To become a physician assistant (PA) in Kentucky (KY) you must first graduate from an accredited physician assistant program.
After graduating you will also need to sit the national certification examination for physician assistants before applying for your state license which will enable you to practice as a physician assistant in Kentucky.
Listed below are the top accredited physician assistant schools in Kentucky as well as guidelines on certification and licensing.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Kentucky for 2024
Selecting an ARC-PA in Kentucky is an important step for a prospective physician assistant student. Accreditation confirms that the curriculum, faculty, and resources meet established criteria, enhancing the overall educational experience. Graduating from an accredited institution is a prerequisite for certification and state licensing in Kentucky.
There are 4 accredited PA programs in Kentucky – 3 of which are fully accredited and 1 which is still under provisional or probationary accreditation, denoted by an asterisk (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | Lexington | Yes | Program Page |
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | Yes | Program Page |
| Sullivan University | Louisville | Yes | Program Page |
| University of the Cumberlands | Florence | Yes* | Program Page |
The entrance criteria for ARC-PA-accredited programs in Kentucky are often highly competitive. These requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree (not strictly limited to healthcare or science disciplines), prerequisite science courses, and a set minimum requirement of healthcare-related work experience. Admission requirements may vary, so prospective students should consult the program’s official website or contact their admissions office for comprehensive details.
Many institutions utilize the CASPA application system, so it is advisable to verify application deadlines on the CASPA website to ensure on-time submission.
University of Kentucky, Lexington
- College of Health Sciences Building, 900 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536
- (859) 323-1100
The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, offers an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program with a duration of 29 months. The campus, home to over 31,000 students, is relatively large and situated in a vibrant urban setting.
The PA program prepares students for a healthcare career, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic field. The program awards a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies and aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of around July 15th.
Tuition and fees for the entire program are over $58,000 for instate students and almost $128,000 for out-of-state students. On-campus accommodation is available.
University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg
- Address: 649 S 10th St, Williamsburg, KY 40769
- (606) 539-4372
The University of the Cumberlands, nestled in Williamsburg, is a private institution with a strong Christian affiliation. The campus has a student population of over 18,000 students and offers an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program spanning 27 months. This serene campus setting combines academic excellence with spiritual values.
Students seeking admission to the PA program can apply through CASPA, with a typical application deadline of around August 1st. Graduates of this program earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS), which equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a career in healthcare.
On-campus accommodation is available, and tuition and fees for the PA program can exceed $140,000.
If you’re considering the University of the Cumberlands for your PA studies, be sure to explore the school’s website for specific admission requirements and curriculum details to help guide your decision.
Sullivan University, Louisville
- College of Health Sciences, 2100 Gardiner Ln, Louisville, KY 40205
- (502) 413-8200
Sullivan University, located in Louisville, is a private institution offering an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program. With over 2,500 students, the campus is situated in an urban setting, providing a dynamic environment for learning.
The Physician Assistant program spans 24 months, leading to the award of a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a healthcare career, ensuring they are prepared to excel in this dynamic and rewarding field.
The university offers campus accommodation for students who require it. Tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $140,000.
Admission to the program is facilitated through CASPA, and the application deadline typically falls around July 15th.
Kentucky Physician Assistant License Requirements
After graduation from an accredited PA program in Kentucky, aspiring physician assistants must become certified to obtain state licensure. They can do so by taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The PANCE exam assesses their medical knowledge and clinical skills and ensures that PAs meet the national standards of competence and proficiency in their profession. Once passed, it allows them to use the “PA-C” designation.
PANCE is offered at Pearson VUE test centers throughout the year.
Licensure Requirements
Once you have achieved certification it is required by Kentucky law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure requires that all PA’s receive active and continuous physician supervision. PA practice scope is defined during Board application and therefore PA’s can only perform preapproved medical services. It’s important to note that in Kentucky, PAs are also not permitted to prescribe, administer, dispense, or procure Schedule II-V drugs or controlled substances without Board approval. They do not, however, require a separate Controlled Substances License.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 310 Whittington Parkway, Suite 1B, Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: (502) 429-7150
Website: https://kbml.ky.gov/ah/Pages/Physician-Assistant.aspx
PA Salary and Employment Outlook in Kentucky
In 2024, Kentucky employed 1,150 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $105,980. This equates to an hourly wage of $50.95 and is approximately 18.20% below the national average of $125,270. The top 10% earned of PA’s in Kentucky earned an average of $131,540, while the bottom 10% earned $74,570 per annum.
Between 2018 and 2022, the average salary for physician assistants in Kentucky increased by $14,970, representing a 16% rise. Over the same period, employment figures also showed a positive trend, with an 80-person increase, equivalent to a 7% growth.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics predicts a 27% increase nationwide in employment for physician assistants from 2022 to 2032, suggesting continued growth in this field.