Virginia is a premium destination for education.
People are always looking for learning opportunities in the city. Physician assistants are also a big part of the search. The main reason is there are several good schools in the city.
Virginia is a fantastic place to kickstart your career as a PA. However, with the numerous schools available, making a choice can be challenging.
You will need to understand different schools and the implications of studying there. A PA course lasts about two years. You will want to be in a place you are entirely comfortable with and offers the kind of learning you want.
Virginia is full of top schools all over the state. Each has different demands and curriculum types. Here are some of the top schools for aspiring PAs.
Shenandoah University - Winchester
A healthcare career is not only fulfilling but also highly rewarding as primary healthcare providers are in demand across the globe.
If you are passionate about helping others, then what better than a career as a physician assistant, which offers a promising job outlook nationwide, growing faster than any other healthcare job?
To get started, first and foremost you must enroll in one of the accredited physician assistant programs in Virginia such as the one offered by Shenandoah University. This PA school offers a caring and supportive environment, where small-sized classes and individualized mentorship prepare you for the several challenges of patient care.
Here, you will focus on the primary care of underserved and vulnerable populations.
Also, to provide you with global exposure, the college offers study abroad programs during the breaks in winter, spring, and summer.
These trips not only add up for academic credit but also greatly enhance skills in cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
The school offers programs in MS-PAS or a PA/MPH program. The dual degree will help broaden your knowledge of public health.
MS-PAS program requires completing a total of 86 credits and takes about 30 months to complete, whereas the dual-degree option has 15 shared credits between the PA and MPH courses requires completing a total of 115 credits.
The MS-PAS coursework first starts with 16 months of didactic courses, followed by 14 months of clinical training in various types of clinical settings.
To qualify for either of these two physician assistant programs in Virginia you must have an accredited bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You are required to submit your application through CASPA.
Eastern Virginia Medical School – Norfolk
If you desire a career in medicine but feel overwhelmed by the academic rigor and long timeline of medical school, then the next best option is to become a physician assistant, as not only can you graduate in a quarter of the time it takes to complete medical school, but you will also enter a career which is one of the fastest-growing in the healthcare field.
As an aspiring physician assistant in Virginia, Eastern Virginia Medical School’s PA program can be a good option to obtain your professional training.
Counted among the best physician assistant programs in Virginia, this program is not only offered on the campus of a medical school but also models its instructions after the medical school curriculum.
Furthermore, in an endeavor to give back to the community the college provides PA students with several volunteer opportunities through community-engaged experiential learning.
This master of physician assistant program in Virginia spans 28 consecutive months, beginning with 16 months in didactic training, followed by 14 months of supervised direct patient care experiences.
During the first phase of the program, didactic courses are well complemented by simulation learning at the college’s Sentara Center for Simulation & Immersive Learning. In the second phase, where you undergo clinical training, you will hone skills at various sites throughout Hampton Roads.
To apply to this PA program, you must submit your CASPA application and take the CASPer test.
To qualify, in addition to having a bachelor’s degree, you must complete pre-requisite courses and have patient care and volunteer experience.
James Madison University – Harrisonburg
When one counts the best physician assistant schools in Virginia, James Madison University certainly appears high on the list.
Several reasons make this PA school a popular choice among aspiring physician assistants, some of which include engaged learning, community & civic engagement, and the option of completing a 4-week clinical rotation in Peru.
Additionally, the college takes pride in small-sized classes, high PANCE pass rates, and having all of its graduates secure suitable placements within six months of completing the program.
Also, you will engage in learning opportunities by providing direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician assistant at its free medical clinic.
Furthermore, the college’s Suitcase Clinic, which is a mobile clinic that travels to various homeless communities to provide care, not only serves as a valuable out-of-class learning experience but also addresses the special healthcare needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.
This physician assistant program in Virginia, leading to an MPAS extends to the fall semester of the third year and comprises a total of 103 credits.
During the first four semesters of the program, you will mainly take didactic courses in human anatomy, pathophysiology, physical diagnosis, clinical medicine, pharmacology, medical biostatistics, the healthcare environment, physical diagnosis, pharmacology, and diagnostic methods.
To become a physician assistant in Virginia, you must first ensure to fulfill the admission requirements of this or any other PA program you plan to apply to.
Here, to be considered, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must also provide transcripts of the required prerequisite courses.
Prepare Accordingly
There are several other PA schools available in Virginia. Knowing the demands of the schools is vital to prepare accordingly. To be admitted to a PA school, you will also have to undergo a PA interview.
This requires a lot of preparation and knowledge of the school. The journey to becoming a PA is demanding but fulfilling.