10 Easiest PA Schools To Get Into With High Acceptance Rates

If you're planning to become a physician's assistant (PA), you may be curious about the training programs available. In particular, you're wondering about PA graduate schools with high acceptance rates and other factors that make them easier to get into.

Keep reading to learn more about PA schools with some of the easiest admission standards. We'll also talk about common admission requirements and what you can do to help your application stand out.

How Hard Is It To Get Into PA School?

PA schools tend to be pretty competitive. Even schools with relatively easy admission requirements can only admit a limited number of students each year.

Though online PA schools may be slightly easier to get into than on-campus programs, most still require campus-based components and clinical experiences. They may also be more reliant on admission standards such as high GPAs and GRE scores.

Despite the competitive nature of these programs, many options are available � and many schools offer a holistic admissions process. There are several ways students can stand out from the crowd when applying to these schools; we'll talk about these options in greater detail later in this article.

What Makes a PA School Easier To Get Into?

We've mentioned that some PA schools have easier admission requirements than others � but what does this really mean? Let's look at some criteria to look for when searching for health sciences schools that are easy to get into.

• Higher acceptance rates: Though most PA programs are competitive, some schools have overall higher acceptance rates than others. We used data from the NCES to locate college acceptance rates for the schools listed below.
• Lower GPA requirements: Many PA programs require students to have cumulative, science, and/or prerequisite GPAs of 3.2 or above; some require 3.5 or above. Programs with easier admissions standards typically have lower GPA requirements of 3.0 or below.
• Fewer healthcare experience hours: Aspiring PA students often have to demonstrate proof of more than 2,000 hours of hands-on experience as healthcare providers in clinical settings. Look for programs requiring 2,000 hours or less, or programs that list experience in the healthcare field as optional.
• No GRE requirement: There are many graduate programs with no GRE requirements, including PA programs at some schools. Look for programs in which the GRE is either optional or not considered as part of your PA school application.
• Holistic admissions process: A holistic admissions process looks at all of a student's application materials, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, GPAs, prerequisites, and patient care experience. A decision is made based upon all of these factors, and none are considered more important than the others.
• Rolling admissions or multiple start dates: Colleges that have a rolling admissions process allow students to apply any time of year, and schools with multiple yearly start dates tend to accept larger numbers of students. This can give students more opportunities to be accepted into a physician assistant school.

It's worth noting that some admissions criteria may work better for some students than others, depending on factors like their test scores, GPA, volunteer work, or professional experience. That's why a holistic admissions process can be highly beneficial for students who are concerned about their chances of getting accepted.

10 Easiest PA Schools To Get Into

Earning a master's degree in physician assistant studies is one of the most crucial steps to become a physician assistant. Let's take a look at some of the easiest PA schools to get into that are also approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

1. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is a public school located in Lexington, KY. It is one of a few PA schools with low GPA requirements, as it accepts students with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Students applying to this program must have some patient care experience; however, there is no minimum number of hours expected. In addition to standard requirements, such as a bachelor's degree and completing prerequisites, students must pass a background check and drug screenings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,251 per year
• Acceptance rate: 92% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Lincoln Memorial University

Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is located in Harrogate, TN. Students at this private school can be considered for admission into the PA program, as long as they meet basic requirements.

Current LMU students, those from the Appalachian region, student athletes, and certain healthcare professionals are given preference during the admissions process. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.8, hold a bachelor's degree, and pass all prerequisites with a grade of C or better.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,292 per year
• Acceptance rate: 59% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. Missouri State University

Missouri State University is located in Springfield, MO. It is a high-ranking public school offering a full-time Master of Science in physician assistant studies (MSPAS).

Prospective students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and have at least 500 hours of paid healthcare experience by the time they begin the program. In addition to other basic requirements, students must hold health and liability insurance throughout the program, complete 24 hours of job shadowing experience, and be up-to-date on immunizations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $6,822 per year
• Acceptance rate: 91% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Hardin-Simmons University

Hardin-Simmons University is a private Christian school located in Abilene, TX. Students interested in its PA program should apply through CASPA.

The school requires a bachelor's degree, prerequisites (no maximum completion deadline), and a GPA of 3.0. Aside from these basic requirements, the school uses a holistic admissions process that considers students' healthcare experience, volunteer hours, academic performance, letters of recommendation, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,310 per year
• Acceptance rate: 97% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Pacific University

Pacific University is a private school in Forest Grove, OR. It offers an MSPAS, in which students must have at least a 3.0 CASPA GPA in biology, chemistry, and physics � and in the last 45 credit hours of coursework.

Students must also have at least 1,000 hours of healthcare experience in healthcare facilities, public health, pediatrics, or other settings. They must submit two professional evaluations but standardized test scores and a bachelor's degree are not required for admission; students complete a bachelor's degree as part of the program itself.

• Estimated tuition cost: $39,248 per year
• Acceptance rate: 92% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. University of Utah

The University of Utah is a public school in Salt Lake City, UT. Its PA program can be combined with other healthcare specialty degrees, depending on students' career goals.

Students must have a bachelor's degree and complete all prerequisites with a grade of C or better. Additionally, students must have a 3.0 GPA and 2,000 hours of healthcare experience; all forms of experience may be considered to meet this requirement except for clinical rotations, practicums, and administrative roles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,610 per year
• Acceptance rate: 87% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Midwestern University

Midwestern University is a private medical school headquartered in Downers Grove, IL. A second campus in Glendale, AZ, offers a hybrid PA program, and both schools offer in-person programs.

The school uses a holistic admissions process; factors considered include GPA (3.0 minimum), prerequisites, patient care experience, and compliance with other admission guidelines. All students must hold a bachelor's degree and at least 500 hours of experience; they must also pass a background check and tuberculosis screening.

• Estimated tuition cost: $47,256 per year
• Acceptance rate: Unknown
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a public school in Terre Haute, IN. Students in the PA program have opportunities for interprofessional education with students in other programs, including those in the university's school of medicine.

Students in this program must have a 3.0 GPA and at least 500 hours of healthcare experience. They must also submit three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and complete prerequisite courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,316 per year
• Acceptance rate: 92% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University is a public school in Tahlequah, OK. It has a high overall acceptance rate and offers a PA program for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and prerequisites.

Students must have a 3.0 GPA and submit at least three letters of recommendation as part of their application. Prior healthcare experience is encouraged but not required for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,237 per year
• Acceptance rate: 99% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Middle Tennessee State University

Middle Tennessee State University is located in Murfreesboro, TN. It is a public school claiming to offer the most affordable PA program in Tennessee.

The school's holistic admissions process evaluates academic performance, healthcare experience, community service, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. No test scores, minimum experience, or service hours are required. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,170 per year
• Acceptance rate: 68% (overall)
• GRE required: No
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Common Admission Requirements for PA Schools

Even schools considered less selective typically have a long list of admission requirements that prospective students must meet. Common requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree: nearly every PA program requires students to earn a bachelor's degree before enrolling. Students can choose any major, but degrees in science, healthcare, or pre-PA are common choices because they allow students to fulfill prerequisite course requirements.
• Prerequisite coursework: students must complete specific prerequisite courses to be accepted into a PA program. These courses often include chemistry, biochemistry, biology, microbiology, statistics, and psychology.
• Direct patient care hours: Many PA students already have experience in the medical field or have at least gained supervised volunteer experience. Different programs have different patient care requirements, so students should check with their program of choice to find out more.
• Letters of recommendation: Students can ask for letters of recommendation from PAs, professors, or healthcare professionals they have worked under. Most PA programs require students to submit two to three letters of recommendation as part of their application.
• Personal statement/interview: PA programs commonly ask for students to submit a personal statement or essay expressing their interest in and commitment to the PA profession. They may also be required to participate in an interview before acceptance into a program.

Tips To Boost Your Chances of PA School Admission

Even with easier PA programs, having a strong application is crucial. Though a master's in PA studies isn't one of the easiest medical degrees, you can increase your chances of getting accepted by following a few tips.

Gain Paid Healthcare Experience

Even if you meet the basic healthcare experience requirements at your schools, it's always best to go over and beyond the minimum. The same can be said of schools that don't require paid healthcare experience; candidates who have worked in healthcare professions will almost always be given preference over those who have not.

Highlight Leadership or Service Roles

Some PA programs require community service; others do not. Regardless of the specific requirements of your program, gaining experience in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and other organizations, or gaining promotion to leadership roles in jobs or volunteer opportunities, can help you gain the attention of your school's admissions committee.

Apply Early in the Cycle

Most PA programs have a limited number of spots for each cohort. Those who apply early and meet all the admission requirements have better chances of being accepted into their chosen program.

Write a Compelling Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your time to shine; it's your opportunity to show the admissions committee that you are dedicated to pursuing a career as a physician's assistant. Do not take this opportunity lightly; give plenty of time and attention to your personal statement, expressing your interest in the program and the PA field and highlighting any relevant experiences you may have that will help you succeed.

Apply to Multiple Programs

Even PA schools with easy admissions standards cannot admit every qualified applicant. With this in mind, it's important that you apply to several programs, as this will increase your chances of getting accepted into at least one of them.

Find a Physician Assistant Program

If you're ready to get started in the PA profession, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their accredited PA programs and choose the right one for you.