Physician Assistant Preparation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and academic credentials necessary for competitive admission to accredited physician assistant programs, this curriculum provides a rigorous, science-based pathway into the healthcare profession. It emphasizes mastery of core biomedical and clinical concepts, fostering critical thinking and professional readiness for advanced medical education.
- Anatomy and Physiology: In-depth study of human body systems, structures, and functions to build a strong foundation in biological sciences.
- Chemistry and Biochemistry: Exploration of chemical principles and reactions essential to understanding metabolic processes and pharmaceutical interactions.
- Microbiology and Pathophysiology: Examination of microorganisms, disease mechanisms, and the body’s response to illness in clinical contexts.
- Medical Terminology: Mastery of specialized language used in healthcare settings to ensure accurate communication and documentation.
- Psychosocial Aspects of Health: Analysis of behavioral, emotional, and societal influences on patient health and medical decision-making.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Introduction to scientific inquiry, data evaluation, and the application of research to clinical scenarios.
Physician Assistant Preparation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Physician Assistant Preparation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Physician Assistant Preparation degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Physician Assistant Preparation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Physician Assistant Preparation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Physician Assistant Preparation is found at Seton Hill University (39 graduates), DeSales University (30 graduates), University of New England (UNE) (24 graduates), Oakland University (OU) (8 graduates), and Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 127 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seton Hill University |
Bachelor's
|
39 | Greensburg, Pennsylvania | Private | setonhill.edu |
| DeSales University |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Center Valley, Pennsylvania | Private | desales.edu |
| University of New England (UNE) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Biddeford, Maine | Private | une.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
| Grand View University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | grandview.edu |
| Butler Community College |
Associate's
|
4 | El Dorado, Kansas | Public | butlercc.edu |
| Lee University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Cleveland, Tennessee | Private | leeuniversity.edu |
| Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) |
Associate's
|
3 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wcccd.edu |
| Kettering College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Kettering, Ohio | Private | kc.edu |
| Colorado Christian University (CCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Lakewood, Colorado | Private | ccu.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| South Plains College |
Associate's
|
1 | Levelland, Texas | Public | southplainscollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Physician Assistant Preparation programs
Which universities have the largest Physician Assistant Preparation programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Physician Assistant Preparation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Seton Hill University (39 graduates), DeSales University (30 graduates), and University of New England (UNE) (24 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
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