Most Physicians Assistants Programs build upon a medical foundation, and the student often earns their master’s certification at the same school. But this does not have to be the case, many students enter a PA program in a different location to specialize, to diversify their experience, or because a different location is more convenient. Whatever the reason, here is a list of the top PA schools in NC.
Top 5 Schools in PA Schools in NC
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elon University | Elon, North Carolina |
| 2 | University of North Carolina | Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
| 3 | Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, North Carolina |
| 4 | East Carolina University | Greenville, North Carolina |
| 5 | Campbell University | Buies Creek, North Carolina |
How Long Does It Take To Become A PA?
Generally, you can expect to invest six years into your education to become a PA, starting with a four-year bachelor’s degree and finishing with a Master’s in Physician Assisting. Some programs take longer than the two years Masters for additional training or specialization.
What Is The Future Job Outlook For A Physician’s Assistant?
The job outlook is phenomenal. There seems to be a downward trend (shortage) for MDs currently, and increased demand for skilled Physicians and Physician Assistant positions. The job growth is expected to be as high as 30% over the next decade.
9 Best Schools PA Schools in NC
Elon University
Elon University offers a 24 month full time program. During this program students are taught a standardized curriculum that covers all the basics and more. Students will be taught to think critically and act skillfully and graduates are considered some of the best hires in the state. The PA program provides many hands on opportunities for learning all the skills needed to make qualified PAs. Elon is rated well nationally as well as within the state of North Carolina.
School Overview
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina has a rigorous and demanding admissions process because their Physician Assistant Studies 2-Year program is literally training award-winning PA graduates who are in high demand for their skills and experience. The school is located in lovely Chapel Hill and is described as a Public Ivey League school because of the quality education available at a reasonable price.
School Overview
Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University is a Christian College that has an excellent PA program. Their program is grounded in excellence and each graduate goes into their career as a Physicians Assistant with all the training and experience they need to succeed and be a true healer to their patients and aid to the leading doctors.
School Overview
East Carolina University
East Carolina University is known for its beautiful campus and positive student reviews that report a small-town feel on the large campus. The ECU program for PA is 27 months long and requires full-time studies and attention. Students will receive at least 12 months of clinical rotations to get hands-on field experience to make sure that they are fully qualified for work when they graduate from the program.
School Overview
Campbell University
Campbell University is self-described as a private university of choice located in the heart of North Carolina. This private Baptist college is known for its quality educational curriculum but also for its program to nurture the mind and spirit. Many graduates from the PA programs go on to work in the same facilities that they did their rotation due to the strong connections made there. Like most Christian colleges, you do not have to practice the faith but you must uphold the standards while attending.
School Overview
Duke University
Duke University is the birthplace of the Physician Assistant program and their graduates are well qualified when they go out into the field and begin their careers. It would make higher rank on this list based on reviews and history but the tuition brings the points down to a medium position. Remember, if you are determined to attend a high tuition private school that there are grants and scholarships available to qualified students. Duke is rated well on national as well and state levels.
School Overview
Wake Forest University
Wake Forest has a new yet prestigious PA program. It is a 36 month program that marries a PA education with Law education to create a PA who is versed in the “legal marketplace” in the U.S. If you have already started a law program and are considering pursuing a medical career, or if you want your degree specialized then consider this highly-ranked program. That is like no other in the state and few others in the nation.
School Overview
High Point University
High Point University is a private college with Methodist Affiliations. People of all faiths can attend if they abide by the standards. The PA Masters program takes 27 months to complete and includes a rigorous curriculum balanced with skills labs and hands-on clinical. An interesting piece of information for prospective students is that they have been rated number one for the best dorms in all of the United States. So if you need to live on campus you will be in a great situation.
School Overview
Wingate University
Wingate offers a PA program that starts with Foundational Medical Knowledge and builds from there. Graduates will have clinical and hands on experience and will be able to lead and work in groups alike. If you have been considering advancing your BA then Wingate may be the right option in North Carolina. The admission standards at Wingate are slightly more flexible, at their discretion so be sure to look into their program if you have not made the cut at your first choice.
School Overview
Our Ranking Methodology
This list of the tops schools for PA Schools In NC was compiled using data from the school’s website, reliable sources, and real student reviews. If you feel that your school is misrepresented in this list or if there is an error please let us know so we can correct the issue and provide accurate and up-to-date information to our readers and your potential students. We strive to connect the best ranked schools with potential students who do their research and we want to be as accurate as possible.
