Kansas is home to several outstanding Physician Assistant (PA) programs for those looking to enter the medical field. The PA profession is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals, and Kansas is no exception. This blog post will explore the best PA schools in Kansas and what makes them stand out.

Wichita State University PA Program

The Physician Assistant (PA) program at Wichita State is Kansas's first and longest-running PA program. With more than 150 years of combined clinical and more than 85 years of healthcare education experience, the department of Physician Assistant has a highly competitive master’s program ranked in the top 35 per cent of the nation.

The program’s longevity, high pass rates, dedicated faculty, strong community affiliations, and location are key reasons our program has a 20:1 applicant ratio. Students gain a competitive advantage by learning from practicing faculty who care about their success. Our program has a 50-year record of excellence, offering students unmatched opportunities for a high-demand, high-paying career as a PA.

The PA program at Wichita State University is one of the most well-established programs in the state, having been established in 1971. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is considered one of the top PA programs in the region. The program is 27 months long, full-time, and includes classroom and clinical education. Graduates of this program have a high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and have a vital job placement rate. In addition, the program has a competitive admission process, typically receiving over 200 applications for a class of 40 students.

University of Kansas Medical Center PA Program

The PA program at the University of Kansas Medical Center is one of the most well-respected programs in the state, having been established in 1971. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is considered one of the best in the state.

The program is 27 months long, full-time, and includes classroom and clinical education. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the medical field, including courses in anatomy, pharmacology, and medical ethics. The program also includes hands-on clinical experience, which allows students to work with patients under the supervision of licensed physicians. The clinical education takes place at various sites across the state, including rural and urban areas, providing students with diverse patient populations and medical conditions to work with.

The program has a high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and a strong job placement rate. As a result, graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce as a PA. They can work in various medical settings, including primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, and many more.

Additionally, the University of Kansas Medical Center program also provides students with opportunities to participate in research and community service, which helps give the students a well-rounded education and experience. Also, the program encourages and supports the students to be active in PA-related professional organizations and to participate in various volunteer activities, which helps them to become more involved in the PA community and stay current with the latest trends and developments in the field.

Overall, the PA program at the University of Kansas Medical Center is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the medical field. With a strong curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, and a high pass rate on the PANCE, graduates of the program are well-prepared for a successful career as a PA.

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences PA Program

The PA program at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences is a well-established program established in 1971. The program is accredited by the ARC-PA and is considered one of the best in the state. The program is 27 months long, full-time, and includes classroom and clinical education. Graduates of this program have a high pass rate on the PANCE and a vital job placement rate.

Students enrolled in our program benefit from the extensive medical education resources offered by the School of Medicine, such as the Clinical Training Facility, Health Sciences Library, and Medical Education Media Center. The Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant program graduates has performed well on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The program's average first-time PANCE pass rate (across all cohorts) is 97%. The school gives a person a strong chance at a promising career as a PA.

Benefits of Becoming a PA

There are many benefits to becoming a physician assistant, including the following:

Job stability and high demand: Physician assistants are in high order and are expected to see strong job growth in the coming years.
Competitive compensation: Physician assistants typically earn a good salary, with many earning six-figure incomes.
Variety of practice settings: Physician assistants can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Autonomy and independence: Physician assistants can practice medicine independently, although they do so under the supervision of a physician.
Ability to make a difference: Physician assistants can positively impact patients’ lives by providing high-quality medical care.
Flexibility: Physician assistants can choose from various specialties and practice settings, allowing for more flexibility in their career path.
Good work-life balance: Physician Assistants can have an excellent work-life balance, with many enjoying a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

Choosing a School

When choosing a PA program, it's essential to consider factors such as accreditation, length of the program, and pass rates on the PANCE. All three programs mentioned above are accredited by the ARC-PA and have a high pass rate on the PANCE. Additionally, all three programs are 27 months long and include classroom and clinical education. However, it's essential to consider factors such as location, cost, and class size when deciding.

In conclusion, Kansas offers several excellent PA programs that are accredited and have a high pass rate on the PANCE. These programs also include classroom and clinical education and have a vital job placement rate. The best PA program for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so make sure to research all options and visit the campus before making your decision.