The 10 Best Physician Assistant Programs in Virginia
Physician assistants (PAs) are the highest paid and most desired medical professionals, with an average starting salary of $85,000 to $100,000 per year.
They work closely with physicians and surgeons, as well as nurses and other health care providers, to provide high-quality medical care to patients in a variety of settings.
Many prospective PAs find it helpful to attend physician assistant programs in Virginia because it’s one of the top states for jobs in the field.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected faster than average growth in the demand for PAs between 2014 and 2024.
1) Norfolk State University
The mission of Norfolk State University’s physician assistant program is to prepare students for a successful career as an entry-level healthcare provider.
The program involves over 1000 hours of didactic and clinical training experiences.
Upon completion, students are eligible to take board certification exams with two national organizations that certify PAs: The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).
Graduates also have an extensive network of alumni in many locations throughout VA.
2) Eastern Virginia Medical School
EVMS is a premier medical school with a large and reputable physician assistant program.
As of 2017, EVMS had produced more than 1,600 graduates—the most of any PA program in Virginia.
EVMS’s nine-month course takes students through fundamentals like pathophysiology and pharmacology before giving them clinical experience working with patients at local hospitals and clinics.
3) Old Dominion University
If you’re looking for a reputable, comprehensive program that combines clinical excellence with real-world experience, ODU is a good place to start.
The university offers one of only two physician assistant programs in the state of Virginia; it graduates about 300 students per year.
Students complete their studies at facilities including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center and Sentara Leigh Hospital, both nationally ranked institutions.
4) George Mason University
George Mason University’s program is open to students who have completed an undergraduate degree and who meet all of GMU’s admissions requirements.
They offer a master’s degree with an option to specialize in emergency medicine or medical informatics.
The focus of George Mason University’s program is a practical, hands-on approach. Students complete field work through a variety of clinical rotations that allow them to learn more about their role as physician assistants (source).
5) Howard University
Founded in 1867 as a normal school for newly freed slaves, Howard University is one of America’s most historic schools.
Currently, there are over 4,000 students enrolled from more than 100 countries around the world.
No matter where you come from or what your goals are, a HU education will prepare you to think critically and be socially responsible.
6) Richard Bland College of William and Mary
If you want to earn a degree that will help you excel as a physician assistant, consider attending Richard Bland College of William and Mary.
Not only does Richard Bland’s online program for medical assisting provide students with a high-quality education, but it also equips graduates with on-the-job training, along with career placement services.
With all these advantages combined, it’s no wonder why so many potential students are enrolling in Richard Bland’s PTA program.
7) Radford University
Radford University, a public university located in Radford, Virginia, offers two physician assistant programs: The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and an accelerated professional degree program.
Its annual tuition is $11,710 for out-of-state students and $7,112 for state residents.
Students enrolled at Radford University can choose from 13 bachelor’s degree programs, 19 master’s degree programs and two doctoral degrees.
Professional accreditation includes Association of PAs — Commission on Accreditation.
8) Christopher Newport University
A well-rounded education is at the heart of CNU’s goal for their physician assistant program.
In addition to classroom instruction, students train in real-world environments to get hands-on experience.
Some of these opportunities include volunteering at a local clinic and working as an intern for one day a week throughout all four years of school.
The clinical rotation schedule also allows students to pick from different specialties depending on their career interests, including cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, pediatrics and surgery.
9) Hampton University
Since its founding in 1868, Hampton University has carved a niche for itself as a university that educates people not only for their careers but also for service to humanity.
Perhaps because of its location in Virginia, HU is recognized as one of America’s great historically black universities.
Today it offers undergraduate degrees in more than 30 academic programs and graduate degrees in several more fields.
10) Mary Baldwin College
The main campus is located in Staunton, VA, and is just a short drive from West Virginia. Mary Baldwin was founded in 1842 as Augusta Female Seminary.
It wasn’t until 1940 that it became Mary Baldwin College. Since it started as a women’s college, many of today’s graduates choose to work specifically with female patients.
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