To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in West Virginia (WV) pursue a two-year accredited PA program after obtaining a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
Upon graduation, successfully pass the national certification exam and acquire state licensure. Ongoing education is essential for maintaining licensure, ensuring a fulfilling and regulated career in the healthcare field.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, West Virginia.
Accredited PA Schools in WV – 2024
Choosing an ARC-PA school in West Virginia ensures a high-quality education, a crucial factor for national certification.
West Virginia has 4 accredited PA schools -2 of which hold full accreditation, while the remaining 2 are currently on provisional or probationary accreditation, denoted by an asterisk*.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Charleston | Charleston | Yes | Program Page |
| West Liberty University | West Liberty | Yes | Program Page |
| Marshall University | Huntington | Yes* | Program Page |
| West Virginia University | Morgantown | Yes* | Program Page |
Please Note: The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is imperative to verify application deadlines directly on the CASPA website for accurate and timely submission.
University of Charleston, Charleston, WV
- Address: 2300 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
- Phone: 1-800-995-4682
- Email: admissions@ucwv.edu
Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the University of Charleston is a private institution with a student enrollment of 3059 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation and provides a conducive learning environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at the University of Charleston is fully ARC-PA accredited until September 2026. The program spans 28 months, with a small class size of 30 students, fostering an intimate learning experience. Graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $92,885. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September.
For more information, prospective students can visit the program page at https://www.ucwv.edu/academics/school-of-health-sciences/physician-assistant-program/. The UC Physician Assistant Program distinguishes itself through small classes, experienced faculty, and opportunities for interprofessional experiences with UC School of Pharmacy and UC Nursing students.
West Liberty University, West Liberty
- Address: 208 University Dr., West Liberty, WV 26074
- Phone: 304-336-5098
- Email: paprogram@westliberty.edu
West Liberty University, a public university in West Liberty, boasts a campus enrollment of 2,315 students in 2023. Offering on-campus accommodation, the university provides a conducive learning environment for students pursuing various programs.
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at West Liberty University is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2025. The 24-month program features a class size of 18 students and awards graduates a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The didactic portion spans the first 12 months, covering basic science and applied medical sciences, while the second year comprises nine 5-week clinical rotations supervised by licensed clinical preceptors.
For aspiring PAs, the in-state total tuition is $61,465.00, while out-of-state total tuition is $97,920.00. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October. More details about the PA Program can be found on their program page: https://westliberty.edu/physician-assistant/.
WV Physician Assistant Certification and Licensing
After graduating from a PA program in West Virginia, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) must sit for national certification exams. These exams, such as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), assess competency and knowledge.
Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet standardized national criteria. Exams are administered at designated testing centers, allowing graduates to demonstrate their proficiency and commitment to providing quality healthcare.
Licensure and Scope of Practice
In West Virginia, PAs are permitted to practice collaboratively with physicians in various settings and offer medical services within the parameters of their education and training. They can prescribe medications and Schedule II-V controlled substances as delegated by their supervising physician. They do not require an additional Controlled Substance License.
The West Virginia Board of Medicine governs the licensing of Physician Assistants in West Virginia. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 101 Dee Drive, Suite 103, Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 558-2921
Website: https://wvbom.wv.gov/practitioners/PA/PA_Forms.asp
PA Salary and Employment in WV
In 2024, there were 530 employed Physician Assistants in West Virginia, earning an average salary of $114,260. This reflects an hourly wage of $54.93, which is 9.64% below the national average of $125,270. Among them, the top 10% earned $147,850, while the bottom 10% earned $85,160.
In West Virginia, from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $10,080, reflecting a 10% positive change. However, employment witnessed a decline, with a decrease of 240 positions, marking a 31% reduction over the same period.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 27% growth in physician assistant employment between 2022 and 2032, indicating promising prospects for the profession in the coming decade.