Aspiring Physician Assistants (PA) in Connecticut (CT) should begin by enrolling in an accredited PA program, which is typically a two-year commitment. Before admission, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Upon program completion, passing a national certification exam is mandatory. Subsequently, securing state licensure is necessary to practice as a PA in Connecticut. To maintain your license, ongoing education, and renewal are obligatory.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, Connecticut.
Accredited PA Schools in Connecticut
There are 6 accredited PA schools in Connecticut – 5 holding full accreditation and 1 currently under provisional or probationary status, denoted by an asterisk*.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden | Yes | Program Page |
| Sacred Heart University | Fairfield | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford | Yes | Program Page |
| Yale University Physician Associate Program | New Haven | Yes | Program Page |
| Yale University Physician Assistant Online Program | New Haven | Yes* | Program Page |
Accreditation ensures a high standard of education, increasing the likelihood of certification success.
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA web-based application system. It is imperative to verify the pertinent application deadlines on the official CASPA website.
- Hamden, Connecticut
- (203) 582-8200
Quinnipiac University, located in Hamden, is a private institution. The campus is home to approximately 9,000 students and provides on-campus accommodation options.
The university offers an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program with a comprehensive 27-month curriculum. Graduates earn a Master of Health Science degree upon completion.
The program’s tuition and fees exceed $130,000, and applicants can submit their applications through CASPA, with a deadline set for September 1st.
Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- (203) 371-7999
Sacred Heart University, situated in Fairfield, is a private institution with catholic religious affiliations. The school has a student body of over 9,785 and provides on-campus accommodation, although it’s not mandatory for freshmen.
The Physician Assistant program at Sacred Heart University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans a 27-month duration. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Tuition and fees for the program exceed $114,000, and prospective students can use CASPA to submit their applications, with a deadline set for September 1st.
University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
- 126 Park Avenue Bridgeport, Connecticut
- (203) 576-4552
The University of Bridgeport is a private institution located in Bridgeport. The campus is home to around 3,988 students and provides on-campus accommodation for those who prefer it.
The University’s Physician Assistant program holds full ARC-PA accreditation and spans 28 months. Graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant degree upon completion.
The total tuition and fees for the program exceed $110,000. Aspiring PAs can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for August 1st.
University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford
- West Hartford, Connecticut
- (860) 231-5000
Located in West Hartford, the University of Saint Joseph is a private institution with catholic religious affiliations. Its moderate-sized campus accommodates approximately 7,861 students and offers on-campus housing.
The University of Saint Joseph’s PA program is accredited by ARC-PA and admits approximately 14 students each year. The program takes 28 months to complete and awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree upon successful completion.
The total tuition and fees for the program exceed $120,000. Prospective Physician Assistants can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.
Yale University Physician Associate Program, New Haven
- New Haven, Connecticut
- (203) 785-2867
Yale University, situated in New Haven, is a prestigious public institution with a diverse student body of approximately 1,029. Yale University also provides on-campus accommodation.
Yale University offers an accredited 28-month Physician Assistant program. This program maintains a larger class size, accommodating around 40 students. Graduates earn a Master of Medical Science degree.
The total tuition and fees for the program exceed $118,000. Aspiring Physician Assistants can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
Connecticut PA Certification and Licensure
After graduating from a PA program, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in Connecticut must take national certification exams.
These exams assess their competence in the field. In Connecticut, candidates can take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The exam is available at designated testing centers throughout the state.
Licensing Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Connecticut law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
PAs in Connecticut must practice under active physician supervision. The level of supervision is decided on-site by the physician and PA. At the physician’s discretion, PAs can take on tasks when their ability aligns with medical practice standards. They can only prescribe, administer, dispense, and procure drugs and controlled Schedule II-V substances with physician supervision and delegation. PAs in Connecticut do need to obtain a Controlled Substances License.
The Department of Public Health – PA Licensing department governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Connecticut. You can contact them directly using the contact details below:
Address: PA Licensing, 410 Capitol Ave., PO Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134,
Phone: (860) 509-7603
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/
Physician Assistant Salary in Connecticut
In 2024, there were 2,820 Physician Assistants employed in Connecticut, with an average salary of $143,280. This represents an hourly wage of $68.89, which is 12.57% higher than the national average of $125,270.
Between 2018 and 2022, Connecticut witnessed significant changes in the Physician Assistant profession. The average salary increased by $17,670, marking a 14% growth. In terms of employment, there was a notable rise of 520 positions, representing a 23% increase over the same five-year period.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a robust 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, indicating a promising outlook for the profession.