To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Utah (UT) complete a two-year accredited PA program, requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Post-graduation, pass the national certification exam, and secure state licensure. Continuous education is mandatory for licensure maintenance, ensuring ongoing professional competence in the dynamic field of healthcare.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Utah.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Utah
Opting for an ARC-PA school in Utah ensures a high-quality education, meeting stringent certification standards. Accreditation validates the program’s commitment to excellence, enhancing the credibility of your qualifications.
In Utah, there are 4 accredited PA schools, with 2 holding full accreditation and 2 currently under provisional or probationary accreditation (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Utah | Salt Lake City | Yes | Program Page |
| Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions | Provo | Yes | Program Page |
| Utah Valley University | Orem | Yes* | Program Page |
| Weber State University | Ogden | Yes* | Program Page |
Please note: The majority of institutions commonly employ the online CASPA application process. It is imperative to verify application deadlines directly on the CASPA website to ensure the timely submission of required materials. Stay informed by consulting the official CASPA platform for accurate and up-to-date application timelines.
University of Utah Salt Lake City
- Address: 375 Chipeta Way, Suite A, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
- Phone: 801-581-7969
- Email: admissions@upap.utah.edu
Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah is a public university with a campus boasting a student enrollment of 35,310. The school offers on-campus accommodation, providing a convenient living option for students pursuing their education.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Utah is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2026. This 27-month program has a class size of 68 students and awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of August.
For in-state students, the total tuition and costs amount to $82,172.30. Non-residents who qualify for Utah residency after one year pay $102,319.40, while non-residents without Utah residency pay $122,466.50. Further information about the program can be found at https://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/physician-assistant-studies/program/prospective-students.
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo
- Address: 1800 S Novell Place, Provo, UT 84606
- Phone: 801.375.5125
- Email: admissions@rm.edu
Located in Provo, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions is a private institution with a student enrollment of 1455. The campus does not offer on-campus accommodation. The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at RMU is fully ARC-PA accredited until March 2029. This 28-month program has a class size of 36 students, and graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October.
The program’s mission is to educate competent physician assistants, emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered care. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or higher, a minimum 3.20 cumulative GPA (with a minimum 3.00 Science GPA), and at least 250 direct patient contact hours. The total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $119,358. For more details and application, visit the program’s URL: https://rm.edu/mpas/.
PA Certification and Licensing in Utah
Post-graduation from a PA program in Utah, aspiring Physician Assistants must undergo PANCE exams, typically administered at designated testing centers nationwide.
Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, affirming proficiency, and adherence to national standards. This sequential process ensures that PAs meet recognized competency benchmarks before entering the healthcare workforce, maintaining the quality and credibility of healthcare delivery in Utah.
Candidates should refer to official certification bodies for specific exam details and locations, advancing toward professional validation and licensure in the healthcare sector.
Scope of Practice and Licensing
The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
In Utah, PAs must work under collaborating physicians using practice-level policies. PAs may only provide services within their competence levels, including prescribing and administering Schedule II-V substances, contingent on having DEA registration and a Utah controlled substance license.
The Utah Dept of Commerce – Division of Professional Licensing governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Utah. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: Heber M. Wells Building, 160 East 300 South, P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Phone: (801) 530-6628
Website: https://dopl.utah.gov/physician-assistant/
PA Salary and Employment in Utah
In 2024, Utah employed 1,750 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $124,860, marking a marginal 0.33% difference below the national average of $125,270. This equates to an hourly wage of $60.03. Among these professionals, the top 10% earned $168,610, while the bottom 10% earned $96,010.
In the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Utah increased by $22,150, reflecting substantial growth of 22%. Simultaneously, employment experienced a noteworthy rise of 660 positions, marking a significant 61% increase.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a robust 27% growth in physician assistant employment between 2022 and 2032, indicating sustained demand and promising career opportunities in Utah.