To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Pennsylvania (PA) you must first, complete a two-year accredited PA program. Prerequisites typically include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, passing the national certification exam is essential. A state license is also required to practice in Pennsylvania.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Pennsylvania.
Accredited PA Schools in Pennsylvania
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited school in Pennsylvania is crucial for both the quality of education and the certification path. Accreditation ensures adherence to established standards, promoting excellence in training.
There are 29 accredited PA school – 22 of which are fully accredited and 7 of which is still under provisional or probationary accreditation, denoted by an asterisk (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Haven University | Lock Haven | Yes | Program Page |
| Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | Philadelphia | Yes | Program Page |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia | Yes | Program Page |
| Misericordia University | Dallas | Yes | Program Page |
| Arcadia University | Glenside | Yes | Program Page |
| Chatham University | Pittsburgh | Yes | Program Page |
| DeSales University | Center Valley | Yes | Program Page |
| Drexel University | Philadelphia | Yes | Program Page |
| Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Yes | Program Page |
| Gannon University | Erie | Yes | Program Page |
| King’s College | Wilkes-Barre | Yes | Program Page |
| Marywood University | Scranton | Yes | Program Page |
| Mercyhurst University | Erie | Yes | Program Page |
| Penn State University | University Park | Yes | Program Page |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport | Yes | Program Page |
| Saint Francis University | Loretto | Yes | Program Page |
| Salus University | Elkins Park | Yes | Program Page |
| Seton Hill University | Greensburg | Yes | Program Page |
| Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock | Yes | Program Page |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine | Philadelphia | Yes | Program Page |
| Thomas Jefferson University | Philadelphia | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Yes | Program Page |
| Saint Joseph’s University | Philadelphia | Yes* | - |
| Carlow University | Pittsburgh | Yes* | Program Page |
| Delaware Valley University | Doylestown | Yes* | Program Page |
| Elizabethtown College | Elizabethtown | Yes* | Program Page |
| Thiel College | Greenville | Yes* | Program Page |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Yes* | Program Page |
| West Chester University | West Chester | Yes* | Program Page |
Admission requirements may vary, so prospective students should consult the program’s official website or contact their admissions office for comprehensive details.
Please note: The majority of schools use the CASPA application system so please double check application deadlines on the CASPA website.
Lock Haven University, Lock Haven
- Lock Haven, PA
- +1 570-484-2027
Lock Haven University is a public institution located in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. It boasts a moderately sized campus and provides on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Lock Haven University is fully accredited by ARC-PA. The program spans 24 months and typically enrolls a class of 36 students, leading to the attainment of a Master of Health Science degree upon graduation.
Prospective students should be aware that the CASPA application deadline for admission is typically on or around December 1st. Tuition costs differ for in-state and out-of-state students, with in-state students facing a total tuition expense of over $80,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $100,000.
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia
- 4170 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
- (215) 871-6100
The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Philadelphia, is a private institution with a student body consisting of 3,036 individuals.
The Physician Assistant Program at this institution holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and has a duration of 26 months. Successful completion of the program leads to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.
For those interested in this program, the total cost of tuition and fees exceeds $113,000. To apply, prospective students can utilize the CASPA application platform, with the application deadline set for December 1st.
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
- 4201 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- (215) 951-2800
Thomas Jefferson University is a private institution in Philadelphia with a student population of 8,270, The school offers on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Thomas Jefferson University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and will take 27 months to complete. It features relatively small class sizes of approximately 40 students with graduates earning a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies upon completion.
For those considering this program, the total cost of tuition and fees exceeds $52,000. Applicants can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1st.
Misericordia University, Dallas
- 301 Lake St, Dallas, PA 18612
- (570) 674-6400
Nestled in Dallas, Misericordia University is a private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and has a student body of 2,242. The campus offers on-site accommodation options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Misericordia University and spans 25 months, with a class size tailored for optimal learning. Graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.
The program comes with tuition and fees exceeding $105,000. Aspiring PAs can utilize CASPA for application, with a deadline set for March 1.
Arcadia University, Glenside
- 450 S Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 19038
- (215) 572-2900
Arcadia University, located in Glenside, is a private institution with religious affiliations and a student population of 3,026. The campus offers on-campus accommodation options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at Arcadia University and spans 24 months, with a class size of 105. Graduates earn a Master’s degree in Medical Science.
Tuition and fees for the program exceed $96,000, and prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1.
Chatham University, Pittsburgh
- Woodland Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
- (412) 365-1100
Chatham University is a private institution Located in Pittsburgh and a student population of 2,387. The campus provides on-campus accommodation options for graduate students based on availability.
ARC-PA fully accredits Chatham University’s Physician Assistant Program and spans 24 months, with a class size of 80. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
The program comes with tuition and fees exceeding $122,000, and prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1.
DeSales University Center Valley
- 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 18034
- (610) 282-1100
DeSales University, nestled in Center Valley, is a private institution with religious affiliations and a student body of 3,101. While campus accommodation is available, it’s not mandatory for freshmen.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at DeSales University and spans 24 months, with a class size of 99. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Tuition and fees vary based on residency, with resident students paying over $65,000, commuters over $55,000, and off-campus students around $62,000. Aspiring PAs can apply via CASPA, with an application deadline of December 1.
Drexel University, Philadelphia
- 245 N 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- (215) 895-2000
DeSales University, nestled in Center Valley, is a private institution with religious affiliations and a student body of 3,101. While campus accommodation is available, it’s not mandatory for freshmen.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant Program at DeSales University and spans 24 months, with a class size of 99. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Tuition and fees vary based on residency, with resident students paying over $65,000, commuters over $55,000, and off-campus students around $62,000. Aspiring PAs can apply via CASPA, with an application deadline of December 1.
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh
- 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
- (412) 396-6000
Duquesne University, situated in Pittsburgh, is a private institution with religious affiliations, accommodating 8,107 students.
The Physician Assistant Program at Duquesne University is fully accredited by ARC-PA, spanning 24 months. Graduates earn a bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Tuition and fees for the program exceed $110,000.The campus offers on-campus housing.
Gannon University, Erie
- 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541
- (814) 871-7000
Gannon University, located in Erie, is a private institution with religious affiliations, with a student population of 4,665. The campus provides on-campus accommodation options.
The Physician Assistant Program at Gannon University is fully accredited by ARC-PA, spanning 24 months. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree.
Tuition and fees for the program exceed $110,000. Applicants can utilize CASPA for submission, with an application deadline set for December 1.
King’s College, Wilkes-Barre
- 133 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
- (888) KINGSPA (546-4772)
Located in Wilkes-Barre, King’s College is a private institution with affiliations to religious organizations. The campus accommodates approximately 1,993 students and offers on-campus housing.
The Physician Assistant Program at King’s College holds full ARC-PA accreditation. This program can be completed in 24 months and has a class size of 18 students. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree.
The tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $96,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1st.
Marywood University, Scranton
- 2300 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA 18509
- (570) 348-6211
Located in Scranton, Marywood University is a private institution with religious affiliations. The campus caters to a student body of 2,729 and offers on-campus housing, although it’s not obligatory for freshmen.
Marywood University’s Physician Assistant Program is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This program spans 24 months in duration and maintains a class size of 43 students. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Science degree.
The cost of tuition and fees in the PA Program exceeds $70,000. Prospective students can submit their applications through CASPA, with an application deadline of October 1st.
Mercyhurst University, Erie
- 501 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16546
- (800) 825-1926
Mercyhurst University, located in Erie, is a private institution affiliated with a religious organization. The campus accommodates approximately 3,041 students and offers on-campus housing.
The Physician Assistant Program at Mercyhurst University is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This program can be completed in 24 months. Graduates are awarded a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
The cost of tuition and fees in the PA Program exceeds $111,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline of December 1st.
Penn State University, University Park
- University Park, PA 16802
- +1 814-865-4700
Penn State University, located in University Park, is a public college with a substantial student population of 88,914. The campus offers on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant program at Penn State is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This 24-month program accommodates 30 students, leading to the award of a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
For those considering the program, it’s important to note that the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $134,000. Applicants can utilize the CASPA system, with an application deadline of around January 15th.
Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport
- 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701
- (570) 326-3761
Pennsylvania College of TechnologyLocated in Williamsport is a public college. The campus is moderate in size, accommodating 4,240 students and offering on-campus accommodation.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by ARC-PA. This 24-month program offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon completion.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $70,000. Aspiring students can use CASPA for their applications, with an application deadline of around January 15th.
Saint Francis University, Loretto
- 117 Evergreen Dr, Loretto, PA 15940
- (814) 472-3000
Saint Francis University in Loretto is a private college with religious affiliations. The campus serves 3,034 students and offers on-campus accommodation, although it’s not mandatory for freshmen.
Their Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months in duration. Each class accommodates 40 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a master’s degree in physician assistant science.
Prospective students should be aware that the PA program’s tuition and fees exceed $70,000. The program utilizes CASPA for applications, with an application deadline set around October 1st.
Salus University, Elkins Park
- 8360 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027
- (215) 780-1400
Salus University, located in Elkins Park, is a private college. The campus is home to 1,165 students and offers on-campus accommodation for those interested.
Their Physician Assistant program is fully accredited by ARC-PA and requires 25 months for completion. Each class welcomes up to 50 students, and upon successful graduation, students are awarded a Master of Medical Science degree (MMS).
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $91,000. Aspiring students can utilize CASPA for their applications, with an application deadline set for December 1st.
Seton Hill University, Greensburg
- 1 Seton Hill Dr, Greensburg, PA 15601
- (724) 834-2200
Seton Hill University, located in Greensburg, is a private college with religious affiliations. The campus hosts 1,988 students and offers on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant program at Seton Hill University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months in duration. Each class has a capacity of 50 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant degree.
Prospective students should be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $80,000. The program utilizes CASPA for applications, with an application deadline set around January 15th.
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock
- 1 Morrow Way, Slippery Rock, PA 16057
- (724) 738-2015
Slippery Rock University, located in Slippery Rock, is a public college. The campus accommodates 8,405 students and offers on-campus accommodation options.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant program at Slippery Rock University and takes 24 months to complete. Graduates of the program receive a Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant degree.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $121,000. Aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for December 1st.
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia
- 3500 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140
- (215) 707-2867
Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine, located in Philadelphia, is a public college. The campus is attended by 873 students and offers on-campus accommodation.
ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant program at Temple University and has a duration of 26 months. Each class accommodates 40 students, and upon successful completion, students are awarded a Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant degree.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $90,000 for in-state students and over $94,000 for out-of-state students. Aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set around January 15th.
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
- 1020 Walnut Street 19107
- +1 800-533-3669
The Thomas Jefferson campus in Philadelphia accommodates 8,270 students and offers on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant program at Thomas Jefferson University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and has a 27-month duration. Each class has a class size of 42 students, and upon successful completion, students are awarded a Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant degree.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $100,000. For those interested, CASPA is used for applications, with an application deadline set for October 10th.
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
- 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
- (412) 624-4141
The University of Pittsburgh, situated in Pittsburgh, is a public college with religious affiliations. It boasts a large campus, hosting 33,230 students, and provides on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant program at the University of Pittsburgh is fully accredited by ARC-PA, spanning a 27-month duration. Each class accommodates up to 60 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Science Program in Physician Assistant degree.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $100,000. Aspiring students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for November 1st.
PA Certification and Licensing in Pennsylvania
After graduating from a PA program in Pennsylvania, aspiring PAs must seek certification to practice. Certification is a requisite step before obtaining state licensure, ensuring that candidates meet national standards.
The Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) is a widely recognized certification exam. Candidates can take this exam at designated testing centers across the United States.
Successful completion of the PANCE is necessary to acquire the “PA-C” (Physician Assistant-Certified) credential. This credential is essential for obtaining state licensure in Pennsylvania, which is mandatory to practice as a Physician Assistant.
License Requirements
Once you have obtained certification it is required by Pennsylvania law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
In Pennsylvania, PAs practice under approved written agreements with supervising physicians. These agreements must be approved by the State Board of Medicine. PAs in Pennsylvania can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances without the need for an additional Controlled Substance License. Medical services including prescribing responsibilities are delegated by supervising physicians and must align with the PA’s training and skills, outlined in the written agreement.
You can contact the State Board of Medicine directly using the contact details below:
Address: 2525 N 7th St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: (717) 783-1400
Website: https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Medicine/Pages/Medicine-Guide.aspx
PA Salary and Employment in Pennsylvania
In 2024, there were 6,400 employed Physician Assistants in Pennsylvania with an average salary of $110,140. This represents an hourly wage of $52.95 and is approximately 13.74% below the national average of $125,270.
In Pennsylvania, over the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $11,630, representing a 12% growth. Conversely, employment in the same timeframe decreased by 250 positions, indicating a 4% decline.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) foresees a promising 27% increase in physician assistant employment from 2022 to 2032, suggesting a positive trend in the coming years.