How do you become a Physician Assistant in Texas?
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in Texas involves completing a two-year accredited PA program, with prerequisites including a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience. Following graduation, passing the national certification exam and obtaining state licensure are imperative steps for practice. Continuous education is mandatory for licensure maintenance, ensuring ongoing professional competence in the dynamic field of healthcare.
Listed below are the top accredited PA schools in, or near to, Texas.
Accredited PA Schools Texas
Opting for an ARC-PA accredited PA school in Texas ensures a high-quality education, meeting stringent certification standards. Accreditation validates the program’s commitment to excellence, enhancing the credibility of your qualifications. In Texas, there are 12 accredited PA schools, with 9 holding full accreditation and 3 currently under provisional or probationary accreditation (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas | San Antonio | Yes | Program Page |
| Army Medical Center of Excellence | JBSA Fort Sam Houston | Yes | Program Page |
| Baylor College of Medicine | Houston | Yes | Program Page |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | Yes | Program Page |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock | Yes | Program Page |
| University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth | Fort Worth | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Texas | Galveston | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | Yes | Program Page |
| The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas | Yes | Program Page |
| South University | Austin | Yes* | Program Page |
| University of Mary Hardin | Belton | Yes* | Program Page |
| West Coast University | Dallas | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions commonly utilize the online CASPA application process. It is crucial to verify and adhere to the application deadlines specified on the CASPA website to ensure the timely submission of required materials. Stay informed by consulting the official CASPA platform for accurate and up-to-date application timelines.
Please note, that not all accredited schools in Texas participate in this process and you will therefore need to apply to those schools separately.
University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio
- Address: 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900
- Phone: 210-567-6220
- Email: shpwelcome@uthscsa.edu
Situated in San Antonio, the University of Texas San Antonio is a public institution with a student enrollment of 34,864 in 2023. While on-campus accommodation is not available, the campus offers a conducive environment for academic pursuits.
The Physician Assistant Program at UT San Antonio is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2028. The program spans 30 months, with a class size of 45 students. Graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The total tuition and fees amount to approximately $48,573 for Texas residents and $99,981 for non-Texas residents. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
For aspiring PAs, the program emphasizes competence and compassion through classroom education, laboratory work, simulations, and clinical rotations. The admission requirements include an overall GPA of 3.0 and an overall science GPA of 3.0. Eligible applicants undergo multiple mini-interviews on campus. The Admissions Committee reviews applications thoroughly before notifying candidates of their final decisions.
For more details, prospective students can visit the Physician Assistant Program Program URL https://uthscsa.edu/health-professions/about/departments/physician-assistant-studies
Army Medical Center of Excellence JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX
- Address: 3630 Stanley Rd, Suite 266, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
- Phone: (210) 221-7380
- Email: usarmy.jbsa.medcom-ameddcs.mbx.registrar@mail.mil
Located in JBSA Fort Sam Houston, the Army Medical Center of Excellence boasts a campus that caters to United States military personnel. With on-campus accommodation available, it provides a comprehensive environment for military-focused education. However, details about the total enrollment in 2023 are not available.
The Interservice Physician Assistant Program at the center is fully accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) until September 2025. This 29-month program accommodates 80 students per class, awarding graduates the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) degree. Notably, only military applicants are accepted, and there is no tuition cost.
For those interested, the program does not allow for CASPA applications, and the application deadline is not applicable. Prospective students can find more information on the program’s official page: https://medcoe.army.mil/ipap.
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
- Address: One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030
- Phone: 713–798–3663
- Email: paprogram@bcm.edu
Located in Houston, Baylor College of Medicine boasts a private campus with a commitment to diversity. Although on-campus accommodation isn’t available, the school prioritizes values such as honesty, integrity, and teamwork. With 1603 enrolled students in 2023, it provides a conducive environment for learning.
The Physician Assistant Program at Baylor College is fully accredited by ARC-PA until June 2029. The 30-month program, with a class size of 40, awards graduates the Physician Assistant Program (PAP) degree. The program allows CASPA applications, and the deadline typically falls on August 1st.
For those interested, the total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to approximately $112,070.5. To learn more about the program or initiate the application process, visit their program page at https://www.bcm.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/physician-assistant-program.
Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene
- Address: 2200 Hickory, Abilene, TX, 79698
- Phone: 325-670-1702
- Email: PAdept@hsutx.edu
Located in Abilene, Texas, Hardin-Simmons University is a private Baptist university with a student enrollment of 1765 in 2023. The campus provides on-campus accommodation, offering a supportive environment for academic pursuits.
The Physician Assistant Program at Hardin-Simmons University is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2032. This 27-month program boasts a class size of 30 students, awarding graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The curriculum emphasizes performance indicators such as completed courses, GPA, skills proficiency, professionalism, 50 volunteer hours, and successful completion of comprehensive knowledge and skills testing, including the Capstone Research Project.
For aspiring PAs, the estimated total tuition and fees range from $90,485 to $116,610.The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October. More information about the program can be found at their dedicated page: https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/holland/graduate/physician-assistant/.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Lubbock, TX
- Address: 3601 4th Street, Lubbock TX 79430
- Phone: (806) 743-3220
- Email: health.professions@ttuhsc.edu
Located in Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a public institution with a current enrollment of 5,136 students in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation and boasts a commitment to high-quality healthcare education for West Texas communities and beyond.
The Physician Assistant Program at TTUHSC is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2033. The program spans 27 months, with a class size ranging from 60 to 72 students. Graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The curriculum includes a 15-month academic phase in Midland, Texas, focusing on primary care in underserved areas, followed by a 12-month clinical experience throughout West Texas.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PA program amount to approximately $44,880, while out-of-state students pay approximately $95,880. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October. More information can be found on the program page: http://www.ttuhsc.edu/health-professions/master-physician-assistant-studies/.
University of North Texas HS Center Ft Worth, Fort Worth
- Address: 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76107
- Phone: (817) 735-2000
- Email: Admissions@unthsc.edu
Located in Fort Worth, our public university boasts a campus with a student enrollment of 2,337 in 2023. While we do not offer on-campus accommodation, our commitment to experiential learning sets the stage for an exciting medical career.
Our Physician Assistant Program, with a class size of 75, is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2024. The 30-month program awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
For those considering this top-notch program, the total tuition and fees are approximately $35,659 for in-state students. Out-of-state students can expect costs around $92,035. Explore further details at our program page: https://www.unthsc.edu/school-of-health-professions/physician-assistant-studies/.
University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston
- Address: 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-0144
- Phone: (409) 772-3048
- Email: pasrqinf@utmb.edu
Situated in Galveston, a public institution with a student enrollment of 3361, the University of Texas Medical Branch offers a dynamic campus experience without on-campus accommodation. The institution fosters academic success and emphasizes the professional role of physician assistant (PA) students.
The Physician Assistant Program at UTMB is fully accredited by ARC-PA until June 2027. With a 26-month duration, the program boasts a class size of 99 students. Graduates earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees are approximately $52,210, and for non-residents, it’s approximately $101,000. Applicants can find further details on the program page: https://www.utmb.edu/som/physician-assistant
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX
- Address: 1201 West University Dr., Edinburg, Texas 78539-2909
- Phone: 956-665-3661
- Email: pad@utrgv.edu
Situated in Edinburg, Texas, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public institution with a campus located just 20 minutes from the Texas-Mexican border. With a student enrollment of 31,559 in 2023, the university offers on-campus accommodation.
The Physician Assistant Program at UTRGV is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2033. The 27-month program boasts a class size of 100 students, and graduates earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The program emphasizes a rigorous application process, requiring applicants to have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and fulfill prerequisite requirements. No advanced placement standing is granted for any PA Program coursework.
For aspiring PAs, in-state the total tuition and fees amount to $42,357.00, while out-of-state students incur $83,857.00 in costs. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September. Further details can be found on the program’s website of the university: https://www.utrgv.edu/pa/.
UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX
- Address: 6011 Harry Hines Blvd., Suite V4.114, Dallas, TX 75390
- Phone: 214-648-1701
- Email: pa.sshp@utsouthwestern.edu
Situated in Dallas, UT Southwestern Medical Center boasts a public status with an enrollment of approximately 3,870 students in 2023. The campus provides on-campus accommodation, enhancing the student experience.
The Physician Assistant Program at UT Southwestern is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2033. The program spans 30 months, accommodating 60 students annually, and awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.
For Texas residents, the total tuition and fees are $43,791, while non-Texas residents incur $90,831 in costs. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
For more details, prospective students can visit the program page at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/education/school-of-health-professions/programs/physician-assistant-studies/admissions/requirements.html.
Texas PA Certification and License Requirements
Post-graduation from a PA program in Texas, aspiring Physician Assistants must undergo the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), typically administered at designated testing centers nationwide. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, affirming proficiency in adherence to national standards. This sequential process ensures that PAs meet recognized competency benchmarks before entering the healthcare workforce, maintaining the quality and credibility of healthcare delivery in Texas. Candidates should refer to official certification bodies for specific exam details and locations, advancing toward professional validation and licensure in the healthcare sector.
Licensing and Scope of Practice
Licensing for PA’s is mandatory in all states however PA scope of practice can vary from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.
In Texas, PAs are supervised by physicians, but constant physical presence is not required. Supervising physicians delegate services within the PA’s education and training. PAs can prescribe and administer Schedule III-V substances, with limited Schedule II prescribing in hospital/hospice settings. They do not need an additional Controlled Substance License.
The Texas Physician Assistant Board governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in Texas. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: P.O. Box 2029, Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 305-7010
Website: https://www.tmb.state.tx.us/page/licensing-physician-assistants
PA Salary and Job Outlook in Texas
In 2024, Texas employed 8,930 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $132,980, exceeding the national average by 5.80%. This translates to an hourly wage of $63.93. Among these professionals, the top 10% earned $204,040, while the bottom 10% earned $96,340.
In the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Texas increased by $23,390, reflecting a significant growth of 21%. Concurrently, employment experienced a notable rise of 1,000 positions, marking a 13% increase. Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a substantial 27% growth in physician assistant employment between 2022 and 2032, indicating sustained demand and promising career prospects in Texas.