Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in Massachusetts (MA) involves completing a two-year accredited PA program, requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, you’ll need to pass a national certification exam and secure state licensure for practice. Ongoing education and license renewal are essential for maintaining your PA career in the state.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Massachusetts.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Massachusetts
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in Massachusetts is crucial for several reasons. These programs offer a higher quality of education and meet the certification requirements necessary for PA practice.
Massachusetts boasts 8 accredited PA schools, all of which maintain full accreditation status.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Path University | Longmeadow | Yes | Program Page |
| Boston University School of Medicine PA Program | Boston | Yes | Program Page |
| MCPHS University | Boston | Yes | Program Page |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | Boston | Yes | Program Page |
| Northeastern University | Boston | Yes | Program Page |
| Springfield College | Springfield | Yes | Program Page |
| Tufts University | Medford | Yes | Program Page |
| Westfield State University | Westfield | Yes | Program Page |
The majority of educational institutions employ the CASPA online application system. Therefore, it is essential to verify the application deadlines on the CASPA website to ensure timely submission.
Bay Path University, Longmeadow
- 588 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA 01106
- (413) 565-1066
Bay Path University, located in Longmeadow, is a private institution with an enrollment of 2,745 students. It boasts a welcoming campus that offers on-campus accommodations.
The Physician Assistant Program at Bay Path University is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This comprehensive program spans 24 months and maintains small class sizes with a maximum of 30 students. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary for their profession.
The program comes with tuition and fees exceeding $112,770. Bay Path University participates in the CASPA application process, with an application deadline set for December 1st.
Boston University School of Medicine PA Program, Boston
- 72 East Concord Street, L-Building, Boston, MA 02118
- (617) 358-3535
Located in Boston, the Boston University School of Medicine is a public college with a substantial student body of 36,714 and offers on-campus accommodation options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at this institution and has a duration of 28 months. Each PA class comprises 36 students, and upon successful completion, graduates receive a Master of Science degree.
The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $130,000. Boston University School of Medicine participates in the CASPA application process, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
MCPHS University, Boston
- 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- (617) 732-2801
MCPHS University, located in Boston, is a private college that accommodates approximately 6,824 students and offers on-campus housing options.
ARC-PA fully accredits its Physician Assistant (PA) Program and has a duration of 24 months, with each PA class enrolling 36 students. Graduates of the program are awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) upon successful completion.
The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $130,000. MCPHS University takes part in the CASPA application process, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston
- 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129
- (617) 726-8093
The MGH Institute of Health Professions, situated in Boston, is a private college with an enrollment of approximately 1,353 students.
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at this institution is fully accredited by ARC-PA. Each class enrolls 30-35 students and completes the program in 25 months. Graduates of the program are awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree, equipping them with the knowledge to excel in this dynamic field.
The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $111,000. MGH Institute of Health Professions participates in the CASPA application process, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
Northeastern University, Boston
- 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- (617) 373-1003
Northeastern University, situated in Boston, is a private college with a substantial student body of 28,167. The campus offers on-campus housing options for its students.
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and admits 40 students in each class. The program has a duration of 24 months, and upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $111,000. Northeastern University participates in the CASPA application process, with an application deadline set for August 1st.
Springfield College, Springfield
- 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA 01109
- (413) 748-3776
Springfield College, located in Springfield, is a private college with an enrollment of 2,921 students. The campus offers on-campus housing, although it is not mandatory.
Their Physician Assistant (PA) Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and admits 35 students in each class. The program spans 27 months, and graduates are awarded a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies upon successful completion.
The total tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $174,000. It’s important to note that Springfield College does not participate in the CASPA application process, and prospective students should be aware of this difference in the application procedure.
Tufts University, Medford
- 419 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA 02155
- (617) 627-3170
Tufts University, situated in Medford, is a private institution with a student body of 13,293. The university has Christian religious affiliations and provides on-campus housing options.
Their Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and has a duration of 25 months, admitting a class of 50 students. Graduates are awarded a Master of Medical Science degree. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of August 1st.
The total tuition and fees for the program exceed $110,000.
Westfield State University, Westfield
- 333 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085
- (413) 572-8033
Westfield State University, located in Westfield, is a public college. The campus has a student population of over 5,795 students and offers an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program spanning 24 months.
Upon completing the program, graduates are conferred with an M.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of August 1st.
Tuition and fees for the program exceed $106,000, and there are on-campus accommodation options available.
Massachusetts PA Certification and Licensing
After graduation, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in Massachusetts must meet the prerequisites for certification exams. To take these exams, candidates must have completed a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA.
Certification is a crucial step before obtaining state licensing, as it ensures that PAs have met the national standards for their profession.
These exams, typically the PANCE, can be taken at designated testing centers across the country. Successful completion of these exams is a pivotal milestone in the path to becoming a licensed PA.
Licensing Requirements
All States also require Physician Assistants to become licensed however licensing requirements and PA scope of practice can vary from state to state.
In Massachusetts, the Board of Registration of Physician Assistants requires that all PAs operate under the supervision of a physician. PAs can offer services within their scope and competence but only under this supervision. Notably, PAs can administer, prescribe, and procure medications and Schedule II-V controlled substances but must develop and agree upon written guidelines with their supervising physician. Additionally, PAs in Massachusetts must obtain an additional Controlled Substance License to handle these substances.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (800) 414-0168
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-of-physician-assistants
Physician Assistant Salary in Massachusetts
In 2024, there were 3,300 individuals employed as Physician Assistants in Massachusetts, earning an average salary of $131,920. This equates to an hourly wage of $63.43, which is 5.04% higher than the national average of $125,270. The top 10% earned $177,800, while the bottom 10% earned $90,350.
Between 2018 and 2022, Massachusetts saw a notable increase in the average salary for Physician Assistants, rising by $23,220, reflecting a 21% growth. However, in terms of employment, there was a decrease of 420 positions, which signifies an 11% decline.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a substantial 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, indicative of promising career prospects in the coming decade.