Are you looking to be a PA on the DL?
While updating the PA Schoolfinder Physician Assistant Program Database, I was surprised to learn that there are only three Physician Assistant Programs in the United States offering part-time options.
Physician Assistant Programs Offering Part-Time Options
- Rutgers University Physician Assistant Program - New Jersey
- University of Detroit Mercy Physician Assistant Program - Michigan
- Drexel University Physician Assistant Program - Pennsylvania
Part-time programs offer a fantastic option for parents of small children or those working full-time or part-time while attending PA school.
While attending Rutgers University in 2004, our part-time students were highly motivated and completed the program with high honors. At the time I figured most schools had a part-time track. I guess I was wrong.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that as our profession grows, we will see an increase of physician assistant programs offering part-time options to students.
I see a lot of benefit to this and feel it opens the doors to many prospective students who would not be able to attend otherwise.
If you have attended PA school as a part-time student or are interested in this as an option, I would love to hear your thoughts as well!
Here is a timeless outro for you to match the post image!
View all posts in this series
- PA Schoolfinder – The Ultimate Physician Assistant School and Program Directory
- Physician Assistant Programs Offering Part-Time Options
- Which State Has the Largest Number of Physician Assistant Programs?
- Physician Assistant School and Program Directory eBook
- 2017 Physician Assistant Program Tuition and Cost Comparison Table
- Made by PA: The Applicant’s Manual of Physician Assistant Programs
- The Perfect PA Program Picker: PA School Search, Sort, Match, and Apply
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I attended the Drexel part time PA school option and graduated in 96. at the time there were 7 part time option programs. So happy I did the part time option. it allowed me to work 20-30 hrs/week year 1 and 2. year 3 was the regular full time clinical year. I took 3 classes at a time while my colleagues took 6 and graduated at the top of my class along with several other part time option folks.
Can you tell me more information about this Drexel part-time program?
Hi Chloe! I would recommend contacting the Drexel PA program administration directly as I cannot confirm that they still are offering this part-time option. I no longer see this on their website, but that doesn’t mean they have discontinued the part-time option: https://drexel.edu/cnhp/academics/graduate/MHS-Physician-Assistant/
If you find out more information I would love it if you returned and gave us an update. Thanks!!!
Thanks!
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
I’m writing a paper on this topic for PA School now. I agree with your premise, especially that Part-time options could offer a chance for students who need to work for financial reasons while they are in school. Especially as we move forward and begin to saturate the PA market… Not that we want to do that now with our current healthcare shortage for Primary Care. But I wonder if part-time programs could slow the PA entry into the workforce, raise the graduation rate, lessen the attrition rate (which is way higher for AA students according to ARC-PA’s 2016 data), possibly increase racial diversity in our field. Thanks for your info. PA School finder has certainly added a lot in the last few years since I looked at it last! 🙂
Hello Stephen-
What is your take on Miami Dade College’s PA program. They offer PA as an associates and you can transfer to take some online classes to finish a Masters in Science. Its affordable but just as difficult I hear… Does having an Associates in PA effect getting a job?
Surprisingly there’s only 3 PA part time programs… Nurse practitioner’s program offers part time option basically anywhere. Fingers crossed to see more PA part time programs for those who can’t stop working and are in the healthcare field with the goal of move up in their careers.
Is there a website that will provide exactly what “part time” consists of; such as, duration, options, etc.
Thank you for the post.
Currently looking into any online/hybrid PA schools. Have an assoc in rad technology with 10 years experience and a Bach in healthcare admin.
I realize the clinical setting (last year) would be assigned to medical settings.
Any help you could give would be really appreciated!!
Hi Ginger, I am not sure I understand your question, could you be a bit more specific?
– Stephen
Looking into a part-time program as I cannot be out of work for 2 years at this time. I would love to find an online hybrid program that accepts Ohio residents.
Do you know of any??
Stephen,
Thanks for the info; very exciting. By any chance do you know of any part time PA programs in Texas? What about any part time nursing programs in Texas? Thanks in advance for your help!
-David
Hi David, If you check the PAEA program directory website and put in your search criteria for Texas this is what you come up with. Feel free to play around with the search categories on the PAEA program directory website and maybe you will find some more options that will suit your needs. I am not sure about nursing programs, but do some Googling, or call the Texas Nursing Association – they should be able to help.
– Stephen
Thanks very much for creating a very informative website.
Thanks Rico, I appreciate your thoughtful comment!
– Stephen
Stephen,
Do you know if there is any Online PA program, full time or part time?
Sami
Hi Sami,
The only one I am aware of is the Yale PA program, although I believe they have hit some roadblocks along the way to accreditation and I am not sure if they are accepting students. It is worth looking into! I am sure over the next few years there will be many more popping up, it will be a wonderful development.
Stephen
Thank you for this post!
Your Welcome Cassandre, thank you for your kind comment!
– Stephen