Physician Assistant Programs in Delaware
Delaware residents looking to become physician assistants must complete a physician’s assistant program online if they do not wish to leave their state while earning their degree. Luckily, aspiring PAs have the option of completing one of several online programs without leaving the state. This guide will help you determine which programs you may want to consider and why.
Online PA Programs vs On-Campus Programs in Delaware
Whether a physician assistant program on campus or in an online format is best for you depends on a few factors. One of which simply depends on what environment will help you learn the best. Also important is structure – some students do best when they need to report to class at specific times while others need the flexibility to complete work and view lectures at different times depending on the other responsibilities they are juggling each week.
Last Updated: 12/21/20
On Campus PA Programs
On campus programs follow the traditional format of set class times on campus throughout the week. Requirements that aren’t coursework (i.e. clinical requirements) are often completed off campus. Unfortunately, there are currently no accredited PA programs in Delaware, so aspiring PAs looking for an on campus program must travel to neighboring states in order to pursue a degree on campus. This may result in a longer commute which could reduce flexibility for the student. However, if you are looking for the benefits of an on campus program, including consistent real life interaction with your peers, traveling across state lines might be your only option.
Online PA Programs
A program where all classwork is completed online is considered an online program. Clinical requirements will require students to travel to clinical settings, but many programs can place students in settings in their communities. Sometimes, an online program will require you to visit campus a couple of times for special events and activities, but no more than that.
Just because a program is online does not mean it doesn’t have some of the same benefits held by on campus programs. For example, while you may not be in the same physical room as your peers during class, you can still forge real and meaningful connections in cases where the program utilizes live video streaming to facilitate discussion and deliver lectures. Many online programs still meet at specific times which will hold students who need structure to a schedule.
Hybrid PA Programs
If a program offers some online coursework but also holds some classes on campus, it is a hybrid program. A hybrid program may have some whole courses online and some on campus, or single courses may be a mix of both learning formats. By offering some opportunities to complete coursework online, hybrid programs may allow additional flexibility and reduce commutes more than a traditional on campus program.
Physician Assistant Program Online Learning Formats
There are two types of online PA program formats that you will want to look out for as you evaluate your options:
- Synchronous – synchronous learning is anything that happens in real time – from live chats to full on video streamed classes. These will naturally require you to tune in at a specific class time, and allow you to connect with peers in real time.
- Asynchronous – asynchronous learning happens on your own time. This may include viewing recorded lectures, reading, and other activities that don’t require logging on at a specific time.
How Long do Physician Assistant Programs Typically Take to Complete?
A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree typically takes 2.5 to 4 years to complete (PA programs are approximately 27 months, according to American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)). This includes clinical requirements and other non coursework requirements needed in order to complete the program. Bridge programs for PAs who don’t hold a graduate degree will take less time to complete.
Online Physician Assistant Programs Available to Delaware Students
Delaware residents can apply to the following online physician assistant programs. Note that some of these options are for students who are already certified PAs but do not hold a master’s degree:
Fully online PA programs
If you wish to become a PA, here are eight physician assistant programs that are completely online. Some require you to be online at scheduled times for certain classes, discussions or exams; others do not. Some also require you to be NCCPA certified in order to apply.
| School | Degree level | Live classes | On-campus requirements | Length of program | Accreditation | |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
|
Doctor of science in physician- assistant studies (DScPAS) | No | None | 3 years, but accelerated program is two years | ARC-PA accreditation | |
| Pace University
|
MPAS for already- certified PAs | No | None | 12 months | N/A (program for already certified PAs) | |
| Touro College
|
MPAS for already- certified PAs | No | None | 12 months | N/A (program for already certified PAs) | |
| University of Nebraska – Medical Center
|
MPAS for already-certified PAs, or MPAS/MPH dual | No | None | Five semesters | N/A (program for already certified PAs) | |
| University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley
|
MPAS for already- certified PAs | No | None | 28 months | N/A (program for already certified PAs) | |
| University of Wisconsin – Madison
|
MPAS | Some | First summer semester / 12 weeks | 36 months | ARC-PA accreditation | |
1ARC-PA probation is a temporary accreditation status for programs that are making substantial progress toward all accreditation standards but need more time to become compliant.
2ARC-PA provisional means that a program has the plans and resources needed to meet all accreditation standards but has not yet enrolled students; or that a program is demonstrating progress toward the standards as it prepares for its first graduating class.
Hybrid physician assistant programs
Here are three hybrid physician assistant programs, all of which require a combination of online and on-campus work.
| School | Degree level | Live classes | On-campus requirements | Length of program | Accreditation |
| Miami Dade College
|
MDC-PA, M.H.Sc. | Some | All clinicals are in Florida | 27 months | ARC-PA accreditation |
| University of North Dakota | MPAS | Some | 15 weeks | 24 months | ARC-PA accreditation |
On Campus PA Programs in Delaware
There are currently no accredited on campus physician assistant programs in the state of Delaware.
General Tips on How to Become a Physician Assistant in Delaware
To become a physician assistant in Delaware, here are some common steps:
- Earn your Physician Assistant Degree – This will take you about two to three and a half years. Look for physician assistant programs accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) to ensure you meet certification requirements in the future.
- Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) – You can learn more about the PANCE on our guide to becoming a physician assistant.
- Get Licensed – Check with the Delaware Board of Medical Licensure as early as possible to make sure you are on track to meet all current requirements for licensure. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), licensure in Delaware requires graduation from an accredited physician assistant program and bachelor’s degree and passage of the PANCE exam. Current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is not required. This is a high-level overview, make sure to check out Delaware’s state board for exact requirements.