To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in New Hampshire (NH) you must graduate from an accredited PA program, typically a two-year commitment. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Following graduation, passing a national certification exam and obtaining state licensure are required. Ongoing education and license renewal are essential to sustain your PA career.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, New Hampshire.
Accredited PA Schools in NH
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in New Hampshire is crucial. Accreditation ensures a high-quality PA education, crucial for your certification and career prospects.
In New Hampshire, there are 2 accredited PA schools, both fully accredited, offering the foundation for a successful path in this profession.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Pierce University | Rindge | Yes | Program Page |
| MCPHS University | Manchester | Yes | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA online application system. It is imperative to verify the application deadlines on the CASPA website to ensure timely submission.
Franklin Pierce University, Rindge
- 40 University Drive Rindge, NH 03461
- (603) 899-4000
Franklin Pierce University, situated in Rindge, is a private institution with 1,663 students, and it provides on-campus housing.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Franklin Pierce and has a duration of 27 months. Graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree upon completion.
For prospective students, it’s important to be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $115,000. Applications can be submitted through CASPA, with an application deadline set for November 1st.
MCPHS University, Manchester
- 1260 Elm Street Manchester, NH 03101
- (603) 314-1700
MCPHS University, situated in Manchester, is a private institution with a substantial enrollment of 6,824 students. The campus provides on-campus housing.
ARC-PA fully accredits MCPHS University’s Physician Assistant (PA) Program and has a duration of 25 months. The program maintains a class size of 125 students, and upon completion, graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree.
For those considering the program, it’s essential to be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $130,000. Aspiring students can apply through CASPA, and the application deadline is set for January 15th.
NH Certification and License Requirements
After graduation, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in New Hampshire must pursue national certification. This entails passing the PANCE. To be eligible for the PANCE, candidates must have completed an accredited PA program.
Certification is a prerequisite for state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet the national standards of competence and practice.
The PANCE is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States, allowing New Hampshire candidates to conveniently access the examination.
Licensing
Once you have become certified it is required by New Hampshire law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
The New Hampshire Board of Medicine governs the licensing and scope of practice of Physician Assistants in New Hampshire. As required by state regulations in New Hampshire PAs and supervising physicians must establish written job descriptions and agreements. Supervising physicians need to be accessible electronically but not necessarily on-site. PAs can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances as authorized by their supervising physicians within specified scopes of practice. They are not required to hold a separate controlled substances license.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: Office of Professional Licensure & Certification, 7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 271-2152
Website: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/applications-physician-assistant
PA Salary and Employment Outlook NH
In 2024, there were 940 individuals employed as Physician Assistants in New Hampshire, with an average salary of $136,200. This signifies an hourly wage of $65.48, representing an 8.02% increase above the national average of $125,270. The top 10% earned $165,540, while the bottom 10% earned $100,730.
Between 2018 and 2022 in New Hampshire, the average salary for physician assistants rose by $25,120, marking a substantial 23% increase. Concurrently, employment increased by 230, reflecting a significant 32% growth.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of physician assistants is projected to grow by 27% from 2022 to 2032, indicating a positive outlook for this profession in the coming decade.