To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in North Carolina (NC) you must complete an accredited PA program, usually lasting around two years. Prerequisites include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, passing the national certification exam and obtaining state licensure is necessary. Maintaining licensure requires ongoing education and renewal.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, North Carolina.
Top Accredited PA Schools in NC
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in North Carolina is crucial for high-quality PA education and certification eligibility.
North Carolina has 12 accredited PA schools, with 10 holding full accreditation and 2 currently on provisional or probationary accreditation (*)
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem | Yes | Program Page |
| Wingate University | Wingate | Yes | Program Page |
| Campbell University | Buies Creek | Yes | Program Page |
| Duke University Medical Center | Durham | Yes | Program Page |
| East Carolina University | Greenville | Yes | Program Page |
| Elon University | Elon | Yes | Program Page |
| Gardner Webb University | Boiling Springs | Yes | Program Page |
| High Point University | High Point | Yes | Program Page |
| Methodist University | Fayetteville | Yes | Program Page |
| University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill | Yes | Program Page |
| South College | Asheville | Yes* | Program Page |
| Pfeiffer University | Misenheimer | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions utilize the CASPA online application system. It is essential to verify application deadlines by visiting the CASPA website.
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem
- 1834 Wake Forest Dr, Winston-Salem, NC 27106
- +1 336-758-5000
Wake Forest University, situated in Winston-Salem, is a private institution with a substantial campus that accommodates 8,963 students. The university offers on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Wake Forest University holds full accreditation from ARC-PA. This program spans 24 months and maintains a class size of 88 students, with graduates receiving a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree upon completion.
Regarding costs, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $183k. The university accepts applications through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
Wingate University, Wingate
- 220 N Camden Rd, Wingate, NC 28174
- (704) 233-8000
Wingate University, situated in Wingate, is a private institution serving a student body of 3,396. The university offers on-campus housing options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Wingate University and has a duration of 27 months. Each PA class consists of 55 students, and upon successful completion, graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $83,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for January 15th.
Campbell University, Buies Creek
- 143 Main St, Buies Creek, NC 27506
- (910) 893-1200
Campbell University, located in Buies Creek, is a private institution with Christian religious affiliations. The university has a student population of 5,622 and offers on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Campbell University holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and has a program duration of 24 months. Each PA class consists of 54 students, and upon successful completion, students receive a Master of Physician Assistant Practice (MPAP) degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $105,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
Duke University Medical Center, Durham
- 10 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC 27710
- (919) 684-8111
Duke University Medical Center, located in Durham, is a private institution. The university features a sizable campus that can accommodate 17,620 students and provides on-campus housing options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Duke University Medical Center and has a program duration of 24 months. Each PA class comprises 90 students, and upon successful completion, students earn a Master of Physician Assistant degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $97,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
East Carolina University, Greenville
- East 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27858
- (252) 328-6131
East Carolina University, situated in Greenville, is a public institution that accommodates 27,151 students on its campus. The university provides various on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at East Carolina University is fully accredited by ARC-PA has a duration of 27 months and maintains a class size of 36 students. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
In terms of costs, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $54,000 for residents and surpass $100,000 for non-residents. Aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
Elon University, Elon
- 100 Campus Dr, Elon, NC 27244
- (336) 278-2000
Elon University, situated in Elon, is a private institution. The campus is home to 7,123 students and provides on-campus accommodation options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Elon University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and can be completed in 24 months. Each PA class consists of 38 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are conferred with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Regarding costs, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $110,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for November 1st.
Gardner Webb University, Boiling Springs
- 110 S Main St, Boiling Springs, NC 28017
- (704) 406-4000
Gardner-Webb University, located in Boiling Springs, is a private institution with Christian religious affiliations, and the campus is home to 3,441 students. The university provides on-campus housing options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Gardner-Webb University and has a program duration of 16 months. Graduates receive a Master of PA Studies degree upon completion.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $126,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for September 1st.
High Point University, High Point
- 833 Montlieu Ave, High Point, NC 27268
- (800) 345-6993
High Point University, located in High Point, is a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and accommodates 5,981 students on its campus. The university offers on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at High Point University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and features a 27-month program duration. Each PA class consists of 35 students, and upon successful completion, graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $119,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.
Methodist University, Fayetteville
- 5400 Ramsey St, Fayetteville, NC 28311
- (910) 630-7000
Methodist University, located in Fayetteville, is a private institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, hosting 1,811 students on its campus. The university also provides on-campus housing options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Methodist University and has a duration of 27 months. Each PA class typically includes 40 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are granted a Master of Medical Science degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $87,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for January 15th.
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- 100 Manning Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- (919) 962-2211
The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, a public college, welcomes a significant student body of 31,641 students and provides on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is fully accredited by ARC-PA and can be completed in 24 months. Upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Health Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
In terms of expenses, the tuition and fees for the PA program are over $62,000 for residents and over $102,000 for non-residents. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for October 1st.
NC Physician Assistant Certification and Licensing
After graduating from a PA program, aspiring Physician Assistants in North Carolina must complete the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)
They are administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). PANCE assesses their medical knowledge and clinical skills. Upon passing, they obtain the Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C) designation.
Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring PAs meet national standards and are qualified to practice safely. The exam is typically taken at designated testing centers, including those in North Carolina, offering a standardized evaluation of PA competence.
License Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and achieved certification it is required by North Carolina law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
In North Carolina, PAs and supervising physicians collaborate to define the PA’s scope of practice. PAs can perform services under continuous supervision, without requiring on-site physician presence. They may prescribe drugs, and controlled substances under a written supervisory agreement, with prescriptions for Schedule II and III medications limited to a 30-day supply. They are not required to hold a separate controlled substances license.
The North Carolina Medical Board governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in North Carolina. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: (919) 326.1100
Phone: (800) 253-9653
Website: https://www.ncmedboard.org/licensure/licensing/physician-assistants/full-application-pa
PA Salary and Employment Outlook NC
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, there were 7,150 Physician Assistants employed in North Carolina, earning an average salary of $119,830. This represents an hourly wage of $57.61 and is 4.54% below the national average of $125,270.
From 2018 to 2022, in North Carolina, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $15,150, representing a notable 14% rise. Concurrently, PA employment also surged by 43%, with 2,140 more PAs employed.
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a promising 27% growth in PA employment from 2022 to 2032, indicating a positive trend in the field.