The PA Life Blog

130 PA Programs Missing From U.S. News Rankings

July 13, 2026 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C Leave a Comment

The U.S. News PA school rankings include 206 programs—but they are not a complete directory. Explore 130 active accredited PA programs missing as separate entries, with links and current accreditation statuses.

Physician Assistant vs. Nurse Practitioner vs. Medical Doctor

July 13, 2026 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 198 Comments

Physician assistant vs. nurse practitioner vs. medical doctor: What’s the difference? All three can evaluate patients, diagnose illness, order tests, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medication, but they reach practice through different educational pathways and operate under different licensing laws. This comparison also includes registered nurses and medical assistants for context. Quick answer: PAs complete […]

What are the Best PA Schools in 2026? Here are the Latest U.S. News Rankings

July 13, 2026 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 11 Comments

Does the PA school you attend really make a difference? When it comes to finding a job, not so much, but when it comes to obtaining superb clinical experience along with solid faculty, excellent academics, and a top-rate student body – then yes, the PA school you attend does matter. Below is a list of […]

PA School Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates

July 13, 2026 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C 31 Comments

ince 1998, US News has been publishing the only known ranking of PA programs. Their rankings are based on subjective peer assessment surveys of PA program faculty. These peer assessment surveys are sent to deans, other administrators, and faculty at accredited physician assistant programs. Respondents rate the academic quality of physician assistant programs on a […]

What PA Admissions Directors Actually Told Applicants at the 2026 Virtual PA Admissions Fair

July 11, 2026 By Stephen Pasquini PA-C Leave a Comment

I reviewed the 2026 Virtual PA Admissions Fair chats and pulled out the advice admissions teams repeated again and again: complete does not mean submitted, patient-care experience is program-specific, and your application has to sound like a real human being.