If you have a passion for healthcare but don't want to go to medical school, why not become a physician assistant (PA)?
PAs are in more demand than ever before and this fulfilling career puts you on the frontlines of healthcare every day.
While physician assistant (PA) programs are typically graduate-level programs, a bachelor's degree will set you up for success.
Many of these programs are offered in online or hybrid formats, particularly the health sciences degree.
Top Online Physician Assistant Bachelor's Degree Programs
Read on for details about some of the best online and hybrid pre-physician assistant bachelor's degree programs in the country.
1. Carlow University
Carlow University's hybrid pre-PA bachelor's program is accelerated so you can move on to a master's program and become a PA faster.
The program is designed to be completed in just three years so you can start your master's education a year earlier than normal.
Because this is a hybrid program, you will have to attend some classes and labs at Carlow's Pittsburgh campus.
Tuition for the program starts at $1,030 per credit hour. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify.
2. Grand Canyon University
From Grand Canyon University (GCU), you can earn a bachelor's degree in health sciences 100% online.
This program is designed for healthcare professionals who have associate degrees or certificates and want to advance their careers.
Accelerated courses are seven weeks long and allow you to complete the program more quickly while working around your own schedule.
Tuition for the program starts at $485 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualifying students.
3. Kansas University
Kansas University offers an online bachelor's degree in health sciences that could prepare you to enter a PA graduate program.
The health sciences curriculum is designed to prepare students to continue to graduate school in many different specialized areas.
The flexible, fully online courses in this program allow you to fit in your studies around your own busy schedule.
Tuition starts at $485 per credit hour for both resident and non-resident students. Financial aid is also available if you qualify.
4. Kettering College
Kettering College's online bachelor's degree in health sciences is designed for students who've already earned an associate degree.
Shortened online sessions are available year-round so you can complete your degree even faster than you would if you studied on campus.
You can also choose to complete your degree with an emphasis in advanced imaging, education, management, or respiratory care.
Tuition for the program starts at $653 per credit hour. Scholarships and financial aid are available for all qualifying students.
5. Purdue Global
At Purdue Global, you can earn a bachelor's degree in health sciences 100% online.
The university also offers a military physician assistant preparation (MPAP) concentration for active-duty service members.
Even without that concentration, this degree program provides preparation for you to enter a graduate-level PA program.
Tuition starts at $371 per credit hour, with 180 credit hours required for graduation. Financial aid is available.
6. South College
South College offers a bachelor's degree in health science with a pre-physician assistant concentration online.
The curriculum is designed to provide you with the foundation necessary to succeed in a PA graduate program.
In addition to general education requirements, you'll take courses in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry.
Tuition for the program starts at $335 per credit hour for online students. Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
7. University of Michigan, Flint
The University of Michigan in Flint (UM-Flint) offers a bachelor's in health sciences with 100% online classes.
The program is designed to prepare you for graduate-level studies and includes a pre-physician assistant track.
The curriculum is specifically tailored to meet the requirements for UM-Flint's own PA program, but will likely work for others as well.
Tuition starts at $516 per credit hour for Michigan residents or $569.50 for out-of-state students. Financial aid is available.
FAQs About Online Physician Assistant Degree Programs
Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about PA degree programs.
Do PA Programs Accept Online Bachelor's Degrees?
Yes, as long as your bachelor's degree was issued by a regionally accredited institution.
There's typically no difference between an online degree and one earned through traditional on-campus study.
Can I Get a Pre-PA Bachelor's Degree 100% Online?
Because many of the classes required for a pre-PA degree involve labs, it's typically not possible to get the degree 100% online.
There are health sciences degrees with a pre-PA track that are 100% online, but they are rare.
Can I Become a PA Without a Bachelor's Degree?
Technically, it's possible to gain admission to a PA program without a bachelor's degree, but this is extremely rare.
Most accredited PA programs do require a bachelor's degree, such as health sciences, biology, or a related field.
Find the Right School for Pre-PA Bachelor Degree Programs Today
While PAs typically have a master's degree, an online pre-PA bachelor's degree helps prepare you for the rigorous PA program curriculum.
