To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Tennessee (TN), you must graduate from an ARC-PA accredited program
Following graduation, you’ll need to successfully pass the national certification exam and secure a state license. To maintain your PA status, ongoing education, and license renewal are required.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in Tennessee.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Tennessee
Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited school in Tennessee is crucial for the quality of education and eligibility for certification. Accredited programs ensure rigorous standards, which are prerequisites for national certification.
Tennessee has 12 accredited PA schools – 6 fully accredited and 6 provisionally or probationary accredited*
| City | ARC-PA | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South College | Knoxville | Yes | Program Page |
| Bethel University | McKenzie | Yes | Program Page |
| Lincoln Memorial University | Harrogate | Yes | Program Page |
| Lipscomb University | Nashville | Yes | Program Page |
| Milligan University | Milligan College | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Tennessee Health Science Center | Memphis | Yes | Program Page |
| Meharry Medical College | Nashville | Yes* | Program Page |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro | Yes* | Program Page |
| South College | Nashville | Yes* | Program Page |
| Christian Brothers University | Memphis | Yes* | Program Page |
| Lincoln Memorial University | Knoxville | Yes* | Program Page |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | Nashville | Yes* | Program Page |
Please note: The majority of schools use the CASPA application system to easily double-check application deadlines on the CASPA website.
South College, Knoxville
- 400 Goodys Ln, Knoxville, TN 37922
- (865) 251-1800
The South College in Knoxville is a private institution with no religious affiliations with over 6,000 enrolled students. On-campus housing is available
The ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program at Wichita State admits 85 new students each year. The program takes 27 months and Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) degree.
The CASPA application admission deadline is around March 1st. Tuition and fees for this program exceed $110,000
Bethel University, McKenzie
- 325 Cherry Ave, McKenzie, TN 38201
- (731) 352-4000
Bethel University in McKenzie, a private Christian school, maintains a moderate-sized campus with 1,292 enrolled students. On-campus accommodations are available for undergraduates.
Bethel University offers a 27-month Physician Assistant program. The program admits a class of 32 students and awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree upon completion. Applications are accepted through CAPSA, typically by October 1st.
Costs for the PA program at Bethel University exceed $150,000.
Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate
- 6965 Cumberland Gap Pkwy, Harrogate, TN 37752
- (423) 869-3611
The Lincoln Memorial University is a private institution with about 5,418 students and offers a 26-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program. Located in Harrogate, the campus provides on-campus accommodations for undergraduate students.
The program enrolls a class of 96 students and confers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree upon graduation. Aspiring PAs can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline typically set for December 1st.
The cost of tuition and fees for Lincoln Memorial University’s PA program exceeds $130,000.
Lipscomb University, Nashville
- One University Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37204
- (800) 333-4358
Lipscomb University in Nashville is a private institution offering an ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant program. With religious affiliations and houses a student body of 4,778.
The Physician Assistant program spans a 27-month, admits a class of 33 students, and awards a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree upon completion.
The university offers campus accommodation for students who require it. Tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $110,000.
Admission to the program is facilitated through CASPA, and the application deadline typically falls around December 1st.
Milligan University, Milligan College
- 1 Blowers Blvd, Milligan College, TN 37682
- (800) 262-8337
Milligan University is a private Christian institution in Milligan College with 1,162 students, offering a 28-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
Application is through CASPA, with an application deadline of around September 1st. Tuition and fees for the program exceed $102,000.
The university offers campus accommodation for students.
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
- 920 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38163
- (901) 448-5500
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center is a public institution with about 3,139 students and offers a 24-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program. Located in Memphis, provides on-campus accommodations.
The program admits about 30 students each year through CASPA, with an application deadline of around September 1st. Graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS).
The cost of tuition and fees for this program can be substantial, with in-state students facing expenses exceeding $120,000 and out-of-state students facing costs over $230,000.
Tennessee PA Certification and Licensing
After graduation from a PA program in Tennessee, aspiring PAs must sit the Physician Assistant National Certification Exams (PANCE), offered by the NCCPA.
Certification is a prerequisite for state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet standardized competency criteria. Candidates take these exams at designated testing centers across the country.
Licensure and Scope of Practice
Once you have obtained certification it is required by Tennessee law that you obtain a license to work as a Physician Assistant there. The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
In Tennessee, PAs and supervising physicians establish written protocols that define the services PAs can provide, aligning with their skills and the supervising physician’s scope. These written protocols are a requirement of the Board of Physician Assistants. PAs in Tennessee can prescribe, dispense, and procure Schedule II-V substances without needing an additional Controlled Substance License.
The Board of Physician Assistants governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Tennessee. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 665 Mainstream Dr., 2nd Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: (615) 532-4384
Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pa-board.html
PA Salary and Employment in Tennessee
In 2024, Tennessee had 1,980 Physician Assistants employed, earning an average salary of $106,110. This equates to an hourly wage of $51.01, which is 18.06% lower than the national average of $125,270. The top 10% of PAs in Tennessee earned $138,310, while the bottom 10% earned $79,950.
Between 2018 and 2022, the average Physician Assistant salary saw a substantial increase of $18,410, marking a notable 21% growth. In contrast, PA employment in the state experienced a minor decrease of 30 positions, reflecting a 1% decline over the same period.
The Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a promising 27% increase in PA employment nationwide from 2022 to 2032, underlining a positive outlook for the profession.