To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Mississippi (MS) complete an accredited PA program, usually lasting around two years, and meet program prerequisites, including a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduating, pass the national certification exam and secure state licensure for practice. Regularly participate in continuous education and licensure renewal to maintain your eligibility.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Mississippi.
Accredited Physician Assistant Schools in Mississippi
Choosing an ARC-PA PA program in Mississippi is crucial for quality education and certification eligibility. It ensures that you receive comprehensive training and meet the requirements for certification.
Mississippi has 2 accredited PA schools -1 of which is fully accredited and 1 under provisional accreditation, indicated by an asterisk (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi College | Clinton | Yes | Program Page |
| Mississippi State University | Meridian | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA online application system. It is important to verify application deadlines on the CASPA website for each respective school.
Mississippi College, Clinton
- 200 South Capitol Street Clinton, MS 39058 USA
- (601) 925-7157
Mississippi College, situated in Clinton, is a private institution with religious affiliations to the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The campus provides housing options for its students.
Mississippi College’s Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA. It spans 30 months and admits 36 students per class, ultimately awarding a Master of Science in Medicine (MSM) degree upon completion.
It’s important to note that the program’s tuition and fees exceed $97,000. Aspiring Physician Assistants can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline of January 15th.
PA Certification and Licensing Requirements
After graduating from an accredited physician assistant program, aspiring PAs in Mississippi must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This exam evaluates their medical knowledge and skills.
To take the PANCE, candidates must apply and meet eligibility requirements, which typically include completing the accredited program. Certification is a prerequisite for state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet national standards of competence.
The PANCE can be taken at various testing centers across the United States, and candidates can find detailed information and register on the NCCPA’s website.
Licensing
All States also require Physician Assistants to become licensed however scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
In Mississippi, the State Board of Medical Licensure must approve the supervision arrangements between a PA and their supervising physician. PAs must operate within their scope of training, skills, and delegated responsibilities. They can prescribe, administer, dispense, and procure Schedule II-V substances as long as the responsibility has been preapproved by the Board and delegated by their supervising physician. PAs in Mississippi are not required to obtain a separate Controlled Substances License.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 1867 Crane Ridge Drive, Suite 200B, Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 987-3079
Website: https://www.msbml.ms.gov/
PA Salary and Employment in Mississippi
In 2024, there were 360 persons employed as Physician Assistants in Mississippi with an average salary of $51,040. This represents an hourly wage of $24.54 and is 48.6% below the national average of $99,270. Over the past five years, employment in the field has increased by 80%.
Between 2018 and 2022, the salary for physician assistants in Mississippi decreased by $3,840, marking a 5% decline. In terms of employment, there was a substantial 80% increase, with the number of physician assistants rising from 200 in 2018 to 360 in 2022.
It’s worth noting that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 27% growth in employment for physician assistants from 2022 to 2032, indicating positive prospects for this profession in the coming years.