Associates Degree

C. Hayes, PA-C, MPAS in Katy, Texas said: If you already have a bachelors degree The University of Nebraska also has such a program. Very resonable in price. I completed the program in 2007, it was $3000.00. Also St. Francis University has a similar program. Good luck to both Mike and Hana.

C.Hayes did you mean $30,000 for the nebraska program?

No, $3000.00. I have an Associates degree from the Chicago City College PA program, but also two Bachelor Degrees in the Sciences. The University of Nebraska has a distant lerning program to bridge the degrees to a Masters. It took me just over seven months to complete. You can look at their website for the PA program, it is under distant learning, it may be a little more now. Good luck to you in your future studies.

C. Hayes, PA-C, MPAS in Houston, Texas said: No, $3000.00. I have an Associates degree from the Chicago City College PA program, but also two Bachelor Degrees in the Sciences. The University of Nebraska has a distant lerning program to bridge the degrees to a Masters. It took me just over seven months to complete. You can look at their website for the PA program, it is under distant learning, it may be a little more now. Good luck to you in your future studies.

hmm, i wonder if having a mba counts for anything? all my experience and background is in business, but i'm interested bridging that with medicine

You'll need to have completed a PA program,whether it is an associates or bachelors, pass the national board and be a practicing PA to bridge to a masters with the Nebraska program

Thanks. I thought so

My daughter is a senior in High School and has applied to & been accepted in the P.A. programs at Daemen, DeSales, King's and Penn State/Penn College of Technology. She is still waiting to hear back from Drexel & Phila. University. All of these programs are dual degree Bachelor's/Master's EXCEPT for Penn College which is only a Bachelor's. Since the majority of the programs seem to progress to Master level programs, should she stay away from the 4 year only program? Will salary/opportunities be affected when she is looking for a job? Would really appreciate any thoughts & comments on this. Thank you!

Hi,
I am currently a military spouse and we have just moved to Las Vegas from Jax, Fl. I am very interested in becoming a PA. Are there any schools here in Las Vegas that offers an associates degree? Or an opine course of study that may be link with a local college here where I would be able to do my clinicals? Thanks

C. Hayes, PA-C, MPAS in Katy, Texas said: If you already have a bachelors degree The University of Nebraska also has such a program. Very resonable in price. I completed the program in 2007, it was $3000.00. Also St. Francis University has a similar program. Good luck to both Mike and Hana.

Which program is this?? I have a bachelors and am completely my masters in Kinesiology. Would i be better off applying for a second masters in PA or just trying to get an associates? thanks

The University of Nebraska has a bridging program for PA's that have a bachelors degree to a masters. It is a online program, very resonable in cost. If there is an associates PA program near you the cost is less than bachelors or masters program. Research the programs near you as far as cost and cirriculum. I hope this helps, good luck to you in your endevors.

is anyone aware of an online pa course. im currently employeed as a C.S.A. and would like to further my edu. due to current economic restraints i am unable to quit work and attend a traditional program. amy help would be wonderful. thanks in advance

I live in Pennsylvania and was wondering if there are any Physician Assistant Programs in this state that offer an associates degree. Also, does anyone know if the state of PA requires a BA degree?

There are no AS programs in PA--I dont even think there are BS programs there.

The best program around (according to many medical professionals that we know) is at DeSales University in Allentown, PA. It is a combined Bachelor's/Master's program. My daughter is a student there. Philadelphia University is also a combined program, as is King's College. The only Bachelor's program in the greater Philadelphia area of which I am aware is Penn College of Technology. None of these schools offer Associate only programs. The curriculum is way too intense. My daughter was lucky enough to get accepted into all of these programs and she chose DeSales because their program is highly regarded in the P.A. field. Also check www.aapa.org for accredited programs. Lots of luck to you!

The intensity of the course work has nothing to do with whether or not it is offered as AS, BS or MS. The program is still anywhere from 24-36 months long depending on the school and the professional phases of all those 5-6 direct entry programs is only 2-3 years long depending on the school. The same stuff they learn in the professional phase of the 5-6 year programs is the same information covered in a BS and AS programs---truly the only difference in a MS and AS programs is the added research component/thesis/MS proect at the end of the program.....oh and cost....oh and healthcare experience requirements. Typically AS programs are old school and require higher amounts of healthcare experience in order to apply while these direct entry programs require close to none.

There are a few AS and certificate PA programs SJVC, RCC, RRCC, MDC, Stanford, UC Davis ect--if you want to talk intense UC Davis is the shortest program out there--the shorter the program the more you cover in less time.

Dont get me wrong I have nothing against direct entry programs but they are in no way more intense than an AS, BS or cert program. they all have to be accredited by the same body and all have to teach students the same thing. I know some of these direct entry programs start giving students a taste of PA education after 1-2 years BUT the core of the PA education is still the last two years (1 year didatic and 1 year clinical) this is why students with a BS already can apply directly to the professional phase of pretty much ALL 5-6 year programs (with the exception of DYouville--they have undergrad classes that are pre-reqs that are specific to their school and Dusquense--they just dont do it anymore)

First off, you should definitely do an undergraduate degree in some sort or science field i.e. Biology, Chemistry or some kind of Health Science. PA School requirements are the same as Medical School so you should also follow a pre-med curriculum, which is obviously weighted heavily in the sciences. You should think of PA school as Medical school because it is: PAs are taught under the Medical model that Physicians are taught under. I am a PA and we had the same classes and the same M.D. professors as the med students. The only difference is that it is a shortened but accelerated Medical program, therefore, it is also very demanding.
If you want to get a Bachelors in Business/Communications, you will then have to take all of the additional Science prerequisite classes needed. To me that is a waste of time and money esp. if you know you want to apply for PA school and are serious about it. Also PA school is VERY competitive. In the April’s edition of the AAPA journal newsletter it says that the New York Institute of Technology’s PA program had 1,500 applicants for 52 spots! If you are a business major with no health care experience they wont even take you seriously. How will you compete with the average applicant who has a Biology degree with a minor in Chemistry who has 3 yrs working as a Physical Therapist/Respiratory Asst./Nurse?
During clinical rotations, I sat on my school's admissions board and the #1 thing that they are looking for is that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and that you know that this is what you want to do. PA school is a huge commitment and you have to prove that you have worked hard by taking tough science classes, worked in health care and know a lot about the PA profession. So, I think you should really think through your Bachelors degree if you are serious in becoming a PA. Good Luck!

Robert in Pottstown, Pennsylvania said: First off, you should definitely do an undergraduate degree in some sort or science field i.e. Biology, Chemistry or some kind of Health ScienceQUOTE]

If you are applying to a direct entry program of course.....previous coursework is not required. Also the standard MD track is not nececsairly the golden standard..physics and calc are not a requirement for 98% of programs. When you look at suggested coursework beyod actual pre-reqs you will see that many courses are biological sciences.

Now you can fill the pre-reqs of pretty much every PA program with the standard bio degree but you also have to keep in mind if you have life changes that prevent you from being able to apply or you dont get in...what skills do you have that will pay you well AND give you direct health care exeperience? Major in something that will do both.

Also if you have a BS in somethig else that is cool too...as with med shcool your BS does not have to be in science admissions boards know that people change careers--as long as you show your dedication, get some hce and bring rockin grades you are just as competitive as the next

Hanna in Akron, Ohio said: I am a PA-C currently practicing in pediatrics with an Associates degree. I am looking for a program that bridges my associates degree with a Masters program online. I was told these exist but cannot locate them. Please help.

Hanna, I was wondering where you received your associates degree from...I am from southwestern Pennyslvania and I am having a hard time finding a school that offers an associates near me. Thanks in advance for your time!

I would like to know do have to take coures to get in a PA program for association degree.

Hi,

Yes, I am applying to the Miami Dade College program (A.A) and they require the following pre-reqs:

Anatomy and Physiology 1 with lab
Anatomy and Physiology 2 with lab
Chm 1033 with lab
Microbiology with lab
Statistics

Thanks!

I am a sophmore in college and I am interested in changing my major from nursing to PA... I was doing research and came across this. Can I please get thoughts and opinions. For instance if PA is a better route than nursing. Thanks in advance.

Hanna in Akron, Ohio said: I am a PA-C currently practicing in pediatrics with an Associates degree. I am looking for a program that bridges my associates degree with a Masters program online. I was told these exist but cannot locate them. Please help.

What did you have to do to become a pa

Hi, I am currently a sophomore in college and am majoring in Exercise science, originally I was a Bio major and had taken organismal biology with lab, and cell biology with lab, but not micro. I want to be a PA, and I have been told for a masters in PA I need organic chemistry and physics. If I get my Bachelors in Exercise science, should I go into a Masters PA program or an Associates PA Program, and what would the pre reqs for both be? I have taken everything so far except, physics, organic chemistry and microbiology. Also which route would be more beneficial to me because I already have a lot of student debt, and am concerned of taken on more, does one degree for PA pay more than the other? and which one will prepare me better for work and the test?

Thanks a lot!
-Sarah

I was also considering getting an associates degree in PA offered at Moreno Valley City college in Moreno Valley, CA.
considering what was said about employers wanting to hire those with a BA or MA preferably, could joining the military upon receiving a PA certificate ensure a job under your title?

Cindy M in Orlando, Florida said: All accredited PA programs allow you to sit for the PANCE regradless of the degree awarded....the only time thedegree might cause a problem is if the state you are in requires a certain degre ein order to get your license...certain states require at least a bachelors while others require a masters....some dont care.

Also there are 4 programs and 7 if you count multiple campuses (which I would because you have to apply to each campus seperately). There is:

Barry University-Miami
Barry-St Petersburg
Nova-Orlando
Nova-Naples
Nova-FT Lauderdale
University of FL-Gainesville
Miami Dade College-Miami

In all honesty...in the time it takes you should go for the masters if you have the opportunity. While the degree doesnt really matter for the PANCE, some employers (like hospitals) pay extra for certain degrees.

Why would anyone go through all the trouble of getting a BA or MA in Physician Assistant studies if you receive the same benefits as a PA with only an associates degree?

Hanna in Akron, Ohio said: I am a PA-C currently practicing in pediatrics with an Associates degree. I am looking for a program that bridges my associates degree with a Masters program online. I was told these exist but cannot locate them. Please help.

Hanna, look into A.T. Still University. They have an Online Advanced PA program and will accept you as long as you have the license in your state.

How much of an average salary difference is there between a PA with an associates, a BA or Masters PA?

What is a PA-C?

a licensed PA

I live in michigan and was wondering where the closets pa school is for an associates degree. Also, does michigan allow an associates degree? Is there any online associate degrees for pa?

All the PA programs are shown in a very cool map form on www.prospectivepa.com

Its an awesome website.

Good luck!

bluecloud in Stone Mountain, Georgia said: All the PA programs are shown in a very cool map form on www.prospectivepa.com

Its an awesome website.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info!

I still cant any associate degree programs for pa's. Where are they all at?

The only one that I know of is at Miami Dade College in Miami, FL.

But I have never LOOKED for an associates PA program, so I am not very familiar.....

Miam Dade associates program looks really easy and I'm just wondering why would anyone put themselves through so much agony to get a Masters? Is it a legitimate program?

Michigan in Waterford, Michigan said: I still cant any associate degree programs for pa's. Where are they all at?

Miami Dade in Florida and it looks easy!!

It is absolutely not Easy... in fact it is more competitive than the other programs in our area because of the cost.

Hanna in Akron, Ohio said: I am a PA-C currently practicing in pediatrics with an Associates degree. I am looking for a program that bridges my associates degree with a Masters program online. I was told these exist but cannot locate them. Please help.

I'm trying to get my associates degree from Miami-Dade College to become a P.A. Does the industry frown upon this or is it a common practice? I would love to maintain email contact

Does anyone know of any programs in the northwest that provide an AS program? I have all my required hours but would be more interested in an AS degree.

north in Providence, Rhode Island said: What is a PA-C?

The "C" means "certified" not licensed. There are three steps to becoming a clinically practicing PA. 1 - Graduate from an ARC-PA accredited PA program (degrees may vary, though most now offer Masters). Graduation from an accredited program makes you eligible for Step 2) Pass the PANCE - Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination; 3) Get a state license - which requires completion of both steps 1 & 2.

The PA-C is somewhat an historical definition. All states require passage of the PANCE. This was not always true. So, 20+ years ago, there was a distinction between PA and PA-C. No longer. So the use of PA-C is simply tradition. A number of PA leaders have proposed discontinuing this tradition, and no longer use the "-C" themselves.

A few states used to not require recertification. So, some PAs would continue practicing with eligible licenses without needing a NCCPA certification. That was fine as long as they did not move to another state, as all new licenses require the certification. State licensing boards have moved to greater consistency, and few, if any permit licensing without maintaining the certification.

Another reason advanced to drop the use of the "-C" is the increased prevalence of certification in many technical professions. Using the "-C" allows the perception of PAs as lower level technicians to persist.

I personally advocate for discontinuing the "-C" tradition and let the PA stand for itself.

Kay in Westland, Michigan said: I am a sophmore in college and I am interested in changing my major from nursing to PA... I was doing research and came across this. Can I please get thoughts and opinions. For instance if PA is a better route than nursing. Thanks in advance.

finish your nursing and do anesthesia COURSE FOR nurse it has more money than PA

I'm 58yrs old and have practiced as an RN for 28yrs so I feel that the masters level time frame is unrealistic.

Anyone know the prerequisites for apply for AS program in Miami Dade. I'm going tomorrow to find out; however, I'm so excited I just would like to know asap.

A&P 1 WITH LAB
A&P 2 WITH LAB
CHEM1033 WITH LAB
MICROBIOLOGY WITH LAB
STATISTICS

Thank you to the person who replied to my posting.=0) Do I need to take math what so ever besides for statistics?

Sincerely thanks,

swtalker

dg in Miami, Florida said: Hi,

Yes, I am applying to the Miami Dade College program (A.A) and they require the following pre-reqs:

Anatomy and Physiology 1 with lab
Anatomy and Physiology 2 with lab
Chm 1033 with lab
Microbiology with lab
Statistics

I wanted to know if you had a hard time finding a job with the associates in PA

Cindy in Winter Park, Florida said: There are no AS programs in PA--I dont even think there are BS programs there.

miami dade college offers a AS PA program to bachelors degree

Hello, I went through all the comments here and have received some great information. However, the one question I didn't really see answered was does getting an AS in PA compared to the masters affects the salary received, especially entry level positions? I can see employers wanting a masters degree but who here in Chicago or in the state of Florida know that for sure? What states require a master's degree? I have my bachelors in athletic training so hopefully Illinois or Florida wouldn't be harsh about the masters degree. Chicago has Malcolm X College which is where I'm considering as well as Miami Dade College for the next application period.

Chris, I was in the third graduating class from the Chicago City College and Cook County Hospital program in 1990! I too had a bachelors degree when I started the program. Since that time I completed a masters degree on line from the Uninversity of Nebraska in 2006 it cost a total of $3000. If i remember correctly, I think that you can also get a masters through Malcolm X and St Francis Univerity concurrently for those students that have already completed a bachelors program. I hope this helps, by the way the Chicago City program was really great, the rotations through Cook County were a wonderful learning experience and were an excellent foundation for my PA career of 22 years. Good luck with you endevors!

I'm taking my prerequs.for PA school,and I'm currently writing a research paper on the importance of PA's in American medicine. I was wonderingif there areany PA's out there that wouldbe willing to answera couple of my question via email or telephone?

Thank you for considering for considering.

Hannah