There are many opportunities for individuals who are looking to become a physician assistant (PA) in Missouri, and that’s because four institutions offer PA programs in this state.
And there are accredited online programs for students who don’t want to take courses on any of these campuses.
Now, let’s see which schools are the best PA schools in Missouri!
Which Schools Offer PA Programs in Missouri?
The following schools offer PA programs in Missouri:
A.T. Still University
Saint Louis University
Missouri State University
Stephens College
University of Missouri - Kansas City
A.T. Still University is the only institution offering both master’s and doctoral programs in physician assistant studies.
How Do You Get Into PA School?
First, you need to get an undergraduate degree in an applicable science, i.e., biology, chemistry, health sciences, or nursing.
It’s best to have a GPA above 3.3, and a major GPA higher than 3.5 is an advantage. Double-majoring as an undergraduate will also be looked at favorably.
And on the GRE, it’s best to get a score above 300.
When applying, you’ll need to submit a resume and personal statement, and you’ll also need to fulfill any other requirements the school you’re applying to has.
What Kinds of PA Programs Are There?
There are three main kinds of PA programs, and your learning style, budget, goals, and a few other factors will collectively determine which program is best for you.
In-Person Programs
If you enjoy interacting with peers and professors face to face, consider enrolling in an in-person PA program. But this will require that you live on campus for two years or commute, and either option will make attending PA school more expensive.
There are significant benefits associated with this kind of program. For one, you’ll learn a lot during class sessions since you can engage with your classmates and have productive and valuable discussions with professors, something that’s not always easily done in online classes.
Online Programs
Online programs offer more flexibility, but they’re just as rigorous as in-person programs, and they require clinical experience just like in-person programs.
These programs are cheaper since you don't have to live on campus or drive to one, but you'll still have to attend classes at certain times and meet deadlines routinely.
Hybrid Programs
Hybrid programs essentially combine the best of both worlds. That is, you can benefit from in-person class sessions but also have flexibility at home when it’s time to complete homework, projects, etc.
As far as cost goes, these programs tend to be between in-person and online classes.
Usually, exams are taken in person, and you’ll need clinical experience, just like in the other programs.
Is PA School Expensive?
For students who are residents of Missouri, PA school can cost upwards of $48,000 per year; out-of-state students can pay upwards of $78,000.
The total cost may be much higher, in both cases, after accounting for room and board, books, and commuting costs.
Generally speaking, online classes are cheaper than in-person programs, which is something to consider if you want to attend PA school but have a tight budget.
How Long Does PA School Take?
Most in-person PA programs take two years to complete. Online programs, on the other hand, can take 2.5-3 years.
There are also accelerated programs that can be completed in 1.5 years; these are ideal for licensed PAs who were certified before a master’s was required.
Even though online and hybrid PA programs take a bit longer, students still have to devote much of their time to the program they’re enrolled in.
How Do You Become a PA?
The first step to becoming a PA is getting a bachelor’s degree in science related to this field.
Next, you need to attend PA school for two years to obtain your master’s degree.
After you earn your master’s degree, you'll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Once you do, you’ll be licensed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
After licensure, you can work anywhere in Missouri as a PA, but there may be a few additional state-related requirements.
To maintain licensure, you need to earn a certain number of continuing education credits every two years, and you'll also have to retake the PANCE every ten years.
On top of licensure, you may also seek additional certifications, which will have their maintenance requirements.
Is It Easy to Get a Job as a PA in Missouri?
Currently, there are hundreds of jobs available for PAs in Missouri—this info is coming from Indeed.
There are job listings for large hospitals and small clinics. Likewise, there are jobs available in urban centers and rural areas.
The more experience and qualifications you have, the easier it’ll be to find work as a PA.
How Much Do Physician Assistants in Missouri Make?
Right now, the average salary for a PA in Missouri is $110,685, with most making $101,884-$122,034 annually.
How much you make is in large part determined by the following:
Where you work
How much experience do you have
Your qualifications
PAs who are just starting tend to earn salaries at the lower end of the pay scale.
Location does play a role in determining how much you make, but just because you work in a large, urban hospital doesn’t mean you’ll automatically make more than a PA who works at a much smaller suburban clinic.
We Can Help You Get Into Your Preferred PA School!
Getting into the PA school of your dreams may be challenging, but it’s certainly achievable. And we’re here to help!
At myPAresource, we’ll help you with everything relating to the PA school application process, including personal statement assistance.
With us on your side, you’ll be able to put your best foot forward and show any admissions board why you’re the perfect candidate for their program.