How to become a physician assistant in Ohio
To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Ohio (OH), pursue a two-year accredited PA program. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience. After graduation, pass the national certification exam and obtain state licensure for practice. Ongoing education is essential for licensure renewal.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Ohio.
Accredited PA Schools in Ohio – 2024
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in Ohio is crucial for quality education and eligibility for PA certification. Accreditation ensures adherence to rigorous standards, enhancing educational effectiveness.
In Ohio state, there are 17 accredited PA schools, – 12 of which hold full accreditation, while 5 are presently under provisional or probationary accreditation (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baldwin Wallace University | Berea | Yes | Program Page |
| Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Yes | Program Page |
| Kettering College | Kettering | Yes | Program Page |
| Lake Erie College | Painesville | Yes | Program Page |
| Marietta College | Marietta | Yes | Program Page |
| Mount St. Joseph University | Cincinnati | Yes | Program Page |
| Ohio Dominican University | Columbus | Yes | Program Page |
| Ohio University | Athens | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Dayton | Dayton | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Findlay | Findlay | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Mount Union | Alliance | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Toledo | Toledo | Yes | Program Page |
| Ashland University | Ashland | Yes* | Program Page |
| Cedarville University | Cedarville | Yes* | Program Page |
| Mercy College of Ohio | Toledo | Yes* | Program Page |
| Miami University | Oxford | Yes* | Program Page |
| Ursuline College | Pepper Pike | Yes* | Program Page |
Please note: Many institutions utilize the CASPA online application procedure; therefore, it is advisable to verify application deadlines through the CASPA website for accurate submission.
Baldwin Wallace University – Berea, Ohio
- Address: 275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH 44017
- Phone: (440) 826-2121
- Email: onestop@bw.edu
Baldwin Wallace University, located in Berea, Ohio, is a private university with a student enrollment of 3,200 in 2023. As an independent university, BW fosters intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at Baldwin Wallace University is fully ARC-PA accredited until June 2026. The program is a 24-month curriculum with a class size of 35 students. Baldwin has a direct-entry program for future physician assistants, alongside the master’s degree program. Every year, 10 students starting their undergrad studies are chosen beforehand and assured a spot in the post-grad program after finishing their undergrad studies. On-campus accommodation is available for students, and the total tuition and fees for in-state students is $95,000 for the cohort beginning in May 2024. The deadline for the CASPA application is usually on or around November 1st.
For more information about the PA program at Baldwin Wallace University, you can visit their program page at https://www.bw.edu/academics/physician-assistant/
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Address: School of Medicine, Samson Pavilion, 9501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106-7506
- Phone: 216.368.0575
- Email: paprogram@case.edu
Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University is a private institution with a total enrollment of 12,266 students in 2023. The university offers on-campus accommodation, providing a convenient living option for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at Case Western Reserve University is fully accredited by ARC-PA until June 2030. This 27-month program admits 70-75 students per year and awards graduates a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. The total tuition and fees for in-state students are $69,712. The CASPA application deadline is typically on the 1st of November.
The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, with students starting clerkships at clinical sites within their first year. It’s a great opportunity for aspiring physician assistants to gain exposure to various clinical environments. For more information, you can visit the program’s official website at https://case.edu/medicine/physician-assistant/.
Kettering College – Kettering, Ohio
- Address: 3737 Southern Blvd. Kettering, OH 45429
- Phone: (937) 395-8601
- Email: admissions@kc.edu, PA@kc.edu
Kettering College, a private institution located in Kettering, Ohio, enrolled a total of 981 students in 2023. It has a Christian-Adventist affiliation and offers on-campus accommodation for single students. The Physician Assistant Program at Kettering College is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2024. The program spans 27 months, with a class size of 60 students, leading to a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
In-state students can expect a total tuition and fees cost of $98,777 for the PA program. Kettering College allows CASPA applications, with an application deadline typically on the 1st of October.
Kettering College is recognized for its long-standing history in PA education, dating back to 1973, making it one of the oldest programs in the country. As part of their training, PA students benefit from a unique clinical experience within the renowned Kettering Health hospital network.
For more details about the Physician Assistant Program at Kettering College, you can visit their program page at https://kc.edu/academics/physician-assistant/.
Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio
- Address: 391 W Washington St, Painesville, Ohio, 44077
- Phone: 440-375-7000
- Email: visit@lec.edu
Situated in Painesville, Ohio, Lake Erie College boasts a private campus with a total enrollment of 906 students in 2023, including 738 undergraduates and 168 graduate students. The college offers on-campus accommodation options for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at Lake Erie College is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2028. The 27-month program has a class size of 26, and graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Sciences (MSPAS). The program collaborates with renowned healthcare institutions such as University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, Lake Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, and more.
For aspiring PAs, the total tuition for the 27-month program is $98,560. Lake Erie College allows CASPA applications, with a typical deadline of November 1st. More information about the program can be found on their website: https://www.lec.edu/pa/.
Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio
- Address: 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, OH 45750
- Phone: 1-800-331-7896
- Email: admit@marietta.edu
Marietta College, a private institution with a student enrollment of 1122 in 2023, is situated in Marietta, Ohio. The campus provides on-campus accommodation, fostering a supportive learning environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at Marietta College is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2028. This 26-month program includes a 12-month Didactic Phase, emphasizing academic rigor, followed by a 14-month Clinical Phase with hands-on medical rotations. With a class size of 40, graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
For in-state students, the total estimated tuition, fees, and program costs are as follows:
- Summer Session: $5,600
- Didactic Phase – Semesters one and two: $42,900
- Clinical Phase – Semesters one and two: $43,500
The CASPA application deadline typically falls on January 15th. For more details, visit the program page: https://www.marietta.edu/pa-program.
Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Address: 5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670
- Phone: 1-800-654-9314
- Email: PAProgram@msj.edu
Situated in Cincinnati, Mount St. Joseph University is a private Catholic institution with a student enrollment of 1966 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation and emphasizes critical thinking and lifelong learning.
The Physician Assistant program at Mount St. Joseph University is fully ARC-PA accredited until March 2032. The program spans 27 months, with a class size of 32 students, leading to a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The total tuition and fees for the program amount to $100,800.00 for seven semesters. The CASPA application is accepted, with a deadline usually on the 1st of October.
For more details, visit the program page: https://www.msj.edu/academics/graduate-programs/physician-assistant-program/
Ohio Dominican University Columbus, Ohio
- Address: 1216 Sunbury Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219
- Phone: 614-251-4500
- Email: admission@ohiodominican.edu
Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Dominican University is a private institution with a student enrollment of 1262 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
The Physician Assistant Program at Ohio Dominican is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2025. This 27-month program boasts a class size of 50, focusing on a holistic approach to academics, research, clinical practice, and community service. Graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
For in-state students, the total estimated cost for the PA program is $95,901. The program allows CASPA applications, with a deadline usually on the 1st of October. More details about the program can be found on the official program page: https://www.ohiodominican.edu/academics/masters-degrees/physician-assistant-program/index.html
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
- Address: Athens, OH 45701
- Phone: 740.593.1000
- Email: admissions@ohio.edu
Nestled in Athens, Ohio University is a public university with a student enrollment of 4516 in 2023. Offering on-campus accommodation, the university prioritizes academic excellence in a vibrant campus environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at Ohio University Athens is fully ARC-PA accredited until March 2029. This 27-month program, based at the Dublin Integrated Education Center, awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. With a class size of 45 students, the curriculum emphasizes preparation for diverse clinical settings, prioritizing primary care in medically underserved communities.
For aspiring PAs, the total tuition and fees stand at $69,000 for in-state residents and $72,264 for non-residents. The program allows CASPA applications, typically due on August 1st.
Explore the details and embark on your PA journey at Ohio University: Program Page https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/rehab/physician-assistant
University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio
Address: Fitz Hall, Room 510, 300 College Park, Dayton, Ohio 45469 – 2958
- Phone: 937-229-2900
- Email: paprogram@udayton.edu
Located in Dayton, Ohio, the University of Dayton is a private institution with a student enrollment of 11,000 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation and emphasizes a commitment to service within the Catholic Marianist tradition.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Dayton is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2029. The program spans 27 months, admitting 40 students per class, and awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) degree. The total tuition and fees for seven semesters in 2023 amount to $92,463. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on November 1st.
For more information, visit the program page at https://udayton.edu/education/departments_and_programs/pa/. Admission to the program is highly competitive, requiring applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete prerequisite coursework. The university’s mission is to produce compassionate and ethical physician assistants who provide excellent generalist care within the Catholic Marianist tradition.
University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio
- Address: 1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840
- Phone: 419-434-4529
- Email: paprogram@findlay.edu
Situated in Findlay, Ohio, the University of Findlay is a private institution with a Christian affiliation and a student enrollment of 4811 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive academic environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Findlay is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2026. The program spans 28 months, with a class size limited to 24 students, leading to a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) degree. The curriculum emphasizes competencies in medical knowledge, interpersonal communication, patient care, professionalism, practice-based learning, and systems-based practice.
For aspiring PAs, the total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $90,094. The program allows CASPA applications, with a deadline typically set for October 1st. More information and application details can be found on the program page: https://www.findlay.edu/health-professions/physician-assistant-ma/
University of Mount Union, Alliance, Ohio
Address: 1972 Clark Ave, Alliance, Ohio 44601
- Phone: (800) 992-6682
- Email: scarpill@mountunion.edu
Located in Alliance, Ohio, the University of Mount Union is a private university with a student enrollment of 2,700 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive college experience.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Mount Union is fully ARC-PA accredited until March 2028. The 27-month program has a class size of 40 students and awards a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree (MSPAS). The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, diversity appreciation, and ethical leadership.
Total tuition and fees for in-state students in the PA program are estimated at $94,500. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October. For more information, visit the program page at https://www.mountunion.edu/academics/graduate-degrees/physician-assistant-studies.
University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
- Address: Collier Building, Health Science Campus, 3000 Arlington Ave., MS 1027, Toledo, OH 43614
- Phone: 419.383.5408
- Email: PhysicianAssistant@utoledo.edu
Located in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo is a public institution with a student enrollment of 15,013 in 2023. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Collier Building on the Health Science Campus. On-campus accommodation is available, providing a convenient living option for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Toledo is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2027. The 27-month program has a class size of 40 students, leading to a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) degree. The total tuition for in-state students is $86,871.99. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
Established in 1996, the UToledo PA Program is the first graduate-level PA program in Ohio. The program’s classrooms and laboratories feature cutting-edge technology, including the Interprofessional Immersion Skill Center and The Ruth M. Hillebrand Clinical Skills Center. For more details and application information, visit the program’s page at https://www.utoledo.edu/med/grad/pa/.
Certification and License Requirements
After graduating from a PA program in Ohio, aspiring Physician Assistants must undergo the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. These exams assess their knowledge and competence, a crucial step before obtaining state licensure.
Exams are typically administered at designated testing centers nationwide. Certification ensures that PAs meet standardized national benchmarks for practice, fostering a consistent level of competence and professionalism. It serves as a prerequisite for licensure, emphasizing the importance of standardized assessments in validating the qualifications of healthcare practitioners in Ohio.
Licensing and Scope of Work
Licensing requirements and PA scope of practice vary from state to state.
Once you have obtained certification it is required by Ohio law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
In Ohio, a supervision agreement between physicians and PAs is mandatory, with the level of supervision determined mutually. PAs can prescribe, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances as delegated by their supervising physician and must provide their supervision agreement to the State Medical Board. They are not required to hold a separate controlled substances license.
You can contact the State Medical Board of Ohio with queries relating to licensing and scope of practice using the contact details below:
Address: 30 East Broad St., 3rd floor, Columbus, OH 43215-6127
Phone: (614) 466-3934
Website: https://med.ohio.gov/apply-and-renew/licenses-and-certifications/04-physician-assistant-(pa)
PA Salary and Job Outlook in Ohio
A career as a Physician Assistant offers great income potential and excellent job prospects.
In 2024, there were 3,280 persons employed as Physician Assistants in Ohio, with an average salary of $117,200. This reflects an hourly wage of $56.35, 6.89% below the national average of $125,270. Among them, the top 10% earned $163,560, while the bottom 10% earned $71,480.
Between 2018 and 2022 in Ohio, Physician Assistant salaries increased by $11,790, reflecting an 11% rise. However, employment witnessed a decline of 1,150 positions, amounting to a 26% decrease.
Despite this, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a promising 27% growth in physician assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, indicating a positive outlook for the profession in the coming decade.