Top 10 Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Programs 2026

Direct-entry physician assistant programs offer an alternative to the traditional path of earning a bachelor's degree and then applying separately to PA school. These programs allow students to secure a place in a physician assistant pathway while they are still in high school, creating a more streamlined route to becoming a physician assistant.

Most direct-entry PA programs combine undergraduate and graduate study into a single educational plan. Students complete their bachelor's degree while meeting progression requirements and then move directly into a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) or similar graduate program. Below, we'll explore how these programs work and highlight schools that offer direct-entry physician assistant pathways.

What Is a Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Program?

A direct-entry physician assistant program is a combined undergraduate and graduate pathway that allows students to gain admission to a physician assistant program before starting college, similar to direct-entry medical schools. Instead of applying to PA school after earning a bachelor's degree, students enter a structured program that reserves a seat in the graduate physician assistant phase if they meet academic and professional requirements.

Most direct-entry PA programs begin with three or four years of undergraduate coursework followed by approximately two years of graduate physician assistant education. Depending on the school, students may earn a bachelor's degree in a health-related field before progressing into a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program.

These programs are designed for students who are confident they want to become physician assistants and prefer a more predictable path to graduate study. In exchange for maintaining required grade point averages, completing prerequisite coursework, and meeting program benchmarks, students can often avoid competing for admission to PA school through the traditional application process.

Direct-entry physician assistant programs should not be confused with traditional PA programs. Most PA schools require applicants to complete a bachelor's degree before applying, often alongside healthcare experience and prerequisite science courses. Direct-entry pathways allow students to begin preparing for a PA career immediately after high school while receiving guidance and support throughout both phases of their education.

Top Schools with Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Degrees

Direct-entry physician assistant programs allow students to begin preparing for a PA career immediately after high school. Rather than completing a bachelor's degree and then applying separately to PA school, students enter a combined pathway that provides a reserved seat in the graduate physician assistant program if progression requirements are met.

All of the schools below offer direct-entry pathways that combine undergraduate and graduate study. While students must maintain academic standards throughout their undergraduate education, these programs can provide a more predictable route to becoming a physician assistant than the traditional admissions process.

1. Baldwin Wallace University

Baldwin Wallace University is located in Berea, Ohio, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university's Direct Entry Physician Assistant Program allows qualified high school students to secure a place in the physician assistant pathway before beginning their undergraduate studies.

Students complete a bachelor's degree at Baldwin Wallace while following a structured pre-PA curriculum. Those who meet progression requirements can move into the Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant program without competing in the traditional applicant pool. The direct-entry pathway provides access to faculty advising, healthcare experiences, and professional development opportunities throughout both the undergraduate and graduate phases of the program.

2. Daemen University

Daemen University is located in Amherst, New York, and offers a direct-entry pathway into its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program. Students begin their education as undergraduates while working toward progression into the graduate PA phase of the program.

Daemen University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The direct-entry model allows students to reserve a place in the physician assistant program while completing undergraduate requirements, provided they maintain the necessary academic standards. The program emphasizes clinical preparation, hands-on learning, and interprofessional education, helping students transition smoothly from undergraduate coursework into graduate-level physician assistant training.

3. Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce University's MPAS Direct Entry pathway allows students to begin preparing for physician assistant education during their undergraduate studies. Students follow a 4+2 format, completing a bachelor's degree before moving into the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program if they meet progression requirements.

Franklin Pierce University is based in Rindge, New Hampshire, and is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Direct-entry students receive advising from both undergraduate and MPAS faculty, helping them stay on track for required coursework, academic benchmarks, and graduate program expectations. The direct-entry pathway is limited to a small number of students, so applicants should review progression standards closely before enrolling.

4. Gannon University

Gannon University is regionally accredited by the MSCHE and offers a five-year physician assistant pathway for qualified incoming students. The program allows students to earn both a bachelor's degree and a Master of Physician Assistant Science through an entry-level combined curriculum.

Gannon University is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. Students in the direct-entry PA pathway begin as first-year undergraduates and move through a structured health sciences curriculum before progressing into graduate-level physician assistant study. The program has been educating physician assistants for more than 40 years and emphasizes clinical preparation, ethical practice, and patient-centered care.

5. King's College

King's College is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. The college offers a physician assistant pathway that allows students to begin preparing for PA school during their undergraduate education.

The program includes undergraduate preparation followed by graduate physician assistant study leading to a master's degree. King's emphasizes primary care preparation and uses physician assistant competencies, Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) content, and Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) standards to shape its curriculum. Students benefit from a long-standing PA program with a strong healthcare focus in northeastern Pennsylvania.

6. Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is located in Rochester, New York, and offers a combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science physician assistant pathway for students interested in entering the profession directly from high school. The program is structured to allow students to move from undergraduate study into graduate PA education while following a clearly defined academic plan.

Rochester Institute of Technology is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. Students complete undergraduate coursework in the health sciences before progressing into the physician assistant phase of the program. The combined pathway emphasizes experiential learning, healthcare exposure, and professional development, helping students build the skills needed for success in graduate PA education and clinical practice.

7. Seton Hill University

Seton Hill University's combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science physician assistant program provides students with a direct-entry route into physician assistant education. Students begin preparing for their future careers as undergraduates while following a curriculum designed to support progression into the graduate PA phase.

The university is located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. The program allows qualified students to earn both degrees in an accelerated format while receiving guidance from faculty throughout their education. Students benefit from early exposure to healthcare concepts and clinical preparation before entering the master's-level physician assistant curriculum.

8. University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union offers an Early Assurance Physician Assistant Pathway for students who know they want to pursue a PA career before starting college. The program provides a structured undergraduate experience designed to prepare students for progression into graduate physician assistant education.

The University of Mount Union is located in Alliance, Ohio, and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Students who meet progression requirements can secure a place in the university's physician assistant pathway while completing their bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes academic preparation, professional development, and healthcare experience, helping students transition from undergraduate study into advanced PA training.

9. University of Saint Francis

The University of Saint Francis is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is regionally accredited by the HLC. Through its Physician Assistant Seat Early Admittance Track, qualified high school students can secure a pathway into the university's Master of Physician Assistant Studies program while completing their undergraduate education.

Students follow a structured academic plan that combines undergraduate preparation with progression requirements for the graduate PA program. The early admittance track is designed for students who are committed to a physician assistant career and want greater certainty about their path to graduate study. Throughout the program, students receive advising and support as they prepare for advanced coursework, clinical training, and eventual PA licensure.

10. Wagner College

Wagner College is located on Staten Island, New York, and offers a combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science physician assistant pathway that allows students to begin preparing for PA school as incoming undergraduates. The program is designed to provide a seamless transition from undergraduate study into graduate physician assistant education.

Wagner College is regionally accredited by the MSCHE. Students in the BS/MS pathway complete undergraduate requirements while meeting progression standards established by the physician assistant program. The curriculum combines liberal arts education, science coursework, and healthcare preparation before students advance into the graduate phase. Located near New York City's extensive healthcare network, the program provides access to diverse clinical learning opportunities and professional experiences.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Direct-entry physician assistant programs differ from traditional PA pathways because students are admitted to a combined undergraduate and graduate track before starting college. For this ranking, we focus on: 

• Accreditation: We prioritize universities that hold recognized regional accreditation and maintain physician assistant programs that meet professional accreditation standards. Accreditation helps ensure students receive a high-quality education and are eligible to pursue licensure after graduation.
• Program length: Most direct-entry physician assistant programs combine undergraduate and graduate study into a five- to six-year pathway. We consider how efficiently students can progress from high school to physician assistant practice while still receiving comprehensive academic and clinical preparation. 
• Online availability: Because physician assistant education requires laboratory instruction, clinical skills training, and supervised patient care experiences, these programs are primarily delivered in person. However, we consider whether schools offer flexible coursework, technology-enhanced learning opportunities, or innovative educational formats.
• Student outcomes: We evaluate factors such as graduation rates, clinical training opportunities, faculty support, professional development resources, and preparation for certification and employment. Programs that provide strong pathways into clinical practice receive additional consideration.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

How Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Programs Differ From Traditional Pathways

Direct-entry physician assistant programs provide a different route to becoming a PA than the traditional admissions process. Instead of earning a bachelor's degree and then applying to PA school, students secure a pathway into graduate physician assistant education before they begin college.

• Admission Timeline: Traditional PA students apply to graduate programs after completing a bachelor's degree. Direct-entry students are admitted to a combined pathway while they are still in high school.
• Graduate School Seat: Many direct-entry programs reserve a place in the graduate PA program for students who meet progression requirements, reducing the uncertainty of the traditional admissions process.
• Academic Structure: Direct-entry pathways follow a prescribed sequence of undergraduate and graduate coursework designed to prepare students for physician assistant practice.
• Healthcare Experience Requirements: Traditional PA applicants often accumulate hundreds or thousands of healthcare experience hours before applying. Direct-entry students typically gain clinical exposure and healthcare experience as part of their educational pathway.
• Timeline to Practice: Many direct-entry programs allow students to move efficiently from undergraduate education into physician assistant training, often completing both degrees in five to six years.
• Career Commitment: Direct-entry programs are best suited for students who are confident they want to become physician assistants. Traditional pathways offer more flexibility for students who are still exploring healthcare careers.

Admissions Requirements for Direct-Entry Programs

Direct-entry physician assistant programs are highly competitive because they combine undergraduate admission with a reserved pathway into a graduate healthcare profession. Admissions committees look for students who demonstrate strong academic preparation, leadership potential, and an interest in patient care.

Common admissions requirements include:

• High School GPA: Most programs expect applicants to have strong academic records, particularly in science and mathematics courses.
• College Preparatory Coursework: Successful applicants often complete biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, calculus, honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, dual-enrollment courses, or other rigorous academic work.
• Standardized Test Scores: Some direct-entry PA programs consider SAT or ACT scores, while others have adopted test-optional admissions policies.
• Healthcare Exposure: Volunteer work, job shadowing, healthcare internships, emergency medical services experience, or other patient-care activities can strengthen an application.
• Leadership and Service: Admissions committees often value involvement in student organizations, athletics, community service projects, and leadership positions.
• Essays and Interviews: Many programs require supplemental essays and may invite finalists to participate in interviews that assess communication skills, professionalism, and motivation.
• Progression Requirements: Students admitted to direct-entry programs must typically maintain minimum GPA standards and complete prerequisite coursework before advancing into the graduate physician assistant phase.

Because many programs admit only a small number of students each year, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Students who are not selected for a direct-entry pathway can still pursue a physician assistant career through the traditional route of earning a bachelor's degree and applying to PA school after graduation.

FAQs About Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Degree Programs

Direct-entry physician assistant programs can be an attractive option for students who know early that they want to pursue a PA career. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about these combined undergraduate and graduate pathways.

How Long Do Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Programs Take?

Most direct-entry physician assistant programs take five to six years to complete. Students typically spend three to four years earning a bachelor's degree before progressing into a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) or similar graduate program that lasts about two years. The exact timeline varies by school and program structure.

Are Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Programs Worth It?

Direct-entry physician assistant programs may be worth considering for students who are confident they want to become PAs. These programs can provide a more predictable path to graduate education, access to faculty mentoring, and a reserved seat in the PA program if progression requirements are met. However, they require students to commit to a physician assistant career earlier than traditional applicants.

Are There Online Direct-Entry Physician Assistant Programs?

Fully online direct-entry physician assistant programs are not available because PA education requires extensive laboratory instruction, clinical skills training, and supervised patient care experiences. Some programs may incorporate online coursework during portions of the undergraduate curriculum, but physician assistant training itself is delivered primarily in person.

Can You Become a Physician Assistant Without Healthcare Experience?

Many traditional PA programs prefer or require applicants to have healthcare experience before admission. Direct-entry programs are different because students enter the pathway directly from high school and gain healthcare exposure, clinical experiences, and professional preparation throughout their education. While prior experience can strengthen an application, it is not always required for admission to a direct-entry program.

What Is the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and a Nurse Practitioner?

Physician assistants and nurse practitioners both diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications in many states, and provide patient care. The primary difference is their educational pathway. Physician assistants complete PA-specific graduate education based on the medical model, while nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who build on nursing education and clinical experience. Both professions can offer strong career opportunities in a variety of healthcare settings.

Find a Flexible Online Healthcare Degree

Find your perfect physician assistant program by exploring the direct-entry options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to specific schools to find out more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.

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