Physician Assistant Programs in Maine
Residents of Maine can apply to one in-state accredited physician assistant master’s degree programs – the University of New England. This does not leave Mainers with a lot of options right in their neck of the woods. Thankfully, there are also several online programs you can attend without leaving the state of Maine, providing more options without having to relocate!
Online PA Programs vs On-Campus Programs in Maine
Your personal needs determine whether an online or an on campus physician assistant program is right for you. If either learning in your home on a screen or in a classroom makes a difference in your success, that will dictate what the best options are. Sometimes your schedule will also influence what is possible – if your life is jam packed or unpredictable, you may need an online program with a certain level of flexibility if you want to even think about being able to fit earning a degree into your life.
Last Updated: 1/22/21
On Campus PA Programs in Maine
Maine is home to one university that offers a PA program in the traditional classroom setting, the University of Maine. On campus programs require weekly visits to campus in order to attend lectures. In addition to classes, PA programs require clinical experience, which may be completed in the community surrounding the university. By enrolling in an on campus program – you provide yourself with the structure that comes with attending class in person at a specific time. You also get to interact with your peers in real life, potentially forming friendships that become part of your social life outside the classroom.
Not interested in on campus learning? An online program might be for you.
Online PA Programs
Online programs may be completed at whatever location works best for you, as lectures are attended virtually, either live or on your own time. While clinical requirements must still be completed in person, often you can complete them at a placement site in your own community so that there is no need to relocate. Not all online programs are the same, you will want to evaluate your options carefully to see if there are any on campus requirements, and to understand how coursework is delivered (more on that later).
Hybrid PA Programs in Maine
Hybrid programs simply combine online and on campus learning. There are currently no hybrid programs being offered in the state of Maine.
Physician Assistant Program Online Learning Formats
There are two ways in which online coursework is delivered, an online program may use one or both of these methods:
- Synchronous – all students log in to complete course requirements simultaneously, perhaps through live lectures or chats.
- Asynchronous – Students complete their work at a time that works best for them.
How Long do Physician Assistant Programs in Maine Typically Take to Complete?
A Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree usually takes two and a half to four years to complete (PA programs are approximately 27 months, according to American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)). For those who have an undergraduate degree and are already practicing as physician assistants, a bridge program may take less time.
Online Physician Assistant Programs Available to Maine Students
The following online physician assistant programs are available to students in Maine. Note that some of these options are bridge programs for current PAs:
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 Maine
The following physician assistant program is available in Maine:
| Program | City | Time to Complete | GPA Requirement |
| University of New England | Biddeford | 24 months | 3.0 |
General Tips on How to Become a Physician Assistant in Maine
To become a physician assistant in Maine, here are some common steps. Be sure to check with the state licensing agency for specific state requirements:
- 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 Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine 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 Maine requires graduation from an accredited physician assistant program 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 Maine’s state board for exact requirements.