Physician Assistant Programs in Kansas
Kansas residents looking for an in-state on-campus Physician Assistant program have one on campus program to choose from: Wichita State University. That said, there are also several online programs that Kansas residents can enroll in without leaving the state. This resource guide will help you choose which program is best for you.
Last Updated: 2/18/21
Kansas Physician Assistant Programs – Online vs On Campus
When deciding between an online or on campus physician assistant program, think about what attributes you value most in a program. Looking for that on campus experience? Naturally an online program may not replace that. Looking for flexibility so you can fit the program into your otherwise busy life? An online program may be an otherwise great option for you. When deciding which program is best for you, it is good to think about what you need in terms of the following:
- Flexibility – can you not afford to waste time commuting? Do you need a program that allows you to choose when you log in to complete your assignments
- Networking – do you need a program that allows you to meet classmates and interact with them, either in person or through video conferencing?
- Staying Local – in states like Kansas where there are few on campus options, you will want to apply to online programs no matter what if you want to apply to multiple schools and attend one that doesn’t require you to relocate
Fully Online PA Programs vs Hybrid PA Programs
Aspiring physician assistants can apply to various types of online programs:
Online PA Programs
All coursework is completed online when enrolled in an online program. Other program requirements, for example clinical requirements, will be completed at placement sites, but often programs will arrange for placements in the student’s own community. You may need to go to campus once in a while when attending an online program, but no more than a few times. Online PA programs vary in format (described later in this article) but will always allow you to save time by eliminating the commute. Some programs will still allow you the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with your classmates online, even if you are not in the same physical place as your peers.
Hybrid PA Programs
A program that combines online and in person learning is called a hybrid program. None of these programs exist in Kansas, so one would have to relocate to attend such a program. A hybrid PA program allows you some flexibility to complete some coursework online, while having you come to campus for some of your classes or parts of them.
Kansas Physician Assistant Program Online Learning Formats
An online program will either be conducted in a synchronous or asynchronous format. Asynchronous learning is done on one’s own time – you log in whenever you are free to complete class deliverables, which may include pre recorded lectures, assignments, and other activities you can do on your own. On the other hand, synchronous learning requires students to learn in sync – everyone logs in at the same time for class – either through video streaming, chats, or other media that allows everyone to connect and discuss in real time.
How Long do Physician Assistant Programs Take to Complete?
Including clinical components, a physician assistant degree can typically be completed in between two and a half and four years. This will take less time if you are already a PA – which means you would enroll in a special program for those with your experience level.
Typical Online Physician Assistant Programs Available to Kansas Students
The following online physician assistant programs are available to students in Kansas. Please note, however, that students should be sure to check each program to make sure the program is able to operate in Kansas. In addition 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 Kansas
The following physician assistant programs can be found on Kansas campuses.
| Program | City | Time to Complete | GPA Requirement* |
| Wichita State University | Wichita | 26 months | 3.0 |
*Note: The source of the GPA requirement data is the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)’s directory.
General Tips on How to Become a Physician Assistant in Kansas
To become a physician assistant in Kansas 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 Kansas State Board of Healing Arts 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 Kansas requires graduation from an accredited bachelor and physician assistant program and passage of the PANCE exam. It does not require current certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This is a high-level overview, but please make sure to check out Kansas’s state board for exact requirements.