Direct Entry PA Programs
There are 44 direct-entry, dual-degree BS/MS Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) programs in the United States.
These programs offer early provisional acceptance to exceptional high school students who wish to accelerate their academic and career paths to becoming physician assistants.
Application for the program is usually made during the senior year of high school.
Most often accepted applicants go on to complete a five-year (3+2) Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences/Master of Science program in physician assistant studies.
The websites for pre-physician assistant programs, linked below, showcase multiple variations on this theme.
The BSHS/MSPA Programs are rigorous, and admission is highly competitive. Successful applicants are typically strong students academically, especially in the sciences.
Healthcare experience is not always required but is beneficial. An understanding of the physician assistant's role is expected.
This direct entry admission option to most PA programs is often (although not always) available only to first-year students.
44 (and growing) Direct Entry and Dual Degree BS/MS Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) Programs
We strive to keep the following table and legend up to date. If you have knowledge of additional programs offering pre-professional, dual degree, or direct entry BS/MS programs, please share in the comments section below. Your input will help keep this information accurate and helpful for others!
Programs labeled “competitive” may require that the student reapplies for entry into the professional or graduate phase of the PA program or interview or obtain the recommendation of their program. Generally, it means that acceptance into the professional phase is not guaranteed upon successful completion of the pre-professional phase.
Name of Program and MS/BS Weblink | State | Pre-Professional Phase (years/degree) | Competitive Process for Advancement (yes/no) | Professional Phase (years/degree) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | NY | Three years | No | Offering a 28-month Physician Assistant program leading to a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies. |
Arcadia University | PA | Four years/ bachelor's degree in majors such as biology, chemistry, or psychology | No | Two years/ Master of Medical Science |
Butler University | IN | Four years/ bachelor's degree | Yes | 24-month MPAS degree |
Chatham University | PA | Highly qualified first-year applicants to Chatham University are eligible for guaranteed or preferred admission to Chatham's integrated undergraduate and graduate degree programs | Yes | 24 months / Masters of Physician Assistant Studies |
College of Saint Mary | NE | 3 + 2 program
Three years/ Bachelor of Science in human biology |
Yes | Two years/ Master of Medical Science |
D'Youville College | NY | 4.5 years, combined pre-professional and professional phase/Bachelor of Science | No | Master of Science |
Daemen College | NY | Four to five years, combined pre-professional and professional phase/ no single degree conferred | No | 33 months/ Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in PA Studies upon completion of all requirements |
DeSales University | PA | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies | No | Two years/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Drexel University | PA | Three years/ bachelor's degree | Yes | 27 months/ Master of Health Science |
Duquesne University | PA | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (5-year complete program) | No | 27 months / Master of PA Studies |
Elon university | NC | 3.5 years + 2 | Yes | 24-month / Master of PA Studies |
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University | LA | Early admission will be considered after completion of 3.5 years of biology-human medicine curriculum / Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology-Human Medicine Track | Yes | 26 months /Master of Medical Science Degree in Physician Assistant Studies |
Gannon University | PA | 3 + 2 combined pre-professional and professional phase(5-year complete program) | No | Master of PA Science |
Jefferson University | PA | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Health Science | No | 25 months/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Hofstra University | NY | Three years | No | 28 months/dual degree: Bachelor of Science in PA Studies/Master of Science in PA Studies |
Kettering College | OH | 3 + 2 program
Three years/ Bachelor of Science in human biology |
Yes | Two years/ Master of PA Studies |
King's College | PA | 3 + 2 program
Three years/Bachelor of Science in Medical Studies |
No | Two years/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Le Moyne College | NY | Three years/ Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts | Yes | Two years/ Master of Science |
Lock Haven University | PA | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Health Science; prepares students for application to a number of PA programs across the country and to the LHU PA program | Yes | Two years/ Master of Health Science |
Marquette University | WI | Two years/ Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences | Yes | Three years/ Master of PA Studies |
Marywood University | PA | Three years (sometimes two)/bachelor's degree | Yes | 27 months/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston | MA | 30 months/ Bachelor of Science in Premedical and Health Studies | Yes | Two years/ Master of PA Studies |
Mercy College of Ohio | OH | Four-year Pre-PA Biology major | Yes | 28-month Master of PA Studies |
New York Institute of Technology | NY | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences | Yes | Three years/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Nova Southeastern University | FL | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences | Yes | 27 months/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) | PA | One year of pre-professional preparation recommended at Penn College (one of PCT's academic schools)/Bachelor of Science | Yes | 27 months at PCT/Option for a Master's in Health Science available through Nova Southeastern University in Florida |
Quinnipiac University | CT | Four years/ Bachelor of Science in Health and Science Studies | No | 27 months/ Master of Health Science |
Rochester Institute of Technology | NY | Two years | Yes | Three years/ Combined Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Rutgers | NJ | 3 + 3 program
Three years/ Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts |
Yes | Three Years Master of Science |
Salus University (pre-professional phase completed at Brigham Young University in Idaho and Western New England University) | PA | Three years/bachelor's degree from BYUI | Yes | Two years/Master's of Medical Science in PA Studies |
Seton Hall University | PA | 3 years / Bachelor of Sciences in Biology | Yes | 3-year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies |
Seton Hill University | PA | 2.5 years | No | 27 or 29 months/ Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science upon completion of the program |
Shenandoah University | VA | 3 years Bachelor of sciences | Yes | Direct admit 5 high school seniors to their PA program every year. They also reserve a PA Program slot for 5 undergrads from their PrePa program of study each year. |
Slippery Rock University | PS | 3 years Bachelor of sciences | Yes | 2-year Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies |
Springfield College | MA | 33 months/ Bachelor of Science in Health Science | Yes | 27 months/ Master of Science |
St. Francis University | PA | Physician Assistant Science Program, B.S. in Health Science + Master of Physician Assistant Science (5-year) | Yes | Master of Physician Assistant Science (2-year) |
Stockton University | NJ | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) | No | Master of Physician Assistant Studies (2-year) |
Union College (UC) | NE | Three years/ Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in biology, chemistry, or psychology; or Bachelor of Science in international rescue and relief; prepares students for application to a number of PA programs across the country and to the UC PA program | Yes | 33 months/ Master of PA Studies |
University of Detroit Mercy | MI | Three years/ Bachelor of Science in Biology | Yes | Two years/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
University of the Cumberlands | KY | Three years as a pre-PA biology major/ Bachelor of Health Science | Yes | Two years/ Master of Physician Assistant Studies |
University of Evansville | IN | Three years as a pre-PA biology major/ Bachelor of Health Science | Yes | Two years/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
University of the Sciences (USP) | PA | Three years | Yes | Three Years Master of Science - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) Graduate PA Program |
University of St. Francis–Ft. Wayne | IN | After completing a bachelor's degree, students move directly into the PA master's degree curriculum with no additional application process | No | 27 months/ Master of Science in PA Studies |
Valparaiso University | IN | Three years / Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree | Yes | Two years / Master of Science in Physician Assistant |
Wagner College | NY | Three years | Yes | Three years/ Bachelor of Science/ Master of Science in Advanced PA Studies and a PA Certificate of Completion |
Legend and Notes:
- Programs labeled “competitive” may require that the student reapplies for entry into the professional or graduate phase of the PA program or interview or obtain the recommendation of their program. Generally, it means that acceptance into the professional phase is not guaranteed upon successful completion of the pre-professional phase.
- Degrees earned for completion of the pre-professional phase are frequently not awarded by the programs until students successfully complete the first year of the professional phase or upon graduation from the program’s professional.
Do you have an opinion about direct entry PA programs or a PA program update you would like to share? If so, please do so in the comments section below.
Kimberly says
Do any of this schools offer and distance learning component? Like completely all of the didactic work online and clinicals closer to your home? I am a LPN so I am interested in getting my bachelors and then pursing PA but would love to do it in a dual enrollment program.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Kimberly,
You will have to check with schools that you are interested in directly to find out what distance learning options are available. Things have changed drastically since COVID-19 and because schools have had to get creative this past year it has opened many avenues up for what was previously “non-traditional” learning. The Yale School of Medicine is the only accredited online program that I am aware of but there are others in the pipeline.
Stephen
AM says
I think NJIT has one too or its joined with Rutgers I’m not sure
Roshani Shahi says
What should a international high schooler student do for entering the PS program?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Roshani! Is your goal to attend an undergraduate University in the US and then apply to a US PA school or finish all your pre-PA studies in your home country and then apply to a US PA program?
Stephen
CHelsesa says
Hello,
I am trying to find information if Rutger’s University is a direct admit program 3 + 3
Jon says
Hi!
Although I am a native Floridian, I am a foreign medical graduate. I have 15 years of medical experience. I also am only lacking of 12 credits to complete a Bachelors degree in biomedical sciences. I already solicited an evaluation of my overall studies from Joseph Silny and Associates and am so wanting to be able to become a physician assistant. Can you please give me some advice on how to achieve this. The shorter the term is better but I would do almost anything.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Jon, sounds like you are well on your way to this goal. First of course you will have to complete your bachelor’s degree in the US and have it in hand. You may even be able to transfer some of your foreign medical credits – was this the point of your evaluation with Joseph Silny and Associates?
Once you have this under your belt you will want to check off the rest of the boxes.
Here is my quick list of down and dirty PA school applicant recommendations:
Shadowing: I recommend Pre-PAs have one hundred hours of shadowing experience across various specialties.
GRE: I recommend a score of 300 + (150 + 150) overall, 3.5 in writing, and > 50% in each section.
GPA: Most schools require 2.7 – 3.2. The average for acceptance is around 3.5. The focus is on science and overall GPA
Create an account with CASPA if you haven’t already the sooner, the better: https://caspa.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login
Healthcare experience versus patient care experience:
Patient Care Experience (PCE): Experiences in which you are solely responsible for a patient’s care. For example, prescribing medication, performing procedures, directing a course of treatment, designing a treatment regimen, actively working on patients as a nurse, paramedic, EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, physical therapist, dental hygienist, etc.
–Healthcare Experience (HCE): Both paid and unpaid work in a health or health-related field where you are not directly responsible for a patient’s care but may still have patient interaction; for example, filling prescriptions, performing clerical work, delivering patient food, cleaning patients and/or their rooms, administering food or medication, taking vitals or other record-keeping information, working as a scribe, CNA (depending on the job description), medical assistant, etc.
–Letters of recommendation: one academic letter, one PA letter, a second medical provider from another discipline, or supervisor in a medical setting (can be another PA). Make sure to get these requested early.
Before meeting with the recommender have these ready:
-Updated resume
-List of schools you’re applying to
-A paper on what you may want specifically mentioned in the letter
When to submit your application: I recommend you try to submit by June. The earlier, the better.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
Raji says
My current HS Junior daughter is very interested in integrated PA programs. I don’t see any CA schools in the list. Can anyone confirm? TIA
Monica Ntiamoah says
I have already gained admission into a university pursuing physician assistantship program(undergraduate), but I find your dual degree very helpful and would wish to pursue that, can I please apply as a transfer international student into your school.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi, Monica,
I would encourage you to reach out to the individual undergraduate dual degree programs directly and inquire about their guidelines for international students and credit transfers. Let me know if you have any additional questions along the way.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
Briana says
Hello,
Are these 3 + 2 programs only reserved for graduating high school seniors? I have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another subject area and am thinking about changing career paths.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Briana, I don’t believe they are restricted to high school seniors. I would recommend reaching out to a few of these programs directly to see if this would be a good option for you. It may be better (faster and more economical) to finish up your prerequisites at a community college then apply directly to the Master’s program.
Stephen
Roger DeShong, PA-C says
From what I can tell on the Shenandoah University (Virginia) website they direct admit 5 high school seniors to their PA program every year. They also reserve a PA Program slot for 5 undergrads from their PrePa program of study each year.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Thanks so much, Roger. I have added this to the table.
Stephen
Liz says
You should add Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota/ Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. I will be in this 3+2 program this fall and am very excited to start.
Kathy says
Hi, with this current pandemic going on and almost all colleges saying they will be test optional for the this next upcoming round of college admissions process, do you know if the same is true to the PA direct/accelerated programs? Or will students have to ensure they are taking SAT/ACT exams and submitting scores?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Kathy, each program is setting its own guidelines in regards to COVID-19. In this case, it is best to consult the PA program directly. If it is not clear on their website reach out by phone or email. You don’t want to be caught off guard.
Stephen
Jeff says
Hello. Thank you for this list. You have Le Moyne College listed as a school which requires a competitive process to stay in the program (meaning you have to re-apply to continue to get your Master’s Degree). Nowhere on Le Moyne’s site describing their Direct Entry Program does it say that. Could you please provide your source for listing Le Moyne as a “Yes” in terms of there being a competitive process. What is your source for the other listings?
Thank you.
Ling says
Is there a way to obtain both bachelor’s in Bio and Master’s in PA at Arcadia University?
Ling says
Drexel University*
Claire D. says
Hello, I believe Thomas Jefferson University has a dual 5 years program located in East Falls, PA. Also, as a high school student I have been trying to find ways I can better my chances of admission to any of these programs and I was wondering if you had any suggestions?
Ling says
Would that be like earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in 5 yrs)?
Mike S says
Hi Stephen—
We really appreciate your time you put into this website and the amount of info it offers my HS senior! My son has the opportunity to attend our local SUNY university for virtually tuition free to earn his BS in Biology due to awards/scholarships, however they do not offer a PA entry program. He would have to apply to another school that offers PA as a grad student. He has applied/interviewed to a few freshman 3:2 direct entry programs in which we should hear back anytime now . Our question to you taking into costs as wells as being admitted to PA school early…… is this traditional PA enrollment better or given the apparent competitive nature/relief of getting into PA school worth the large cost/loan? His HS avg has always been around 3.95 gpa with a SAT score of 1350 so grades should not be an issue later on should he decide the traditional route. We appreciate your insights…
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Mike, I think the right place to start is by running the numbers so that you can visualize a cost comparison. There are a lot of variables to take into consideration. I would assume the tuition-free undergraduate option would be the best deal (financially), but given a 3 + 2 program is shorter you have to weigh the cost of the extra year (+/-) a gap year in between against the total cost of the direct entry program. Of course, a student can choose to finish undergrad as well in an accelerated manner. Factoring in room and board can make things less clear. But there is more to this than just the financial aspect as well. The majority of undergraduate students end up changing their majors. Has he shadowed PAs? Is he sure this is what he wants to do with his life? Are the 3 + 2 programs schools that he wants to attend? I wouldn’t suggest he go to a school he isn’t interested in, that cost more, just because he is “guaranteed” an acceptance. That is not a good enough reason. But this all warrants sitting down, making a spreadsheet, weighing the pros and cons carefully, and speaking to an academic advisor. This is not an easy decision but give him a high five from me for rocking it in high school!!!
Stephen
Olivia Shore says
Hello! Nova Southeastern University in Florida also has a dual PA program.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Thanks, Olivia, I have added it to the list!
Stephen
mel says
i am interested in applying to hofstra and nyit. are there any other schools similar to these that also have a pa program. i like the suburban environment as well as schools being small. i think drexel was okay but it didn’t feel that safe since it was in with the city.
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Mel, I created http://www.paschoolfinder.com which uses a geographical (map-based) search engine so you can explore schools by location: https://www.paschoolfinder.com/
When the site loads just click “show PA schools” and this will load the map. This may be of some help in your search.
Stephen
saba says
Hello,
I was wondering if SAT scores are required by Canadian students wishing to apply to the combined program if they already have a undergraduate degree.
I would apply to just the PA program itself, however I do not meet some of the pre-requisite course requirements. I was wondering if you have any advice on this. Thanks.
Billie says
Hello! Please add the University of Evansville Physician Assistant Program to your listing of B/PA Direct Entry Programs. Thank you for providing this resource to students and their families!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi, Billie, I have added the University of Evansville to the list of dual degree programs. If you could please review the table entry and let me know if that information is correct. I had trouble identifying the pre-professional phase and professional phase years/degree.
Stephen
Billie Chandler says
Thanks Stephen! It is actually 4 years bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville and no additional competitive advancement (if all direct entry requirements have been met while at UE and student graduates from UE)
Mel says
are the requirements for pa programs higher than what is needed for the regular admissions for the same college?
Also in general what is an good sat/act score to get accepted?
Stephen Pasquini PA-C says
Hi Mel, in general, the average SAT score of students admitted to a physician assistant program is 1250 (evidence-based reading/writing and math). The average ACT score of admitted students is a 27 (composite score). As far as admission requirements this will vary depending on the school, most take a holistic approach meaning they will look at all aspects of your application.
Stephen