To pursue a career as a Physician Assistant (PA) in Rhode Island (RI) secure admission to an accredited PA program, typically a two-year commitment. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience. Post-graduation, passing a national certification exam is imperative. Following certification, obtain state licensure for practice. Ongoing education is mandatory for license maintenance, ensuring continuous professional development.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near, Rhode Island.
Accredited PA Schools in Rhode Island
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited PA school in Rhode Island ensures a high standard of education and meets certification requirements. Accreditation signifies adherence to rigorous educational standards, enhancing the credibility of your qualifications.
Notably, Rhode Island boasts 2 fully accredited PA schools, offering comprehensive and recognized training for aspiring healthcare professionals.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryant University | Smithfield | Yes | Program Page |
| Johnson & Wales University | Providence | Yes | Program Page |
Many institutions employ the CASPA online application system; hence, it is crucial to verify pertinent application deadlines directly on the CASPA platform. Stay informed by consulting the CASPA website to ensure a timely and accurate submission of your application materials.
Bryant University Smithfield, Rhode Island
- Address: 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917
- Phone: (401) 232-6000
- Email: pa_program@bryant.edu
Located in Smithfield, Bryant University is a private institution with an enrollment of approximately 3,800 students in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive and immersive academic experience.
The Physician Assistant Program at Bryant University is fully ARC-PA accredited until June 2028. The 27-month program boasts a class size of 48 students, culminating in a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October.
For those aspiring to join this program, the total tuition and fees amount to $113,276. To learn more about the PA program at Bryant University, visit their program page at https://www.bryant.edu/academics/program-finder/graduate/physician-assistant-studies. Aspiring candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution by October 1, 2023, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Prerequisite courses, also with a minimum GPA of 3.0, must be completed by the same date, including a “C” or better in each class.
Johnson & Wales University Providence, Rhode Island
- Address: 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI 02903
- Phone: 401-598-1015
- Email: onlineadmissions@jwu.edu
Located in Providence, Johnson & Wales University is a private institution with an enrollment of approximately 5,117 students in 2023. The campus, nestled in Rhode Island’s medical education hub, offers an immersive environment for learning. However, on-campus accommodation is not provided.
The Physician Assistant Program at Johnson & Wales University Providence is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2027. This 24-month program admits 36 students annually, leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS). The curriculum, part of the Center for Physician Assistant Studies, is housed in an 18,000-square-foot health sciences facility. Prerequisite courses, accepted from any accredited US college or university, must be completed before application. The total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $105,156. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of December.
For further details, prospective students can visit the Physician Assistant Program Page https://www.jwu.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-health-and-wellness/physician-assistant-studies/index.html
Certification and License Requirements
After graduating from an accredited PA program in Rhode Island, aspiring Physician Assistants must undertake the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam.
These exams, designed to assess competence, are typically administered at designated testing centers across the country. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet nationally recognized standards.
The process verifies their proficiency in providing quality healthcare, contributing to public safety. Candidates should refer to official certification bodies for specific exam details and locations, advancing toward professional validation and licensure in the healthcare sector.
Licensing
Once you have completed your certification exams it is required by Rhode Island law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
In Rhode Island, PAs collaborate with physicians, with collaboration parameters being jointly agreed upon. PAs in Rhode Island can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances after obtaining an additional Controlled Substance License. Delegated medical services must align with the PA’s expertise and the supervising physician’s expertise, and be defined within the collaborative agreement.
You can contact the State of Rhode Island Department of Health – Board of Physician Assistants directly with queries relating to licensing and scope of practice by using the contact details below:
Address: 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908
Phone: (401) 222-2268
Website: https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=237
PA Salary and Job Outlook Rhode Island
In 2024, Rhode Island employed 390 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $128,660, exceeding the national average by 2.63%. This equates to an hourly wage of $61.86, reflecting a notable 15.5% above the national average of $125,270. Amongst these professionals, the top 10% earned $162,910, while the bottom 10% earned $80,650.
Over the past five years (2018-2022), the average salary for Physician Assistants in Rhode Island experienced a notable increase, rising by $24,950 or 24%. In terms of employment, there was a substantial growth of 50%, with the number of professionals increasing from 260 to 390.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, indicating a positive trend in the profession’s demand and opportunities in Rhode Island.