Why Choose a Hybrid PA Program?
Here, we’ll discuss the top 10 hybrid physician assistant programs in the country today. We’ll also discuss what to look for and how to pay for your studies. Then, you’ll also know how to apply for and choose the best program for your needs.
What are hybrid physician assistant (PA) programs in the first place? These are academic programs with the following major features:
- Combine online courses and in-person clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities
- Cover didactic courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, among others
- Enable candidates to develop practical skills through in-person clinical rotations
Keep in mind that hybrid PA programs are master’s degree programs. Candidates must meet the rigorous didactic and clinical standards. These prepare them for success in the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANSE).
Featured Programs
Who are hybrid PA programs best for? Every eligible individual is welcome to apply, but these programs are ideal for:
- Healthcare professionals seeking a good work-life balance while earning their master’s degree
- Career changers looking for a challenging yet rewarding healthcare career
- Parents and caregivers are balancing their responsibilities while pursuing their goals
- Students in remote, rural, and underserved areas
- Military personnel on deployment and veterans seeking a smooth civilian transition
Indeed, these programs offer scheduling flexibility, quality of instruction, and value. You can meet your personal and professional obligations while earning your degree. Plus, you’ll enjoy cost savings, thanks to affordable online tuition and financial aid.
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What to Look for in a Top Hybrid PA Program
Here are the main features of the top hybrid PA programs that you should also look for:
Accreditation
Check for regional or national accreditation first; regional accreditation is the gold standard. Then, check for valid programmatic accreditation.
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is the standard. In fact, you must graduate from an ARC-PA-accredited program to be eligible to sit for the PANCE.
Cost and affordability
Affordable tuition and fees, as well as a wide range of financial aid options, are a must. The best programs also have transparent pricing policies. There are no hidden or additional fees, among others.
Plus, these programs offer a strong return on investment. This means a combination of affordable cost and high starting salaries. Quick entry into the workforce, high demand, and strong job security also make it so.
Flexibility and support services
The best hybrid programs offer synchronous and asynchronous classes for maximum flexibility. Students also have effective access to support services, including:
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Clinical and job placement services
- Technical support
Graduation and certification exam pass rates
Ask about these rates because these are performance metrics for PA programs. In general, the higher the rates, the better the preparation for its candidates.
Availability of financial aid and scholarships
Financial aid reduces out-of-pocket costs and, thus, makes a PA education more accessible. So, explore your financial aid options first before deciding on a hybrid program.
Top Hybrid Physician Assistant Programs (With Comparison)
Rutgers University
The School of Health Professions is among the best hybrid PA schools for good reasons. Its Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) program offers affordable tuition.
- Program: MSPA
- Length: 33 months (114 credits)
- Tuition: $890/credit (in-state); $1,335/credit (out-of-state)
- Clinicals: 9 discipline-specific rotations (e.g., Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics)
- Aid: Federal and state aid, institutional aid
- Why it stands out:
- 100% ultimate PANCE pass rate (2019 -2024)
- Dual-degree options available
- Access to extensive public university resources
University of North Dakota
If you’re looking for quality yet affordable PA programs, consider UND’s program. The Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) has a hybrid format.
- Program: MPAS
- Length: About 27 months
- Tuition: About $25,351/academic year
- Clinicals: In-person clinic experiences with a strong rural primary care focus
- Aid: Federal and state aid, military benefits, and scholarships
- Why it stands out:
- 98% five-year PANCE pass rate
- Small class sizes
Baylor University
The private Christian university offers a physician assistant degree online and on campus. Its MPAS program features online courses and intensive on-site activities.
- Program: MPAS
- Length: 24 months
- Tuition: About $23,433/trimester for 6 trimesters
- Clinicals: Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences and on-site lab immersions
- Financial Aid: Federal aid
- Why it stands out:
- Emphasis on evidence-based medicine and health informatics
- Strong Christian mission combined with interprofessional training
University of Pittsburgh
Pitt offers one of the best online PA programs with clinical rotations, too. Candidates learn via virtual lectures and in-person immersion labs and clinical rotations.
- Program: MSPAS
- Length: 24 months (6 terms, including two summer sessions)
- Tuition: About $52,800/year plus PAS-major and university fees
- Clinicals: 8 rotations (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics)
- Aid: Federal and state aid, Pitt scholarships, and private loans
- Why it stands out:
- Strong industry recognition
- Intensive certification exam prep
West Coast University
WCU, a private university, offers a hybrid program known for its rigorous training. Candidates engage in online and on-campus classes, as well as on-site clinicals.
- Program: MPA
- Length: 24 months (6 trimesters)
- Tuition: $1,019/credit (108 credits)
- Clinicals: 9 five-week rotations
- Aid: Federal aid, institutional scholarships, work‑study, and employer reimbursement
- Why it stands out:
- One‑on‑one exam prep support
- Robust student and career support services
Marshall B. Ketchum University
MBKU, a private non-profit graduate healthcare university, has a dedicated School of PA Studies.
- Program: Master of Medical Science (MMS) in PA
- Length: 27 months
- Tuition: $137,365 total for three years
- Clinicals: Twelve 6‑week rotations
- Aid: Federal aid and scholarships
- Why it stands out:
- Exceptional first‑time PANCE pass rate (Class 2016)
- Small class sizes result in personalized training
Southern California University of Health Sciences
SCUHS offers a full-time hybrid program that includes live online lectures and in-person training.
- Program: MSPA
- Length: 2 years and 4 months
- Tuition: $126,427 total; comes with fixed tuition guarantee
- Clinicals: Rotations across diverse specialties during Year 2
- Aid: Federal aid and university scholarships
- Why it stands out:
- Integrative curriculum with a whole-person care focus
- Intensive certification prep
Northeast College of Health Sciences
NECHS specializes in training healthcare professionals in evidence-informed healthcare.
- Program: MSPAS
- Length: 24 months
- Tuition: $120,540 total
- Clinicals: Nine 5-week rotations
- Aid: Federal aid
- Why it stands out:
- Holistic health sciences focus
- Small class sizes (fewer than 40 candidates/class)
Nazareth University
Naz U is known for being a changemaker university. No wonder its MSPA program changes lives, too.
- Program: MSPA
- Length: 24 months
- Tuition: $1,200/credit plus fees
- Clinicals: Full-time rotations in diverse settings and on-campus follow-ups
- Aid: Grants, scholarships, and veterans’ benefits
- Why it stands out:
- Interprofessional education and training
- Simulation-based learning
- Competitive admissions
Franklin Pierce University
FPU’s MPAS program is ideal for working professionals for good reasons. Candidates don’t have to relocate for pre-clinicals, among others.
- Program: MPAS
- Length: 24 months
- Tuition: $126,720 total for nine terms
- Clinicals: Immersions and rotations in diverse locations
- Aid: Federal and institutional aid, as well as employer reimbursement
- Why it stands out:
- State-of-the-art virtual classrooms
- The hub is in Texas, but rotations can be done nationwide
Here’s a comparison table for your reference:
| University | Program | Length | Tuition | Clinicals | Financial Aid Options |
| Rutgers University | MSPA | 33 months | $890/credit (in-state); $1,335/credit (out-of-state) | 9 discipline-specific rotations | Federal, state, and institutional aid |
| University of North Dakota | MPAS | 27 months | $25,351/year | In-person with a rural care focus | Federal, state aid, military benefits, and scholarships |
| Baylor University | MPAS | 24 months | $23,433/trimester (6 trimesters) | Clinicals and lab immersions | Federal aid |
| University of Pittsburgh | MSPAS | 24 months (6 terms) | $52,800/year + fees | 8 rotations | Federal, state aid, Pitt scholarships, and private loans |
| West Coast University | MPA | 24 months (6 trimesters) | $1,019/credit | 9 five-week rotations | Federal aid, scholarships, work-study, and employer reimbursement |
| Marshall B. Ketchum University | MMS in PA | 27 months | $137,365 total | 12 six-week rotations | Federal aid and scholarships |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences | MSPA | 2 years, 4 months | $126,427 total (fixed tuition) | Year 2: diverse specialty rotations | Federal aid and university scholarships |
| Northeast College of Health Sciences | MSPAS | 24 months | $120,540 total | Nine 5-week rotations | Federal aid |
| Nazareth University | MSPA | 24 months | $1,200/credit + fees | Full-time diverse rotations + on-campus follow-ups | Grants, scholarships, and veterans’ benefits |
| Franklin Pierce University | MPAS | 24 months | $126,720 total (9 terms) | Immersions and nationwide rotations | Federal, institutional aid, and employer reimbursement |
How to Pay for a Hybrid PA Program
Enrolling in the best accredited PA programs with flexible learning is expensive. The average cost of attendance ranges from $100,000 to $200,000 for their entirety. So, effective financial planning is a must, so you don’t end up with a massive student loan debt.
Again, explore all your financial aid options before applying. Keep these tips in mind to do so.
- Use scholarship databases and search engines to find external scholarships. Fastweb, Bold.org, and Scholarships.com are excellent for this purpose.
- File your complete and accurate FAFSA before the deadline. The FAFSA is the mother document for federal and state aid, as well as other need-based aid.
- Work with your college’s financial aid office for internal scholarships and grants. Your program may also offer PA school financial aid.
- Ask about PA-specific scholarships, too (e.g., PA Foundation Scholarships).
- Inquire with your employer about tuition reimbursement or assistance.
Here are budgeting tips for your PA studies, too.
- Create a realistic budget before enrolling in your selected program. Account for both direct and indirect costs, as well as for clinical rotation costs.
- Avoid spending on unnecessary things and activities. List down your needs and wants, and then remove as many of your wants as possible.
- Earn extra income if you can. Even part-time employment will boost your finances.
- Find savings when and where possible. Student discounts, textbook rentals, and OERs are there for the taking.
Steps to Apply to a Hybrid PA Program
Here’s how to become a physician assistant, from application to certification.
Comply with the admission requirements.
The typical hybrid PA program requirements for admission include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college. Popular degrees are in STEM or healthcare fields.
- At least 3.0 or higher GPA
- Direct patient care experience (e.g., EMT, medical assistant, or nurse roles). The number of hours varies, usually 500-2,000 hours.
- Completion of prerequisite courses (e.g., anatomy and physiology, biology, and chemistry)
Gather your application materials.
Every program has its specific application materials, so check first. But here are the typical application materials.
- Completed online application form and paid application fee
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement/essay
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- GRE scores, if necessary
Apply through CASPA.
Most accredited programs use the CASPA for application purposes. Apply as early as possible, but the CASPA opens in late April every year.
Monitor deadlines and follow up.
Every PA program has its specific deadlines. Be sure to keep track of them so you don’t miss any deadlines. Prepare for interviews, if necessary.
Then, after admission, you must complete the coursework and clinical rotations. Then, you must pass the PANCE and, when you do, apply for a state license.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Hybrid PA Program for You
Yes, choosing the right hybrid PA program demands time and organization. But it’s a decision that can influence your future healthcare career.
With that in mind, always make comparisons between hybrid programs based on:
- Regional and programmatic accreditation
- Cost of attendance and financial aid available
- Learning format and schedule flexibility
- Types and quality of student support, clinical placement, and career development services
- Graduation and PANCE pass rates
Becoming a PA is a challenge, but there’s long-term value in it. Physician assistants earned $133,260/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). Starting salaries are still at the high end – $95,240/year. The highest earners took in over $182,200/year, and it’s among the highest in the healthcare industry.
Plus, their projected job growth is 28% (BLS, 2023-2033), also among the highest. PAs can also become specialists by pursuing advanced education.