How to Become a Physician Assistant in Alabama
To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Alabama you’ll need to earn a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Licensing is also mandatory for PAs in Alabama, as in every state.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Alabama.
Top Accredited PA Schools Alabama
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited school in Alabama is crucial for a high-quality PA education and eventual certification eligibility. In Alabama, 4 PA schools -2 of which hold full accreditation and 2 marked with provisional or probationary status, denoted by an asterisk*. Ensure your educational institution aligns with rigorous accreditation standards.
| School | City | ARC-PA | PAEA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham | Yes | Yes | Program Page |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile | Yes | Yes | Program Page |
| Samford University | Birmingham | Yes* | Yes | Program Page |
| Faulkner University | Montgomery | Yes* | Yes | Program Page |
Many educational institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is essential to verify the application deadlines on the CASPA website for each respective school.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – Birmingham, Alabama
- 1720 2nd Ave South Birmingham, AL 35294
- 205-934-4011
UAB, situated in Birmingham, Alabama, is a public university renowned for its diverse student population. It’s an ideal place to pursue your dream of becoming a physician assistant (PA), and there’s more to know.
UAB’s PA program is accredited by the ARC-PA, providing a quality education. With recent PA class sizes of around 60 students, you’ll find a supportive and engaging community to facilitate your learning journey.
It is also important to note that the university offers various housing options for students, including on-campus accommodation.
University of South Alabama (USA) – Mobile, Alabama
- 307 N University Blvd, Mobile, AL 36688, United States
- +1 251-460-6101
USA, located in Mobile, Alabama, is a public institution celebrated for its robust healthcare programs, including the Physician Assistant program. Here’s what you need to know.
USA’s PA program, accredited by the ARC-PA, combines classroom instruction with clinical experiences. When considering your options, it’s worth mentioning that the university typically admits around 45 students per year into the program. While they don’t provide on-campus accommodation, Mobile offers various housing solutions to suit your needs.
Choosing a PA Program in Alabama
Other important factors to consider when selecting a PA school include;
- What percentage of graduates are successful in becoming fully licensed Physician Assistants?
- How long does the program last or take to complete?
- How much of the course will be classroom-based, presented online, lab-based and work experience-based and how does this fit with your expectations?
- Does the School have good facilities and resources to support your studies?
- Does the School offer any financial assistance or scholarships?
- Does the School offer any assistance with securing employment?
PA Certification and License Requirements
After successfully graduating from an accredited physician assistant program, the next steps involve obtaining certification and licensing to practice in Alabama. Certification demonstrates your competence and readiness to provide high-quality healthcare services.
Certification is achieved by sitting the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), a multiple-choice exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). PANCE exams are available year-round at multiple testing centers conveniently located throughout Alabama.
Licensing
Once certified it is required by Alabama law that you obtain a license to work as a physician assistant there. The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
Physician assistants in Alabama must work within a close PA-physician supervision role, however, it is possible to alternate between physicians. They can prescribe, dispense, and administer Schedule III-V controlled substances, but require a special controlled substances license from the DEA to prescribe Schedule II drugs.
The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners defines the scope of practice and governs the licensing of physician assistants in Alabama. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 848 Washington Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Phone: (334) 242-4153
Website: www.albme.gov/licensing/
Physician Assistant Salary in Alabama
A career as a physician assistant offers great income potential and excellent job prospects with growth of 27% projected between 2022 and 2032. This is well above average within the healthcare industry and exceeds projected job growth across most other industries.
In 2024 the BLS reported that physician assistants in Alabama earned an average salary of $94,220 annually. This figure is 33% below the national average salary of $125,270. On an hourly basis, this translates to an average wage of $45.30. The top 10% of PAs in Alabama earned around $123,120, while the bottom 10% earned approximately $66,310.
There are currently 760 persons employed as physician assistants in Alabama.
Related Careers and Resources