Top 10 Accelerated PA Programs

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Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 4/25/24

Interested in becoming a PA as soon as possible? We’ll break down the best accelerated PA programs to help you get there in no time.

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So, you've set your sights on becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) and are on the hunt for the quickest way to make that dream a reality. Good news! Accelerated programs are your fast lane to certification, all while maintaining educational excellence.

If you're already armed with a bachelor's degree and are eager to either switch careers or specialize without an extended academic commitment, you're in the right spot. This is your definitive guide to the top 10 accelerated programs that are designed to speed up your transition into the healthcare sector.

We’ll also outline the strengths and weaknesses of each program, helping you make a decision that's not only time-efficient but also well-informed. Fasten your seatbelts; your healthcare career is about to take off!

Top Accelerated PA Programs

Here are the country’s top accelerated programs that will fast-track your journey to becoming a PA. 

1. Duke University

Duke University offers a 24-month PA program that is specifically tailored for individuals who have already completed a bachelor's degree. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is renowned for its medical programs. 

Pros:

• High academic excellence: Duke University is renowned for its academic rigor and high-quality education. The PA program is highly ranked and has a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
• Strong clinical training: The program provides students with excellent clinical training, which is essential for becoming a successful PA
• Excellent faculty: Duke University has world-renowned faculty members who are experts in their fields.

Cons:

• High tuition: Duke University is an expensive institution, and the PA program is no exception. The high tuition can be a barrier for some students who cannot afford it.
• Competitive atmosphere: Duke University is a highly competitive institution, and the PA program is no exception. The program is highly selective, and the admission process is rigorous
• High academic requirements: The PA program has high academic requirements, which can be challenging for some students. For example, the program requires a high GPA and a significant number of natural science credits

2. Baylor College of Medicine

Located in Houston, Texas, Baylor College of Medicine offers a 30-month PA program. Like Duke, Baylor also places a strong emphasis on clinical training, requiring students to complete 12 months of clinical rotations. The program is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree and is highly competitive.

Pros:

• Low student debt: Baylor College of Medicine has the lowest average student debt upon graduation compared to any other private medical school in the nation.
• Experiential learning: The program consists of a 13-month didactic phase and a 17-month experiential learning phase, which provides students with hands-on training and prepares them for successful careers as PAs.
• Strong academic requirements: The program has high academic requirements, which ensures that students receive a rigorous education and are well-prepared for their careers.

Cons:

• Competitive admission process: The admission process is highly competitive, and the program receives a large number of applications each year.
• High tuition: The tuition for the program is relatively high, which can be a barrier for some students
• Limited class size: The program has a limited class size, which can make it difficult for some students to enroll.

3. University of Iowa

Located in Iowa City, the University of Iowa provides a Physician Assistant program that spans 28 months, making it a bit more concise than Baylor's offering but longer than Duke's. The curriculum is heavily focused on clinical training, requiring students to undergo a full year of rotations in diverse medical fields.

Pros:

• Comprehensive curriculum: The program is highly comprehensive, providing students with a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and skills. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their careers as PAs.
• Focus on exceptional healthcare: The program has a distinct focus on providing exceptional healthcare to patients from all backgrounds. This emphasis on patient care can help students develop a strong sense of empathy and compassion.
• Challenging and appropriate preparation: The University of Iowa is ranked highly for its PA program, and students are appropriately challenged and prepared for their future careers. This can give students confidence in their abilities and enhance their job prospects.

Cons:

• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses.
• Location: The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, which may not be an ideal location for some students. Prospective students should consider whether they are comfortable living and studying in this area.
• Class size: The program has a limited class size, which can make it difficult for some students to enroll. This may be a disadvantage for students who are not accepted into the program or who prefer a larger class setting.
  
  

4. Emory University

Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University provides a 28-month Physician Assistant program tailored for those with a bachelor's degree. The curriculum heavily focuses on clinical training, mandating a year-long commitment to clinical rotations in various medical specialties.

Pros:

• Highly ranked program: Emory's Physician Assistant Program is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country. This can enhance a student's job prospects and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.
• Comprehensive curriculum: The program has a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and skills. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their careers as PAs.
• Elective rotations: The program offers elective rotations, which allows students to gain experience in areas of interest and tailor their education to their career goals.

Cons:

• High tuition: The tuition for the program is relatively high, which can be a barrier for some students. This may limit the number of students who can enroll in the program.
• Competitive admission process: The admission process is highly competitive, and the program receives a large number of applications each year. This may make it difficult for some students to gain admission to the program.
• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses. 

5. George Washington University

George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C., offers a 24-month PA program. The program places a strong emphasis on clinical training, requiring students to complete 12 months of clinical rotations. It is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree and is highly competitive.

Pros:

• No prior healthcare experience required: Unlike many other PA programs, George Washington's program does not require applicants to have prior healthcare experience. This can be beneficial for students who are transitioning from a different field or who have limited healthcare experience.
• Small class size: The program has a class capacity of 65 students. This smaller class size can allow for more personalized attention from faculty and a closer-knit learning community.
• Strong clinical training: The program offers a comprehensive clinical training experience, with students completing rotations in a variety of specialties and settings. This can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their future careers as PAs.

Cons:

• Competitive admission process: The program receives a large number of applications each year, making the admission process highly competitive. This can make it difficult for some students to gain acceptance into the program.
• High tuition: The tuition for the program is relatively high, which can be a barrier for some students. Prospective students should consider their financial situation and the potential return on investment when deciding to enroll in the program.
• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses.
  
  

6. Oregon Health and Sciences University

Oregon Health and Sciences University offers a 26-month PA program that places a strong emphasis on clinical training, requiring students to complete 14 months of clinical rotations. Here’s a break down of the pros and cons of attending OHSU’s accelerated program:

Pros:

• Highly ranked program: The program is ranked among the top 10 PA programs in the nation. This can enhance a student's job prospects and provide them with a competitive edge in the job market.
• Comprehensive curriculum: The program has a comprehensive curriculum that provides students with a strong foundation in clinical knowledge and skills. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their careers as PAs.
• Short program length: The program is 26 months in length, which is shorter than many other PA programs. This can be beneficial for students who want to enter the workforce sooner.

Cons:

• Limited class size: The program has a limited class size of 42 students.This may be a disadvantage for students who are not accepted into the program or who prefer a larger class setting.
• Location: The program is located in Portland, Oregon, which may not be an ideal location for some students. Prospective students should consider whether they are comfortable living and studying in this area.

7. Rutgers University School of Health Professions

Rutgers’ PA Program takes 33 months to complete and places a strong emphasis on clinical training, requiring students to complete 12 months of clinical rotations. It is designed for individuals who have completed a bachelor's degree and is highly competitive.

Pros:

• Strong foundation in sciences: The program offers a strong foundation in sciences, which can prepare students well for their future careers as PAs.
• Emphasis on community involvement: One of the core values of the program is selflessly giving back to the community, and the most competitive applicants are those who demonstrate consistent involvement within their community.
• Opportunity to develop analytical skills: This program provides students with an opportunity to develop their analytical skills, which is particularly important in today's healthcare environment.

Cons:

• Competitive admission process: The program receives a large number of applications each year, making the admission process highly competitive.
• Rigorous curriculum: The program has a very rigorous curriculum, which can be challenging for some students
• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses.

8. Northwestern University

Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, offers a highly competitive 24-month PA program for bachelor's degree holders. The program comprises 108 credit hours and leads to a Master of Medical Science degree. 

The first year focuses on didactic learning, while the second year involves 11 clinical rotations, including seven core and four elective rotations across Chicago-area sites. 

The program aims to produce culturally sensitive PAs skilled in collaborative practice, committed to ongoing professional development, and capable of contributing to both communities and the PA field.

Pros:

• Exceptional education: The program has a responsibility to provide an exceptional education to students and prepare them for clinical practice.
• Patient-centered care: The program's mission is to prepare PAs to provide compassionate, high-quality, patient-centered care as members of interprofessional teams.
• Culturally sensitive graduates: Graduates will be culturally sensitive, committed to continuous learning and professional development, and make significant contributions to communities and the advancement of the PA profession.
• Hands-on training: Students spend half of the 24-month program learning through hands-on training at seven clinical rotations throughout Chicago..

Cons:

• No preference for Illinois residents: No preference is given for applicants residing in Illinois.
• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses.

9. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Situated in North Chicago, Rosalind Franklin University offers a rigorous 24-month PA program for those with a bachelor's degree. The curriculum includes a year-long clinical rotation component, making it a highly sought-after program.

Pros:

• Interprofessional focus: The program's interprofessional focus prepares students to practice as members of effective healthcare teams.
• No healthcare experience required: The program does not require prior healthcare experience for admission.
• Strong clinical training: The program offers a comprehensive clinical training experience, with students completing rotations in a variety of specialties and settings.

Cons:

• Limited biochemistry course options: The program does not accept a survey course in biochemistry under any circumstances.
• Limited testimonials: While the program is highly regarded, there are limited testimonials available from students or graduates. This may make it difficult for prospective students to gather information about the program's strengths and weaknesses.
  
  

10. Stanford University

Stanford University’s 24-month PA program offers rigorous training, clinical rotations, and cutting-edge healthcare education, preparing graduates for impactful careers in patient care and medical practice.

Pros:

• Interprofessional focus: The program's interprofessional focus prepares students to practice as members of effective healthcare teams.
• Scholarly concentrations: The program offers opportunities for students to immerse themselves in scholarly concentrations to build leadership skills in community health, clinical research, health services and policy research, and medical education.
• World-class healthcare infrastructure: Students experience clinical practice in a world-class healthcare infrastructure.

Cons:

• Limited class size: The program has a limited class size, which can make it difficult for some students to enroll.
• Location: The program is located in Stanford, California, which may not be an ideal location for some students.Prospective students should consider whether they are comfortable living and studying in this area.
• High tuition: The tuition for the program is relatively high, which can be a barrier for some students. Prospective students should consider their financial situation and the potential return on investment when deciding to enroll in the program.

Overall, these accelerated PA programs offer a fast-track route to becoming a qualified Physician Assistant, combining rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for a rewarding career in healthcare.

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