10 PA Schools That Don't Require GRE in 2025

A physician assistant has the important role of supporting doctors, surgeons, physician associates, and other healthcare providers. They also interact directly with patients in many healthcare settings.

Since this role is so essential for a quality patient care experience, PAs spend multiple years preparing by completing accredited physician assistant programs. Some PA programs have very strict admissions criteria and may require you to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for acceptance. We'll show you, however, a list of PA schools that don't require GRE scores for admission.

Is the GRE Required for Physician Assistant School?

There are several steps to become a physician assistant in each state. This involves completing an accredited PA program, which is a master's-level credential.

Some schools require either the GRE or the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) for program entrance, but many have eliminated this admission requirement. Always check your intended program's application requirements to be sure if you need to take either of these tests. Several universities, including those listed below, do not mandate it any longer.

Why Are PA Schools Dropping the GRE?

Many admissions committees have dropped the GRE requirement, preferring to focus on a more holistic application process. This means they focus on other application components, such as grade point average (GPA), letters of recommendation, clinical experience, personal statements, and other factors aside from standardized tests. Many PA schools will consider but do not require GRE scores for program matriculation.

Top 10 No-GRE PA Schools

This is a list of 10 PA programs that don't require GRE scores for physician assistant studies. We'll introduce each school, including the estimated total cost of attendance and the accreditation status.

1. Drexel University

Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions does not require standardized test scores for admissions. It expects prospective PA students to complete nine prerequisite courses, and will only permit two of them to be outstanding when they apply. Mandatory prerequisites include microbiology, chemistry, medical terminology, and psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $95,706
• Accreditation: Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)

2. Hofstra University

Hofstra University offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), which takes 28 months to complete at its medical center in Hempstead, NY. The MPAS program accepts first-year PA students, but not transfer students. If you apply as an international student, you must submit transcripts through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CAPSA) after having them evaluated by World Education Services (WES).

• Estimated tuition cost: $133,905
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

3. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University's admission process focuses heavily on GPA requirements and clinical experience. It requires at least a 3.2 GPA in all undergraduate and graduate coursework, including prerequisite courses. All applicants must possess at least 2,000 hours of direct patient-care experience in the U.S. or Canada.

• Estimated tuition cost: $122,625
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

4. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University requires three letters of recommendation, along with a good grade point average and at least 500 hours of paid experience in clinical care. The admissions committee also prefers candidates with a firm commitment to volunteer medical service and compassion for sick patients.

• Estimated tuition cost: $97,932
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

5. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton has a competitive admissions process, but rather than emphasizing test scores, the admissions committee pays more attention to prerequisite requirements and interviews with prospective PA students. You should prepare for this program by completing prerequisite courses, such as microbiology, medical terminology, statistics, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $98,627
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

6. Miami-Dade College

Miami-Dade College requires incoming PA students to complete the CAPSA application by November 1. This full-time program takes 27 months to complete at its campus in Florida, includes dual-degree options, and offers students the opportunity to serve in various community service projects as part of its curriculum.

• Estimated tuition cost: $82,874.20
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

7. Marshall B. Ketchum University

Marshall B. Ketchum University does not require the GRE but has three mandatory components. Incoming students must have 2,000 hours of verifiable hands-on patient care experience.

They must also submit a CAPSA application and obtain three letters of recommendation. This program also prefers candidates with at least a 3.0 GPA across all coursework, especially in health science courses.

• Estimated tuition cost: $111,000
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

8. Pacific University

Pacific University requires incoming students to have at least a 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, including biology, chemistry, and physics. You must also receive two professional evaluations, preferably one from a licensed PA. It is possible to enter this program without a bachelor's degree, but all students must participate in a Zoom interview with the admissions committee prior to acceptance.

• Estimated tuition cost: $125,550
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

9. Wichita State University

Wichita State University does not request or even consider GRE scores in its admissions process. This accredited PA program trains its students in evidence-based, patient-focused medical service. Incoming students can satisfy some prerequisite courses by taking advanced placement (AP) courses in high school, provided they take the AP exam and achieve a score of three or higher.

• Estimated tuition cost: $44,380
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

10. Union College

Union College's website says that it welcomes but does not require standardized test scores for admissions. It does, however, require candidates to have taken a biochemistry lab for consideration. This college also permits you to apply if you have outstanding course requirements (or are in the process of completing them).

• Estimated tuition cost: $89,316
• Accreditation: ARC-PA

How To Get Into PA School Without Taking the GRE

There are several ways to make your PA school application stand out in the admissions process. The most important area to emphasize is your overall GPA from your undergraduate education and other graduate programs. You should aim for at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 health science GPA.

You can also improve your chances by applying early in your target school's application cycle. Don't forget to satisfy all the prerequisite coursework requirements and earn the highest grades possible. Finally, ensure you show superior communication skills by writing a solid personal statement, explaining why you'd make an outstanding future PA.

FAQs About PA Programs That Don't Require GRE

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding graduate schools that don't require GRE scores for program admission. This covers typical PA school requirements, the difficulty of the admissions process, and why it's worthwhile to consider GRE-free degree options.

What's the Easiest PA school To Get Into?

While there is no universally accepted ''easiest PA school,'' there are several that accept most/all of their applicants. These PA programs and medical schools have admissions criteria and require certain prerequisite courses, but may be more flexible with GPA and GRE expectations. The schools in the above rankings may be more flexible with admissions standards.

What Are PA School Requirements?

To obtain a PA license, there are several physician assistant training requirements, which involve earning a bachelor's degree or a master's degree and completing a PA certification. Many prospective PA students enter a Master of Science (MS) program to fulfill both the graduate education and certification requirements.

Upon completing all coursework, clinical rotations, and other academic requirements, PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) to receive a license in all states. Successful candidates may then apply for licensure through the CASPA. The CASPA application is a common application for PAs at every American medical school in the country.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a PA School Without a GRE Requirement?

The obvious advantage of applying to GRE-free schools is that you won't have to spend lots of time studying for a difficult standardized test or pay any fees just to take it. Also, if you know a school doesn't require the GRE, then you know they will place more emphasis on other application components, such as coursework difficulty, professional healthcare experience, and good grades.

If you graduated at the top of your class with a high GPA, then this may be the most important factor for schools that don't focus on standardized test scores.

Find the Right PA Program

We welcome you to use Learn.org to discover more about accredited PA programs, online degree programs, and other useful resources for prospective healthcare professionals. Our other articles show you how to find the most suitable bachelor's degrees and certifications for any career field.