To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Missouri (MO) enroll in an accredited PA program, typically lasting two years, and meet prerequisite requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Following program completion, pass the national certification exam and secure state licensure. Ongoing education and licensure renewal are essential for a PA career in Missouri.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Missouri.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Missouri
Selecting an ARC-PA accredited school in Missouri is crucial as it ensures a high-quality education, a prerequisite for national certification.
Missouri offers 5 accredited PA programs, with 4 fully accredited, while one holds provisional or probationary accreditation* – emphasizing the significance of choosing an accredited institution for a solid foundation in this profession.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | Springfield | Yes | Program Page |
| Saint Louis University | Saint Louis | Yes | Program Page |
| Stephens College | Columbia | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Missouri | Kansas City | Yes | Program Page |
| Drury University | Springfield | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA web-based application procedure, hence, it is imperative to verify submission deadlines directly on the CASPA official site.
Missouri State University, Springfield
- Missouri State University, Carrington Hall 304, 901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897
- (417) 836-6782
Missouri State University, situated in Springfield, is a public institution. The campus is of moderate size and provides on-campus housing options for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at Missouri State University holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and has a duration of 24 months. Upon completion, graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
Prospective students should be aware that the program’s tuition and fees exceed $90,000. Interested students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for July 15th.
Saint Louis University, Saint Louis
- 1402 S. Grand Boulevard, M261, St. Louis, MO 63104
- (314) 977-9813
Saint Louis University, located in Saint Louis, is a private institution with catholic and Jesuit religious affiliations, and it provides on-campus housing options for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at Saint Louis University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months. The program maintains a relatively moderate class size, admitting 46 students each year. Graduates of the program are conferred a Master of Medical Science (M.M.S.) degree.
It’s important to be aware that the tuition and fees for this program exceed $97,000. Aspiring PAs can apply through CASPA, and the application deadline is set for November 1st.
Stephens College, Columbia
- 1306 E. Walnut Street, Columbia, MO 65201
- (573) 876-7105
Stephens College, situated in Columbia, is a private college with a student enrollment of 590 and provides on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant program at Stephens College is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This program spans 27 months and maintains a small class size, admitting approximately 30 students per class. Graduates of this program are awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program uses CASPA for applications, with an application deadline set for October 1st.
In terms of costs, tuition and fees for the PA program at Stephens College amount to over $158,000. Aspiring students can apply to the program through CASPA to begin their journey toward becoming skilled physician assistants.
University of Missouri, Kansas City
- 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
- (816) 235-1870
The University of Missouri in Kansas City is a public institution with a vast enrollment of 30,667 students. It provides on-campus accommodations.
The Physician Assistant Program at this university is fully accredited by ARC-PA, spanning a 24-month duration and admitting 20 students per class. Graduates of this program are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Tuition and fees for in-state residents amount to over $60,000, while out-of-state students pay over $100,000, and international students incur a cost exceeding $116,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for August 1st.
Missouri PA Certification and License Requirements
After graduation, aspiring PAs in Missouri must meet the prerequisites for national certification exams, which typically include successful completion of an accredited PA program. National certification is a mandatory step before obtaining state licensure.
They can do so by taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination which is usually administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and can be taken at designated testing centers across the state. Passing these exams demonstrates the candidate’s competence and knowledge, ensuring that they meet the required standards for safe and effective medical practice.
Licensing and Scope of Practice
All states require PAs to become licensed however licensing requirements and PA scope of practice can vary from state to state.
Supervision between physicians and PAs in Missouri is regulated through a jointly agreed-upon written agreement, allowing PAs to administer, dispense, and prescribe Schedule III-V drugs within their training and competence. However, for certain Schedule II drugs, PAs can only prescribe a 5-day supply with a Controlled Substance License. All delegated healthcare services must align with both the PA’s and physician’s scopes of practice.
The Missouri Division of Professional Registration – Advisory Commission for Physician Assistants governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Missouri. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1335
Phone: 573.751.0293
Website: https://pr.mo.gov/physicianassistants.asp
PA Salary and Employment in Missouri
A career as a Physician Assistant offers great income potential and excellent job prospects with growth of 23.6% projected between 2014 and 2024. This is well above average within the healthcare industry and vastly exceeds projected job growth across all other industries.
In 2024, Missouri reported 1,100 Physician Assistants, earning an average salary of $111,610, resulting in an hourly wage of $53.66. This indicates a 12.24% deviation from the national average of $125,270. The top 10% earned $149,500, while the bottom 10% earned $81,360.
Between 2018 and 2022, Missouri’s average physician assistant salary increased by $17,130, marking an 18% growth. In terms of employment, there was a net gain of 30 jobs, representing a 3% increase over the same five-year period.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a promising 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, indicating strong prospects for this profession in the coming years.