Best Physician Assistant Colleges In Georgia 2023

Best Physician Assistant Colleges In Georgia: Schools in Georgia that offer PA programs are known to have a track record in training students to become outstanding physician assistants in GA.

Being one of the most lucrative jobs in the United States, each year schools that offer physician assistant (PA) programs in GA receive tons of applications from students all over the world.

This is so because the state of Georgia according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics will experience 45% job openings between 2014 and 2024 for all Physician assistants with a salary structure of $92,150 a year.

This makes it a good time to become a PA in Georgia. However, the journey of becoming a certified PA comes with rigorous steps, patience, and consistency to start and finish your program.

The majority of the schools offering PA programs schedule their program to house two sessions, the first year focusing on completion of the courses across a variety of medical disciplines. And the second year focuses on clinical practices in various fields of medicine. 

Upon completion, students are ready to join the medical team and start a career as physician assistants in GA. To start on the right part, you need to attend an accredited PA school close to you.

In that regard, we have put together this piece to bring to your fingertips the best physician assistant (PA) schools and programs in GA. We have also explained how to become a physician assistant (PA) in GA, gain your license and start practicing. 

At the end of your program in any of the Georgia PA schools, you will be able to play a key role in the state’s healthcare system working alongside other health professionals.

Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!

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What Courses Do Physician Assistants Study In PA Schools?

Physician Assistant programs are offered majorly in colleges, universities, health centers, medical schools, and hospitals. 

To become a professional physician assistant, you will have to study some medical courses some of which include;

• Pathology
• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics 
• Cardiology.
• Family medicine
• Human Anatomy 
• Clinical medicine
• Health care ethics. 
• Human physiology
• Emergency medicine

How Do I Become a Physician Assistant in Georgia?

To become a PA in Georgia you have to follow a series of steps and attend schools accredited by the relevant authorities to gain your license to practice. 

Students who want to become a physician assistant in Georgia can follow the guide listed below step-by-step to earn a degree and license to practice;

• Enroll in any of the accredited physician assistant programs for licensure in Georgia.
• Apply and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
• Go ahead to apply to get your license from Georgia Composite Medical Board.
• Maintain your PA License biannually

#1. Enroll For Accredited Physician Assistant Programs for licensure in Georgia

Ideally, the first step to becoming a PA in Georgia is to enroll in a PA program close to you. When selecting a program, consider the list of schools in Georgia that offer PA programs.

Also, consider the accreditation status and the requirements required of all applicants enrolling in the school.

Accreditation is a necessary consideration because, without accreditation, you will not be able to obtain a Physician Assistant (PA) license to practice in GA or any other state of the USA.

Ensure the school is accredited by the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

While searching for the best PA programs, consider the inclusion of appropriate clinical experience that will train you effectively in the field.

#2. Apply And Pass The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

Upon graduation from a PA school, the next step is to write the licensing exam which allows you to practice as a physician assistant in Georgia. 

The required licensing examination for PAs is the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is a 5-hour multichoice question examination consisting of 300 questions about the profession. Questions usually stem from the following musculoskeletal system, clinical intervention, pulmonary system, formulating a most-likely diagnosis, and the cardiovascular system.

The application requires you to pay a fee of $475 for registration then you sign-up and take the test online. If you pass the exam successfully,  you can receive your state license.

#3. Apply To Get Your License From Georgia Composite Medical Board.

After writing and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), the next step to take to become a physician assistant in Georgia is to get your license from Georgia Composite Medical Board. 

To apply to the Georgia Composite Medical Board to obtain your PA license, you will need the following requirements;

• Current resume
• $300 application fee
• Physician Assistant Application 
• 2 references from licensed physicians
• Proof of legal ability to work in the United States
• Self-queried and sealed report from the National Practitioner Data Bank/Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank
• A basic PA job description to be signed by the PA and supervising physician
• Proof of completion of a PA degree program to be sent by the educational institution directly to the board

#4. Maintain your PA License Biannually

Once you have your PA Certification from Georgia Composite Medical Board, you have the license to practice. However, the license does not last forever, you have to renew it biannually.

To qualify to renew your PA license in Georgia, you have to maintain 40 hours of continuing medical education. 

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List Of The Best Physician Assistant Schools in GA

Without further ado, here is a list of the best-rated schools in Georgia that offer outstanding PA programs to train you to become a professional physician assistant;

#1. Emory University 

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 29 months
• Application Deadline: September 1
• Tuition: Resident $109,594, Non-Resident: $109,594
• Location: 1462 Clifton Rd N.E. Suite 280 Atlanta, GA 30322 

Emory University is rated among the best physician assistant (PA) schools in GA with accredited programs. Its low acceptance rate makes it easy to enroll in the school and train to become a professional. 

Emory University aims at recruiting, educating, and mentoring a diverse group of students to become professionals and highly sought-after physician assistants within and outside Georgia.

Beyond being good at their profession, Emory University PA students learn to be compassionate when administering quality healthcare. 

#2. Mercer University

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 28 months
• Application Deadline: Not Specified
• Tuition: Resident $85,722, Non-Resident: $85,722
• Location: 3001 Mercer University Drive AACC Building, Room 447, Atlanta, GA 30341

Mercer University’s physician assistant program is one of the best in Georgia staying at the #2 spot and among the top 50 PA programs in the United States.

At Mercer University, students learn in an education-friendly environment in a class size of just 70 students. The school Department of Physician Assistant Studies educates patient-centered PAs who are critical thinkers, leaders, and lifelong learners.

To enroll in Mercer University PA program, all applicants must have 1,000 hours of healthcare experience and PA shadowing. Also, you will need to have written the TOEFL exam.

#3. Augusta University 

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• Application Deadline: October
• PA Program Duration: 27 months
• Tuition: Resident $48,825, Non-Resident: $97,650
• Location: 1120 15th street EC-3304 Augusta, Georgia 30912

Augusta University is one of the best PA schools with some of the best-accredited programs in Georgia. Currently, its Physician Assistant Program ranks among the top 100 PA programs in Georgia (GA).

To help students become professional PAs in Georgia, Augusta University is committed to developing physician assistants with the knowledge and required skills to practice in all facets of medicine.

At the end of your program at Augusta University, you will be able to meet the needs of society through education, discovery and service.

To make it into Augusta University your application must meet the school’s mission.

#4. South College-Atlanta 

• Required GPA: 2.75
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 27 months
• Application Deadline: March 1
• Tuition: Resident $90,900, Non-Resident: $90,900
• Location: 2600 Century Parkway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30345

If you’re looking to train to become a physician assistant in Georgia, then you should consider South College Atlanta. South College Atlanta offers a Master’s degree program for Physician assistants. 

The M.S. in Physician Assistant program prepares students to become professional physician assistants who provide meaningful medical care with integrity and quality. 

Students who graduate from South College Atlanta are equipped to provide services and practice medicine alongside physicians who provide quality services.

Application into South College Atlanta PA program requires you to have substantial hours of healthcare experience but shadowing is not required.

ALSO READ: How to Become a Physician Assistant in 7 Easy Steps

#5. South University, Savannah 

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 27 months
• Application Deadline: August 1
• Tuition: Resident $109,594, Non-Resident: $109,594
• Location: South University 709 Mall Boulevard Savannah, GA 31406

The South University Physician Assistant master’s program (MSPA) is one of the best physician assistant programs in Georgia. 

The program educates a diverse student population to become providers of high quality, cost-efficient health care services who will make a positive impact while practicing the art and science of medicine with physician collaboration.

To apply, it is recommended that you have substantial hours of healthcare experience and shadowing experience as well. 

Unlike many other physician assistant programs in Georgia, international students are accepted into South University, Savannah PA program as long as they have a TOEFL exam score.

#6. Morehouse School of Medicine 

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 28 months
• Application Deadline: September 1
• Tuition: Resident $95,000, Non-Resident: $95,000
• Location: 720 Westview Dr. SW Atlanta, GA 30310

Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program focuses on creating and advancing health equity. This they achieve by adequately educating and preparing the next generation of physician assistants in all facets to have a professionally successful career.

Graduates from the Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program are trained to provide compassionate, quality, and patient-centered care to meet the healthcare needs of residents of Georgia.

Keep in mind that international students are not accepted into the Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program.  All applicants for the Morehouse School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program are expected to have 500 hours of healthcare experience and shadowing is not required.

#7. Brenau University 

• Required GPA: 2.75
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 28 months
• Application Deadline: September 1
• Tuition: Resident $101,108, Non-Resident: $101,108
• Location: Northern Arizona University Graduate College PO Box 4125 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

If you’re looking for a school to train you to become a physician assistant in GA, Brenau University is one of the best PA schools to consider. 

Brenau University is focused on producing extraordinary physician assistants who practice with integrity and compassion in various clinical and cultural settings. 

Brenau University prepares its PA students for their careers and professions through the school’s 4 pillars: evidence-based and reflective practice, contemporary scientific inquiry, clinical proficiency, and humanitarian altruism.

Keep in mind that PA shadowing is not required when applying to study as a physician assistant at Brenau University.

#8. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia

• Required GPA: 3.0
• PA Degrees Offered: Masters
• PA Program Duration: 26 months
• Application Deadline: December 1
• Tuition: Resident $100,100, Non-Resident: $100,100
• Location: 625 Old Peachtree Road NW Suwanee, Georgia 30024

One of the best physician assistant schools in ga is the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine offers an M.S. program in Physician Assistant.

This program prepares students to provide meaningful medical care with integrity. Graduates who can practice medicine alongside physicians while providing top-notch services.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine class size accommodates just 20 students. Keep in mind that international students are also accepted into the program with a TOEFL qualification. 

Acceptance into Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine-Georgia requires all applicants to have 200 hours of healthcare experience and shadowing experience as well.

What Is The Average Cost Of PA Schools In Georgia?

The cost of tuition for Physician assistants in Georgia schools is not specific because each school has its specified tuition cost. However, it’s ideal if you know that schools that accept international students levy high tuition on them compared to residents.

For example, Augusta University International Students studying a PA program pay $97,650 for tuition and residents pay $48,825.

To know the specific tuition cost of PA schools, make a choice of PA school, visit their school website and know what the exact cost is.

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How Long Is PA School In Georgia?

It takes 2 years to become a physician assistant through the physician assistant master’s degree program. Some schools in Georgia extend their PA program to last for 26, 27, and 28 months.

During the 26-month program, students will prepare for careers as physician assistants through lectures, laboratory classes, and clinical rotations where students will develop technical proficiency along with communication and problem-solving skills.

What Are The Requirements To Enroll Into Any Of The PA Schools In Georgia?

Admission into PA schools requires you to put together the requirements as stated by your school of choice before applying. How tactful your admission application is will determine if you will be accepted or not.

While considering the requirements to apply to Physician assistant schools in Georgia, keep in mind that there are no unique or standard requirements for all schools.

Each school has its requirements, therefore it is ideal to visit the school’s website for specific and additional admission requirements for prospective physician assistant students.

Here are the PA degree program general admission requirements;

• Advanced courses in chemistry and biology.
• Graduate Record Examination scores.
• A bachelor’s degree in any field
• Completion of the prerequisite courses such as; Biology, Medical Assistant, Chemistry, Nursing, or Public Health. 

Are There Physician Assistant Professional Organizations In Georgia?

Yes, those who work as a physician assistants in Georgia can team up and join their established professional bodies in the state. 

By identifying with the physician assistant Professional Organization in Georgia, you can network and expand your reputation.  

Here is a list of Physician Assistant Professional Organizations In Georgia;

• University and State Professional Boards
• Georgia Dermatology Physician Assistants
• Georgia Association of Physician Assistants

Do I Need a License To Become A Physician Assistant In Georgia?

Yes, you will need a license to become a PA in GA. Without a license, you cannot practice in Georgia or any other state of the USA. To gain a license to practice as PA in Georgia, you must

• Pass the Physician Assistant National Certification Examination.
• Pay the required application fee of $300 and $475 for an initial license.
• If successful, you can now bear the title “Physician Assistant-Certified” (PA-C).

Conclusion

Some of the best physician assistant programs in Georgia have been rated to produce outstanding students who become professionals in their field of expertise.

We implore you to visit the website of the PA schools in Georgia we have listed above and find out the additional requirements that they may need. 

We hope you found this piece educational and helpful. Follow us on Facebook and YouTube Channel for more information about academic-related content that will help you make informed decisions on your academic journey.

Good luck Scholar!!!!

References

• Georgia United States Physician Assistant (PA) Programs
• Georgia Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure
• Best PA Programs in Georgia, How to Apply for? GPA | GRE | Tuition

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