To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Washington (WA) complete a two-year accredited PA program, requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, passing the national certification exam and obtaining state licensure are imperative steps for practice. 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, Washington.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Washington – 2024
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited PA school in Washington ensures a high-quality education, meeting stringent certification standards. Accreditation affirms the program’s commitment to excellence, enhancing the credibility of your qualifications.
In Washington, there are 2 accredited PA schools, – 1 of which holds full accreditation and 1 currently under provisional or probationary accreditation (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | D.C | Yes | Program Page |
| Howard University | D.C | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions commonly employ the online CASPA application method. 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.
George Washington University, D.C
- Address: Ross Hall, 2300 Eye Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
- Phone: (202) 994-7644
- Email: medadmit@gwu.edu, paadm@gwu.edu
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., George Washington University is a private institution with a student enrollment of 11,000 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive educational experience.
The Physician Assistant Program at George Washington University is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2033. The program spans 24 months, with a class size of 70 students. The traditional graduate-level PA Program Curriculum offers the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) degree, whereas the joint degree program awards both the PA and Master of Public Health (MSHS/MPH) degrees.
Total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $99,168. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October. For more details, visit the Program Page https://physicianassistant.smhs.gwu.edu/.
PA Certification and Licensing Washington
Post-graduation from a PA program in Washington, aspiring Physician Assistants must undergo the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), generally administered at designated testing centers nationwide.
Certification serves as a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring PAs meet nationally recognized standards of competence before entering the workforce. This sequential process safeguards the quality and integrity of healthcare services provided by PAs in Washington.
Aspiring professionals should refer to official certification bodies for specific exam details and locations, progressing toward professional validation and licensure in the healthcare sector.
Licensing and Scope of Practice
Licensing for PAs is mandatory in all states however PA’s scope of practice can vary from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
In Washington, PAs and supervising physicians are required to establish a delegation agreement that outlines the PA’s supervision, scope of practice, and permitted procedures. PAs in Washington can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances if allowed within their agreed-upon scope of practice. They are not required to have a Controlled Substance License.
The Washington State Dept of Health – Medical Commission governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Washington. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: PO Box 47866, Olympia, WA 98504-7866
Phone: (360) 236-2750
Website: https://wmc.wa.gov/licensing/applications-and-forms/physician-assistant-application
PA Salary and Job Outlook Washington
In 2024, Washington employed 3,040 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $145,390, marking a notable 13.84% difference above the national average of $125,270. This translates to an hourly wage of $69.90. Among these professionals, the top 10% earned $175,070, while the bottom 10% earned $111,810.
In the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Washington increased by $21,410, reflecting a significant growth of 17%. Concurrently, employment experienced a notable rise of 570 positions, marking an impressive 23% 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 prospects in Washington.