Nebraska is a good state for aspiring physician assistants (PA), since four schools offer PA programs.

But if you don’t want to enroll in an on-campus course, you can enroll in an online program or a hybrid program.

Below, we discuss everything you need to know if you’re looking to enroll in PA school in Nebraska.

In-Person PA Programs

In Nebraska, the following institutions offer in-person PA programs:

Creighton University
College of Saint Mary
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Union College

Students who enroll in this kind of program will attend classes on campus four to five times a week, and they’ll have four to five classes each day.

Additionally, students are expected to gain clinical experience. The school will help their students get this experience, since they have connections with local facilities and institutions that can provide such experience.

You can live on campus or commute to complete this kind of program, but accommodations will significantly increase the overall cost of your education.

If you can't attend in-person classes, then you should consider an online PA program.

Online PA Programs

Online PA programs are more flexible and more affordable than in-person programs, and they’re great for individuals who want to get a degree and a PA license but can't commit to full-time education.

That said, plenty of students make a full-time commitment to online PA courses, as these are just as rigorous as the courses you’d take in an on-campus program.

One downside, however, is that there’s less communication with peers and faculty, but you do have the flexibility to complete work at your own pace, provided the courses are mainly asynchronous.

You can enroll in an online Nebraska PA program whether you live in the state or not.

These programs also require clinical experience, and the institution offering the program will help its students acquire this experience.

Online PA Program Formats

Courses in an online PA program are either synchronous or asynchronous.

A course that does synchronous learning will require you to attend classes at designated times.

In asynchronous classes, you can complete the work at your own pace. There are due dates and other requirements, of course, but the main difference between the two is asynchronous offers much more flexibility.

Synchronous learning does, however, offer more interactions with peers and professors, and these interactions can make the learning experience better overall.

Hybrid PA Programs

Hybrid PA programs combine the elements that make in-person courses valuable with many of the best parts of online learning.

You will have to attend a campus in a hybrid program, but only two to three times a week.

Most of the coursework is completed outside the classroom, but since you do visit the campus regularly, you can connect with your professors in person if you need one-on-one assistance.

In-Person vs Online vs Hybrid

Each program style has benefits and drawbacks, and you should know what these are before selecting a program.

If you enroll in an in-person program, you can benefit from engaging with peers and professors. It'll also be easier to access the resources the institution offers, since you’ll be on campus often.

The downside is that you’ll have to commute or pay a high price for room and board.

But the experiences you have in the classroom, and as a student generally, could come in handy one day when you’re a practitioner, and this is definitely something to consider before choosing a program.

Online classes are attractive because you can take them from the comfort of your home, and you can complete coursework at your own pace.

And since you don't have to pay for accommodations or travel, you save money.

These classes are just as intensive as in-person classes, so you don't have to worry about the quality being subpar.

Online classes are a bit more challenging, however, because you can't communicate with peers and professors as effectively as you could if you were taking classes in person.

That said, you’ll have access to all the resources you'll need to succeed, and professors will do their best to respond to your questions promptly.

Hybrid classes combine the flexibility of online learning with the appealing aspects of in-person learning, and they’re in between in-person and online classes as far as price is concerned.

How to Become a PA in Nebraska

To become a licensed physician assistant in Nebraska, you must first earn a degree from an institution that's accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

After this, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Once you pass, you should have all the qualifications for licensure. Check Nebraska's state board to know the exact requirements.

How Long Does a PA Program Take in Nebraska?

PA programs can take two to four years; most PA programs take 27 months.

If you're a licensed PA and you got your license before a master’s was required, you can enroll in an unaccredited bridge program that’s accelerated.

Generally speaking, in-person programs are completed faster than online courses, while hybrid courses usually take 2.5 to 3 years to complete.

Tips for Becoming a PA in Nebraska

First and foremost, you need to understand the commitment that's needed. PA programs are some of the most rigorous academic programs available, which is why many students make school a full-time commitment.

It's also wise to get financial matters in order before you begin your first year; this way you don't have to worry about the money running out halfway through.

You should also make the most of extracurricular activities when these are offered, since the experiences gained through these may help you in your career.

And don’t forget to make arrangements for your clinical experience as early as possible so you don’t get stuck with a lackluster placement.

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