To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Nebraska (NE) one should begin by completing an accredited PA program, a standard duration of about two years. Prerequisites generally encompass a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, achieving certification through a national exam and obtaining state licensure is necessary for practice.
Ongoing education and periodic renewal are mandatory to sustain licensure, ensuring a well-regulated and proficient PA career in Nebraska.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Nebraska.
Top Accredited PA Schools Nebraska – 2023
Selecting an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) school in Nebraska is crucial for ensuring a high-quality Physician Assistant (PA) education. Accreditation guarantees that the program meets rigorous standards, preparing students for certification.
In Nebraska, 4 accredited PA schools exist, -3 of which are fully accredited and 1 provisionally accredited (*), emphasizing the need for careful school selection.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha | Yes | Program Page |
| College of Saint Mary | Omaha | Yes | Program Page |
| Union College | Lincoln | Yes | Program Page |
| Creighton University | Omaha | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA online application procedure, hence it is essential to verify application deadlines on the official CASPA website.
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
- 42nd and, Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
- +1 402-559-4000
ARC-PA fully accredits its Physician Assistant Program and lasts for 28 months. Each class consists of 66 students, and graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon successful completion.
In terms of costs, residents will find tuition and fees exceeding $60,000, while non-residents face expenses exceeding $132,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, and the application deadline is September 1st.
College of Saint Mary, Omaha
- 7000 Mercy Rd, Omaha, NE 68106, United States
- +1 402-399-2400
The College of Saint Mary, situated in Omaha, is a private college with catholic religious affiliations. The campus houses 857 students and mandates on-campus housing for their first six semesters.
The College of Saint Mary offers an accredited 24-month Physician Assistant program. Each class is limited to 40 students, and upon completion, graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree.
It’s important to note that the PA Program’s tuition and fees exceed $87,000. Aspiring students can submit their applications through CASPA, with a deadline of December 1st.
Union College, Lincoln
- 3800 S 48th St, Lincoln, NE 68506, United States
- +1 402-486-2600
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at this college and spans 24 months. Each class is limited to 40 students, and graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) degree upon completion.
Prospective students can submit their applications through CASPA, with a deadline of December 1st. It’s important to note that the PA Program’s tuition and fees exceed $87,000.
Nebraska PA Certification and Licensing
After graduating from a PA program in Nebraska, aspiring PAs must complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). PANCE assesses medical knowledge and clinical skills.
To obtain a license in Nebraska, passing the PANCE is essential, as it demonstrates competency and ensures public safety.
PANCE exams are computer-based and can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers across the country, including those in Nebraska.
License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and achieved certification it is required by Nebraska law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
The Nebraska Board of Medicine and Surgery and the Department of Health and Human Services oversee supervision agreements between PAs and physicians. PAs and physicians define the PA’s scope of practice within these agreements, with supervising physicians retaining legal responsibility. PAs can prescribe Schedule II-V drugs and perform delegated medical duties within their competence level and agreed scope of practice. PAs in Nebraska do not need a separate controlled substances license.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: DHHS Licensure Unit, Attn: Physician Assistants, PO Box 94986, Lincoln NE 68509-4986
Phone: (402) 471-2118
Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Physician-Assistant.aspx
PA Salary and Employment in Nebraska
In 2023, there were 1,410 persons employed as Physician Assistants in Nebraska, with an average salary of $120,740. This represents an hourly wage of $58.05 and is 3.75% below the national average of $125,270.
Over the five years from 2018 to 2022, the salary for Physician Assistants in Nebraska increased by $14,040, reflecting a 13% growth. In terms of employment, there was a notable rise of 220 positions, marking an 18% increase.
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a substantial 27% employment growth for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032, indicating promising opportunities in the field.