This guide covers the easiest PA schools to get into and how to increase your chances of acceptance.
In this guide, we’ll cover the ten easiest PA schools to get into and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a PA. Let’s get started!
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For our methodology, we’ve researched PA programs with lower GPA and science GPA requirements and higher acceptance rates based on available data. Keep in mind that some schools may favor in-state applicants, which could influence your acceptance chances. Always double-check admissions criteria directly with each program, as requirements may change.
Note: We've done our best to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, but admissions requirements can change over time. We recommend confirming all details directly with each university’s admissions office. Your application outcomes are ultimately your responsibility.
PA Program | Our Easiest PA School Ranking | Acceptance Rate* | Minimum Overall GPA Requirement | Minimum Science GPA Requirement | GRE Required |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wake Forest University (Bowman Gray) | #1 | 9.69% | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Yes |
Oklahoma City University | #2 | 7.39% | 3.0 | 3.0 | No |
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC | #3 | 5.99% | 3.0 | 3.0 | No |
Pace University - Pleasantville | #4 | 5.40% | 3.0 | 3.0 | No |
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | #5 | 4.65% | 3.0 | 3.0 | No |
University of Texas - HS Center at San Antonio | #6 | 4.33% | 3.0 | 3.0 | Yes |
University of Colorado | #7 | 2.19% | 3.0 | 3.0 | No |
Loma Linda University | #8 | 1.37% | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | No |
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | #9 | 1.24% | No GPA minimum required | 3.2 | No |
Rutgers University | #10 | ~3.57% | 3.2 | 3.2 | No |
*Acceptance rates are based on the most recent publicly available admissions data. Some programs may not release current statistics annually, in which case, the latest accessible figures were used. Please note that acceptance rates can fluctuate from year to year and should be viewed as general indicators rather than guarantees.
If none of the schools on this list are resonating with you, don’t worry. There are many other PA schools where you can easily gain admission.
In fact, you can find a PA school tailored to your specific interests with our interactive PA school selection quiz down below!
Here's a compilation of 30 PA schools that offer a smoother path to admission, all without the GRE requirement.
PA Program | Minimum Overall GPA Requirement | Minimum Science GPA Requirement | Clinical Experience |
---|---|---|---|
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not Required |
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast) | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not Required |
Loma Linda University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Not Required |
Pace University - Pleasantville | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of Colorado | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Hofstra University | 3.3 | 3.3 | Recommended |
King’s College | 3.2 | 3.2 | Not Required |
Le Moyne College | 3.2 | 3.2 | Recommended |
Lipscomb University | 3.0 | 3.2 | Not Required |
Marquette University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Marshall B Ketchum University | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Mercer University | 3.0 | 2.9 | Recommended |
Mercy College | 3.0 | 3.2 | Recommended |
Miami-Dade College | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Northwestern University | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Samuel Merritt University | 2.8 | 2.8 | Recommended |
Rocky Vista University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
West Coast University - Texas | 3.0 | 2.7 | Recommended |
West Coast University - California | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of North Dakota | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of Utah | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Midwestern University (Glendale) | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
University of New England | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Chatham University | 3.3 | 3.3 | Recommended |
University of the Cumberlands | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Rosalind Franklin University | 2.75 | 2.75 | Recommended |
Thomas Jefferson University – New Jersey Campus | 3.25 | 3.25 | Recommended |
Western University of Health Sciences | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Here's a list of 30 PA schools where you can find more accessible admission requirements, making them great options for those with lower GPAs aiming to kickstart their journey towards becoming physician assistants.
PA Program | Minimum Overall GPA Requirement | Minimum Science GPA Requirement | Clinical Experience |
---|---|---|---|
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Marshall B Ketchum University | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
University of New England | No GPA minimum required | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Rosalind Franklin University | 2.75 | 2.75 | Recommended |
Samuel Merritt University | 2.8 | 2.8 | Recommended |
Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not Required |
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (Central Coast) | 3.0 | 3.0 | Not Required |
Loma Linda University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Not Required |
Pace University - Pleasantville | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of Colorado | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Lipscomb University | 3.0 | 3.2 | Not Required |
Marquette University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
Mercer University | 3.0 | 2.9 | Recommended |
Mercy College | 3.0 | 3.2 | Recommended |
Miami-Dade College | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Northwestern University | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Rocky Vista University | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
West Coast University - Texas | 3.0 | 2.7 | Recommended |
West Coast University - California | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of North Dakota | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
University of Utah | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Midwestern University (Glendale) | 3.0 | No GPA minimum required | Recommended |
University of the Cumberlands | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
Western University of Health Sciences | 3.0 | 3.0 | Recommended |
King’s College | 3.2 | 3.2 | Not Required |
Le Moyne College | 3.2 | 3.2 | Recommended |
Thomas Jefferson University – New Jersey Campus | 3.25 | 3.25 | Recommended |
Hofstra University | 3.3 | 3.3 | Recommended |
Chatham University | 3.3 | 3.3 | Recommended |
A PA is a healthcare professional who works closely with doctors to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services. PAs are trained to examine and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and write prescriptions. They may also assist in surgery and provide follow-up care to patients.
The job duties of a PA may vary depending on the state in which they work and the specific needs of their practice. PAs work in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and may specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or surgery.
One of the first steps to becoming a PA is to complete a PA program. Physician assistant programs are postgraduate programs that educate students to work as physician assistants. These programs typically last two to three years, including didactic coursework and clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
PA programs are designed to prepare students to work under the supervision of doctors, providing a range of medical services, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgery.
These programs are very competitive and often require applicants to have a strong academic background and some healthcare experience. Admissions committees evaluate applicants based on various factors, including grades, test scores, and clinical experience.
Additionally, PA programs often look for applicants who have a strong desire to pursue a career as a physician assistant and who demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the profession.
If you are not a strong applicant for PA school, it is worth applying to easier PA schools in the country. This article will review a list of the easiest PA schools to enter in the U.S., their requirements, and some tips on giving yourself a competitive edge when applying.
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PA school can be challenging to get into. If you’re worried about your chances of getting into PA school, here are some tips to help you be a more competitive applicant.
Most physician assistant programs require applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0, although some programs may have a higher or lower requirement. Earning a strong GPA during your undergraduate studies demonstrates your ability to handle the challenging academics of PA school.
PA programs typically require applicants to have completed specific prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and biology. Ensure you have completed all the necessary classes and earned strong grades.
Many PA schools require a minimum 3.0 science GPA when accepting applicants. Maintaining a high science GPA will determine your acceptance into PA school.
Your personal statement is critical to your PA school application. It outlines your goals, experiences, and qualifications related to your desire to become a physician assistant. Use it to highlight your strengths and explain why you want to become a PA.
Your personal statement should be well-written and use clear and concise language. It's important to keep it concise and focused and avoid including unnecessary or irrelevant information.
PA schools ask for one to three letters of recommendation. Ask professors or supervisors who can speak on your academic and professional abilities to write letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Many physician assistant programs require applicants to have a certain amount of healthcare experience, such as volunteering or working in a healthcare setting. This experience helps demonstrate your commitment to the field. It also enables you to gain valuable skills and knowledge useful in your future career as a physician assistant.
It can be competitive to get into PA school, so applying to multiple programs is a good idea to increase your chances of being accepted. Research the different programs and their requirements to ensure you fit well.
Also, if you're worried about not being a competitive applicant, apply to PA schools that are easy to get into. This guide provides you with a list of easy PA schools to choose from.
Thinking about PA school but concerned about your application? We've got your back. Our team of experts is here to make your journey smoother. Need a solid GPA? We've got tips.
Crafting a killer personal statement? We've got you covered. We'll help you pick the right programs, get valuable healthcare experience, and plan a winning application strategy. Don't let the process overwhelm you; let us help you reach your goal of becoming a physician assistant with our PA school admission consulting.
Discover your chances of getting into PA school with our free PA School Admissions Calculator! By answering a few strategic questions, you'll receive valuable feedback on your chances of acceptance and tailored advice to enhance your application.
A standout PA application isn't optional—let us help you shine.
Choosing the right physician assistant (PA) school is an important step in your education and your career path. Here are some factors to consider when choosing which PA programs to apply to:
Review the admissions requirements for each PA program, including prerequisites, past academic performance, standardized test scores, and letters of recommendation. Before considering a school, make sure you meet all of these criteria.
Read over the curriculum of each PA program to see if it matches your learning preferences and career goals. Look for programs that offer what you want, such as hands-on clinical experience or simulation labs.
Investigate the clinical rotation sites and the variety of clinical experiences offered to see whether they align with your interests and career goals. You should also look into the availability of rotation sites in your desired specialty areas.
Consider the expenses associated with each PA program (tuition, fees, etc.). Look for scholarships, grants, and financial aid to help offset the cost of your education.
A program’s reputation isn’t everything, but it does hold some weight. Look into the outcomes of each PA program, including graduation rates, board pass rates, and job placement rates. Programs with strong reputations and high success rates might give you better opportunities later in your career.
Applying can be overwhelming; read how our admissions counseling helped Eva get accepted into her dream school!
If you still have questions about the easiest PA schools to get into, check out these frequently asked questions.
Some PA schools have a low GPA requirement; they are:
Although these schools have a low GPA requirement, you should aim for a higher GPA to be considered a competitive applicant.
If you're worried that your GRE score is low, you can apply to PA schools that don't require it. PA schools requiring no GRE include the University of Utah, Oregon Health and Science University, and Stony Brook University.
Getting into PA school is competitive, with many programs requiring a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or above, hundreds of hours of clinical experience, and strong letters of recommendation. Acceptance rates vary, but many programs admit fewer than 10% of applicants.
Some of the easiest PA schools to get into in New York include Albany Medical College, Hofstra University, and St. John’s University. These programs typically admit more students and don’t require the GRE.
Wake Forest University (Bowman Gray) ranks as one of the easiest PA schools to get into based on available admissions data. It has an acceptance rate of 9.69% and does not require a minimum overall or science GPA for admission, though the GRE is required. Despite its strong reputation, the lack of GPA cutoffs makes it more accessible to a broader range of applicants compared to many other programs.
Some of the more accessible PA programs in California include West Coast University – Los Angeles, Samuel Merritt University, and Western University of Health Sciences.
South College – Orlando and Larkin University have some of the most lenient PA programs in the state. Larkin University requires a minimum 2.9 overall GPA, and South College – Orlando requires a minimum 2.75 overall GPA.
West Coast University and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have the most accessible admissions requirements. Both schools require a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
If you're contemplating applying to PA programs but are worried your grades could be better, consider applying to the easiest PA schools in the country. This guide has provided you with a sufficient number of PA schools all over the U.S. that are relatively easier to get into than others.
Just note that although these PA schools have a low GPA requirement, it would be wise to get your GPA higher than the school's requirement to stay competitive. Also, make sure to hit the deadlines, put your best foot forward, and show how excited you are for your future as a physical assistant.