To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Nevada (NV), one must complete a two-year accredited PA program, which typically mandates a bachelor’s degree and prior work experience. After graduation, it is imperative to pass a national certification exam and apply for a state license. Upon obtaining the license, PAs become eligible to practice medicine. Ensuring career sustainability involves the commitment to ongoing education and the obligatory renewal of the license.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Nevada.
Top Accredited PA Schools Nevada – 2024
Selecting an ARC-PA school in Nevada is crucial for quality education and certification eligibility. Accredited programs adhere to established standards, ensuring a rigorous curriculum and clinical training.
Nevada boasts 2 fully accredited PA schools, providing students with reputable options to pursue their careers as Physician Assistants.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touro University Nevada | Henderson | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Nevada | Reno | Yes | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA online application system. It is imperative to verify application deadlines via the CASPA platform.
Touro University Nevada, Henderson
- +1 702-777-8687
Touro University Nevada, situated in Henderson, is a private institution affiliated with the Jewish community. The campus accommodates a student body of 1,560.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Touro University and has a duration of 28 months. Graduates who complete the program are conferred with a Doctorate of Physician Assistant (DPA).
Applications for the program should be submitted through CASPA, and the application deadline typically falls around January 15th.
The total cost of tuition and fees for the Physician Assistant program at Touro University exceeds $111,000.
University of Nevada, Reno
- 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, United State
- +1 775-784-1110
Situated in Reno, the University of Nevada is a public institution with a sizable student body of 30,679 individuals.
The University’s Physician Assistant Program holds accreditation from ARC-PA and can be finished within 25 months. Successful graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon completion.
Prospective students can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September. The total tuition and fees for the entire program amount to over $95,000. On-campus accommodation options are available on the campus.
Nevada PA Certification and License Requirements
After graduating from a PA program in Nevada, aspiring PAs must obtain national certification to become eligible for state licensing. They can do so by taking the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
The PANCE exam assesses their medical knowledge and clinical skills
Testing centers for these exams are available in various locations across the United States, including Nevada.
Licensure and Scope of Practice
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and passed the certification exams it is required by Nevada law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
The Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners licenses PAs and requires adequate supervision by supervising physicians. Monthly oversight meetings are mandatory to ensure quality care. PAs must work within their competence level and the physician’s scope of practice. They can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances, following jointly developed written guidelines. PAs also need an additional Controlled Substance License for this privilege.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 9600 Gateway Drive, Reno, NV 89521
Phone: (775) 688-2559
Website: https://medboard.nv.gov/Licensees/Apply_for_Licensure/
PA Salary and Employment in Nevada
In 2024, there were 1,260 Physician Assistants employed in Nevada, earning an average salary of $141,360, reflecting an 11.38% difference from the national average of $125,270. This translates to an hourly wage of $67.96, exceeding the national average by over 25%. Among them, the top 10% earned $176,120, while the bottom 10% made $64,730.
Over the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Nevada increased by $24,510, marking a notable 21% rise. In terms of employment, there was a substantial 94% increase, with 610 more PA positions added in the same timeframe.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates continued growth in this field, projecting a 27% increase in employment for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032.