Are you looking for the best list of PA Program ranking? You can easily get information about Pa school rankings by gpa.

to the current students who are pa students! you are directly affected by some of these changes. if you’re considering applying to pa school, or are already in the program, read below for more details on these changes.

Do you need to know where the best PA school is located? Have you search for information or resources? Have you wondered if PA school in California is the best for you?

Pa School Rankings By Gpa

Below is a list of the 97 colleges in Pennsylvania with the highest average high school GPA for incoming freshmen. University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus tops the list with an average reported GPA of 3.97. Note that not all colleges report GPA for their incoming class. Those with asterisk(*) denote a predicted GPA by the CollegeSimply AI algorithm.

GPA Data is reported by participating colleges to Wintergreen Orchard House and is reproduced under license.

	School	Average GPA
P	University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA	3.97
H	Haverford CollegeHaverford, PA	3.9*
P	University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA	3.9
S	Swarthmore CollegeSwarthmore, PA	3.9*
V	Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA	3.86
B	Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr, PA	3.85*
L	Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA	3.81*
A	Allegheny CollegeMeadville, PA	3.74
J	Juniata CollegeHuntingdon, PA	3.74
M	Messiah CollegeGrantham, PA	3.73
D	Duquesne UniversityPittsburgh, PA	3.7
C	Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA	3.69
A	Arcadia UniversityGlenside, PA	3.65
U	Ursinus CollegeCollegeville, PA	3.65*
T	University of the SciencesPhiladelphia, PA	3.61
C	Chatham UniversityPittsburgh, PA	3.6
D	Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA	3.6
P	Penn State Main CampusUniversity Park, PA	3.59
S	Saint Francis UniversityLoretto, PA	3.57
W	Waynesburg UniversityWaynesburg, PA	3.57

Pa School Rankings By Gpa

1. California Baptist University

Tuition	Accreditation	Duration
$97,380	ARC-PA	2

California Baptist University (CBU) was founded in 1950. The school is one of the top private Christian colleges and universities and also one of the best pa schools in Southern California.

CBU is one of the best PA schools that offers more than 80 majors, with more than 150 major concentrations, and more than 50 minors at the undergraduate level. Also, offers more than 30 masters and five doctoral programs at the graduate level.

In addition, the institution is approved and accredited by ARC-PA for the Physician Assistance studies and generally approves by the following bodies.

• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
• Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
• National Association of Schools of Music
• State of California Board of Registered Nursing
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
• Board of Registered Nurses
• American Council for Construction Education

2. Southern California University

Tuition	Accreditation	Duration
$14,590	ARC-PA	28 months

Standard University is well known as one of the best PA schools in California and was founded in 1911 as a health science school.

SCU is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school offers education-related financial assistance opportunities(direct loans and scholarships ) to students in order to cover their educational expenses.

the institution is generally approved and accredited by the following commissions.

• Doctor of Chiropractic Degree Program Accreditation
• Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Program Accreditation
• Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Program Accreditation
• Master of Science: Physician Assistant Accreditation
• Ayurveda Certificate Program Accreditation

3. Western University of Health Sciences

Tuition	Accreditation	Years
$44,065.00	ARC-PA	2-years, 6-semester

Western University of Health Sciences was founded in 1977 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and is one of the best PA schools in Califonia.

WesternU prepares Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) graduates for competency in core medical and clinical sciences, interpersonal and communication skills that result in effective information exchange with patients, families, health care providers, professional associates, and the health care system.

4. Marshall B. Ketchum University

Tuition	Accreditation	Years
$36,654	ARC-PA	27-month

Marshall B. Ketchum University is a private, non-profit educational institution and is well known as one of the best PA schools in Califonia ranking high.

Correspondingly, the School of Physician Assistant Studies at Marshall B. Ketchum University was founded in 2012 and offers a 27-month, post-baccalaureate program leading to the degree, Master of Medical Science.

Also, the student-teacher ratio in MBKU PA school is 8:1 and that has given a collegial atmosphere making the school qualify as one of the best PA schools in Califonia.

In addition, the institution provides financial aids to students that will help meet their educational expenses necessary to achieve their career goal of becoming outstanding Physician Assistants (PAs).

5. Samuel Merritt University

Tuition	Accreditation	Duration
$117,356	ARC-PA	2 and a half years

Samuel Merritt University was founded in 1909 as a private, not-for-profit, health sciences institution with campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, and San Mateo, California.

The Master Physician Assistant Department at Samuel Merritt University prepares graduates to be interdependent medical providers, demonstrate commitment to the community and the profession through active leadership, manifest critical and creative thinking, and utilize effective communication skills.

Additionally, the Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University offers a variety of educational funding to students including scholarships, work-study, and student loans. 

6. Touro University California

Tuition	Accreditation	Duration
$29,141	ARC-PA	33 months

Touro University California is a private graduate health science school and located on Mare Island in Vallejo, California. 

The schools offer a dual master’s program in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Master of Public Health with the mission of increasing access to quality healthcare.

TUC dual MSPAS/MPH Program awards financial aids and scholarships to the Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program through the assistance of the Health Resource and Service Administration (HRSA). Their program mission includes:

• Educating quality Physician Assistants to work with underserved populations.
• To Recruit candidates or individuals with a demonstrated interest in serving these communities.
• Increase access to care for underserved populations.

7. University of California Davis

Tuition	Accreditation	Duration
$164,925	ARC-PA	vary

The University of California Davis was founded in 1961 and is one of the world’s leading physician assistant schools and teaching institutions, located in Davis, California. 

The UC Davis School of Medicine is among the best physician assistant schools in California, one that is committed to providing the best in student-centered educational experiences. 

In addition, the school offers several sources of educational funding including scholarships, loans program, and short-term loans to their students. Also, note that the tuition posted here are estimated based on currently approved amounts and are subject to change.

easiest pa schools to get into

1. Barry University Physician Assistant

Main requirements:

• Minimum GPA and Science GPA – 3.0 or higher
• 2 completed courses of General/Inorganic Chemistry
• 2 completed courses of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• 1 completed course of Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
• GRE needed

The Barry University Physician Assistant program teaches students in the study of collaborative health care and promotes life-long learning and professional growth. It also encourages a technology-based environment and extensive clinical training opportunities among varied patient populations.

The Barry University Physician Assistant program educates students on the basic principles and theories involved with the allied health care profession, such as collaboration, communication, and clinical practice.

This program also provides students with the knowledge to implement the collaborative practice. Collaborative practice means that physicians working in any health care setting work closely with other physicians in their respective offices, clinics, or hospitals.

Moreover, the Barry University PA school is a Catholic school and, therefore, offers Catholic reflection technique programs as well as science-backed medical programs to students.

2. Marquette University Physician Assistant School

Main requirements:

• Minimum GPA and Science GPA – 3.0 or higher
• A Minimum of 200 hours of contact with patients and other healthcare experience
• Knowledge of Physician Assistant profession
• GRE needed for seniors and undergraduate applicants

For those considering a career in allied healthcare, the Marquette University Physician Assistant School offers a number of courses to help prepare. Students taking courses at the university’s Physician Assistant School should have at least 200 hours of healthcare experience or general patient contact.

Getting admitted into the Marquette University Physician Assistant School is relatively simple and this makes it one of the easiest PA schools to get into. However, note that the application process includes a personal interview and it’s important to note that Marquette University is popular to have a holistic view of people.

3. Missouri State University PA School

Main requirements:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0
• 3 recommendation letters
• GRE needed

Missouri State University has long prided itself on providing quality medical education to its students. For students willing to pursue a career in medicine, the Ph.D. in Physician Assistant is a perfect choice.

Once you’re done with the initial screening, you will be called by the admission committee to give your personal statement.

Students in the program have a variety of options to choose from including working under the guidance of a licensed physician and completing an internship program in a medical facility or even with a local community health clinic. All classes are taught by professionals who have many years of hands-on experience as nurses and physician assistants.

Furthermore, and unlike other PA schools, the Missouri State University offers professional clinical experience at each stage of their two-year program.

4. The George Washington University Physician Assistant School

Other than being one of the easiest PA schools to get into, the George Washington University is one of the best institutes and has one of the best PA programs in the U.S. Though, it is important to note that their list of requirements is longer than the other schools.

George Washington University PA School Main requirements:

• One semester in Anatomy as well as one in Physiology
• Two semesters of chemistry for science majors
• One semester of Psychology
• One semester of Statistics
• Minimum science and overall GPA of 3.0
• Official transcript and degree evaluation
• GRE passed within the last 5 years
• 1000 hours of direct patient care
• 2 recommendation letters

George Washington University provides students who are seeking a way to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant. Located in Washington, D.C., the university offers classes in Psychology, Nursing, Medical Studies, and Biomedical Technology. As one of the prominent colleges within the District of Columbia, George Washington University is the ideal place for students who are interested in pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant.

The Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant (BSPA) program is perfect for applicants who wish to become involved in the medical field. In addition, they will develop the clinical skills they will need to provide excellent patient care. Furthermore, graduates of the program will be well trained in the latest technology used by physicians and specialists.

5. Rosalind Franklin University PA School

Main requirements:

• All prerequisite coursework grades have to be a minimum “C” and must have been completed within the last 10 years.
• A minimum GPA and science GPA of 2.75 on a scale of 4.0
• Special consideration will be offered to the last 60 hours of completed coursework.
• GRE needed
• 2 recommendation letters
• A personal statement

Other than that, there are courses that require to be completed before applying:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Introduction to Psychology

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science PA School of Medicine offers many programs for medical students. They include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Clinical Nutrition, Cellular, and Molecular Pharmacology, and even Microbiology and Immunology.

pa school requirements

PA school degree requirement

Every PA program in the U.S. will require the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This degree requirement can also be fulfilled in the course of completing a competitive BS/MS Physician Assistant program.

Students can apply to PA school as they finish their final year of undergraduate study, although many PA applicants choose to earn a few years of work experience before applying (more on this later). 

To become a physician assistant, you must complete an ARC-PA-accredited master’s program involving classroom instruction and clinical training. 

After completing a PA program, you’ll take the PANCE to earn certification as a physician assistant, after which you’ll seek licensure from your state in order to begin practicing.

PA school course requirements

What are the prerequisites for PA school? 

This is where applying to physician assistant programs becomes complicated. PA school requirements vary with every program, so it can be overwhelming to decide what classes to take.

Here is a list of science prerequisites almost guaranteed to be required by all PA programs:

• General chemistry: Lecture: two semesters or three quarters | Lab: one term
• Biology: Lecture: two semesters or three quarters | Lab: one term
• Microbiology: Lecture: one semester or two quarters | Lab: one term
• Anatomy: Lecture: one semester or two quarters | Lab: one term
• Physiology: Lecture: one semester or two quarters | Lab: one term

Most PA schools require you to take the following non-science prerequisites as well:

• English: Lecture: two semesters or three quarters 
• Statistics: Lecture: one semester or two quarters
• Psychology: Lecture: one semester or two quarters

Now, these are the minimum PA school requirements held by the majority of programs. But only completing these courses will limit your options and decrease your competitiveness as an applicant. 

For this reason, we highly recommend you take additional coursework to fulfill the stricter requirements of more selective PA schools. It’ll require a more rigorous undergrad curriculum, but the extra effort will increase your program options and your chances of getting accepted.

Make yourself a competitive PA school applicant by taking the following classes:

• Organic chemistry: Lecture: one semester or two quarters | Lab: one term
• Biochemistry: Lecture: one semester or two quarters | Lab: one term
• Medical terminology: Lecture: one semester or two quarters
• Genetics: Lecture: one semester or two quarters
• Physics: Lecture: one semester or two quarters
• Sociology (or a different humanities course): Lecture: one semester or two quarters
• Foreign language: Lecture: two semesters or three quarters

(Note: Foreign language requirements or preferences are likely from PA schools located in areas with diverse populations.)

If you follow the above guidelines when completing your PA school prerequisites, you’ll make yourself a competitive applicant and give yourself the widest range of options possible. If you’re considering specific programs already, you can use the PAEA Program Directory to find each one’s specific PA school requirements.

When should you have all your prerequisites completed? Most PA programs will accept your application with two or three prereqs outstanding—but you’ll want to check each school’s protocol before applying. And you must complete those courses prior to matriculating into the program.

(Note: Be careful with AP credits. Many PA schools will not accept them to fulfill course requirements, even if your undergraduate institution does.)

PA school major requirements

Applicants often ask us, “What is the best major for PA school?”

Ready for the truth? Your major does not matter when applying to a physician assistant program. However, your choice of major will communicate something about you on your PA school applications. So, choose it wisely.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a major in preparation for PA school:

• Make room for your prerequisites. If the major you pick includes all your PA school requirements, great. But if you take the prereqs outside your major or as part of a minor, you won’t be at any disadvantage. Just be sure to fit them in.
• Choose a major that helps you maintain a high overall GPA. Most PA schools will consider your science, non-science, and overall GPA when evaluating your application. So selecting a major in which you’re confident you can earn high grades is a smart move. You’ll meet your minimum GPA requirement for PA school more easily if you’re not struggling in your major coursework. 
• Consider healthcare-adjacent majors. They might be “lighter” than a biological science major, but they will be useful to your work as a physician assistant. Nutrition, kinesiology, and health services administration are good examples. They’ll demonstrate your interest in medicine and provide you with a unique perspective when working with patients. 
• Show your interest in helping people. Psychology and sociology classes are common PA school requirements, and if you find those subjects interesting, you should go ahead and major in them. Having strong interpersonal skills and a solid understanding of human behavior will help you be a more successful physician assistant. 
• Demonstrate your knowledge of diverse cultures. This might seem more out-of-the-box than the other suggestions, but majoring in a foreign language can be a strong choice. You’ll prove your ability to understand and communicate with people from other cultures. That’s an attractive feature for PA schools and could help you secure a PA position after you’re certified and licensed.
• Follow what engages and excites you. If you love one of the biological sciences—biology, chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, etc.—go ahead and choose it as your major. Don’t feel pressured to appear well-rounded by studying an area that doesn’t interest you. Ultimately, your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statements will reveal if you’re following your passion. So, be honest with yourself and honest when choosing a major.

What you should remember is this: all applicants who complete PA school requirements can be considered for admission to a program, no matter what their major is. 

Most PA program applicants will be either biological, healthcare, or social science majors, but English majors have equal chances of getting accepted—if they also have competitive GPAs and test scores. 

—-

PA school GPA requirement

What GPA is needed for PA school? 

The answer is a bit complex. Some PA programs don’t list minimum GPA requirements. Of those that do, most use a 3.0 GPA as the cut-off, although some will have lower or higher PA school requirements. 

During the application process, schools will look at your GPA in four ways:

• Overall GPA
• Science GPA
• Non-science GPA
• CASPA biology, chemistry, physics (BCP) GPA

You would be clever to start calculating and tracking your GPA in these categories. 

Quick note: Most PA schools will require you to earn a C grade or above in your prerequisite science courses. If you receive a C in chemistry but an A in biology, your science GPA will still be 3.0—meeting the minimum. However, PA schools will take note of your C grade. If this is your situation, we’d recommend retaking the prereq to earn a B or above.

Even if the most common PA school GPA requirement is 3.0, thinking a 3.05 GPA will guarantee your acceptance into a strong program would be a mistake. When it comes to PA school admission, looking at minimum requirements isn’t as helpful as considering the averages of accepted students.

In the 2020 Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) report, the average overall GPA of students who were accepted to PA school was 3.6. Accepted students had, on average, a 3.53 science GPA, 3.67 non-science GPA, and 3.5 BCP GPA. These numbers paint a more accurate picture of your admission chances.

However, remember that your GPA isn’t everything. PA school requirements typically include GRE scores, healthcare experience, and letters of recommendation as well. So, if you’re below the average GPA, don’t panic. You’ll have a chance to impress PA programs with the other aspects of your application. 

PA school GRE requirement

According to the PAEA report, over half of PA schools require the GRE General Test. A handful of schools offer the choice of the GRE or the MCAT, but none specifically require the MCAT. Considering that you’ll want to give yourself as many options as possible, it would be in your best interest to take the GRE test—and do well.

As one of your PA school requirements, the GRE is a more forgiving aspect of your application compared to some others. You can take the GRE up to five times within twelve months, and you only need to wait twenty-one days in between test attempts. 

Don’t worry about PA schools seeing that you took the GRE multiple times. ETS, the GRE testing agency, allows you to send only the scores you want to potential schools. So retaking the GRE to improve your score is in your best interest.

Many PA schools won’t set a specific minimum GRE score. The programs that do usually set the minimum score around 295—but again, some will be higher and some will be lower.

The average GRE score of accepted students on the 2020 PAEA report was 306—combined verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. The average analytical writing score was 4. 

Plan to take the GRE well ahead of the PA school application deadlines so you can fit in a few retakes to try to get your score above the average. And, of course, consider investing in GRE prep resources to maximize your highest score.

PA school healthcare experience requirements

We’ve arrived at one of the most important—and daunting—PA school requirements. A strong GPA and high GRE score won’t get you in the door of a competitive PA program if you don’t possess any related healthcare experience. 

Many PA schools will designate a minimum number of healthcare hours required for applicants, and the amount varies widely. The University of Iowa, one of the top-ranked PA programs by U.S. News, requires 1,000 hours of direct patient care experience. Other schools require 2,000 hours or more.

A few PA schools, even ones on the top-ranked list, don’t require healthcare experience hours at all. Others will say hours are preferred, but not required. So determining the “magic number” of experience hours gets confusing. That’s why many students can get hung up on this PA school requirement.

The CASPA application categorizes professional experience in distinct ways, so we’ll explore them individually and look at the average hours earned in each category by accepted students (when provided by the PAEA report).

Patient care experience: Patient care experience is by far the most important experience category on PA school applications. This includes experiences where you have responsibility for a patient’s care. Examples include performing procedures, developing treatment plans, and directing a patient’s treatment. 

Many students earn these hours while working as an EMT/paramedic, CNA, phlebotomist, dental hygienist, physical therapy aide, LVN, or RN. Some programs specify that only paid patient care experience will satisfy this PA school requirement.

Average hours earned by accepted students: 3,240

Healthcare experience: This category can include both paid and unpaid work in a healthcare setting where you’re interacting with patients but not directly responsible for their care. Examples include cleaning patients, delivering food, taking vitals, administering medication, or working as a scribe. 

Average hours earned by accepted students: 1,791

(Note: It may be tricky to distinguish between patient care and healthcare experience. Rule of thumb: Patient care is any time you’re working hands-on with patients. Everything else can be counted as healthcare experience.)

Shadowing: This is fairly self-explanatory—experiences when you officially shadow a healthcare professional, preferably a physician assistant. 

Average hours earned by accepted students: 215

Volunteering: This category covers volunteer work you complete in a non-healthcare setting—examples include tutoring, fundraising for charity, building homes with Habitat for Humanity, etc. Think carefully here. If you’ve gone on a medical mission trip or something similar, you may be able to include those hours as healthcare or patient care experience instead. 

Average hours earned by accepted students: 719

Research: Experience conducting scientific or medical research. While not a major PA school requirement, research can look good on your applications. Only include hours outside your regular coursework. 

Average hours not provided.

Leadership experience: This category includes any leadership roles you’ve held within an organization—not necessarily medical-related. Use this opportunity to show potential PA schools your potential to make an impact on others as a physician assistant. 

Average hours not provided.

Teaching experience: This category refers to instances when you’ve been in charge of instructing others. Examples include being a teaching assistant or tutor.

Average hours not provided.

Extracurricular activities: This is the catch-all category to include any non-paid experiences that don’t fit under a different option. Make sure these activities are relevant or sharing new information, however. For example, you should list your participation in any healthcare clubs or academic societies. But don’t add activities here just for the sake of it.

Average hours not provided.

Non-healthcare employment: You’ll list all your paid work not occurring in a healthcare or research setting here. 

Average hours earned by accepted students: 2,315