.94, which is 2.19% below the national average of $125,270. The top 10% in North Dakota earn up to $159,660, while the bottom 10% receive a minimum of $88,370.
Between 2018 and 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in North Dakota increased by $15,250, marking a substantial 14% rise. Over the same period, employment grew by 50 positions, representing a 19% increase. The Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a promising 27% employment growth for physician assistants from 2022 to 2032, indicating a favorable outlook for the profession’s future in North Dakota.