Physician Assistant Programs in Oklahoma
Both private and state institutions offer on campus physician assistant (PA) programs in the state of Oklahoma. Adding further to the variety of options available in the panhandle state are online programs that can be completed from the comfort of home. With all of these options, it can be challenging to determine which physician assistant programs you should apply to. This guide will help you ask yourself the right questions so that you can navigate your choices. The best program for each individual may differ based on a variety of factors!
Online PA Programs vs On-Campus PA Programs in Oklahoma
When thinking about whether an online or on campus PA program is right for you, it is good to start out by eliminating any options that absolutely do not fit into your schedule. You may not be able to attend a physician assistant program that requires you to be on campus during most weekdays if you are juggling other family or work obligations. You should think about what class times and schedules work with whatever else you have going on. You should also think about the commute – both in terms of how much time you can afford to spend traveling to campus, and whether it is easy for you to get to class.
Another important schedule thing to consider is how consistent your schedule is. If your obligations change week to week, there may be online program options that allow you to attend class at different times depending on when you are busy.
Once you narrow down to what is possible, you might want to consider your learning style and preferences. Some applicants may learn best in a classroom environment or have distractions at home that will affect their work. Others will prefer the opportunity to learn from the comfort of home.
Last Updated: 8/24/21
On Campus PA Programs in Oklahoma
There are a handful of in person physician assistant degrees offered in the state of Oklahoma. Though each program will be unique, there are some things you can always expect out of an on campus program. Primarily, as the classification suggests, you will report to campus to attend class, where you will learn from your professors and have discussions with your peers in real life. When it comes time for your clinical requirements, it is likely that you will be placed at a site located in the area surrounding your university, as that is where you will be residing.
Those looking for added flexibility or a different kind of experience may want to think about an online program.
Online PA Programs
In recent years, it has become possible to earn an accredited physician assistant education online. The online experience replaces trips to campus with logging into your laptop to complete your degree. For some students, this option makes earning a degree on top of an already busy life possible. While some online programs will sacrifice peer and professor interaction in favor of the flexibility to attend pre recorded lectures whenever it is most convenient for you, other online programs retain many of the benefits of the live class experience, such as small class sizes and the ability to have live class discussions over webcam.
No matter what kind of program you choose, clinical hours will be completed at a physical clinical placement site. These hours are meant to serve as real world experiences for students and just can’t be completed online. Online programs may be able to work with you to secure placement sites local to where you live – make sure to ask prospective programs what they can do to assist and what they allow you to do!
Hybrid PA Programs in Oklahoma
A hybrid program splits coursework requirements between campus and online. This kind of program is not currently being offered on any Oklahoma campuses.
Physician Assistant Program Online Learning Formats
Online programs will be delivered in a synchronous or asynchronous format (or through a mix of these delivery methods):
- Synchronous- delivered live, students login at a specific time to attend class or other deliverables
- Asynchronous- not delivered live, completed at convenience of student as long as deadlines are adhered to
How Long Do Physician Assistant Programs in Oklahoma Typically Take to Complete?
PA programs are approximately 27 months, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Specific length varies from as little as two years to upwards of four years. Bridge programs may take less time to complete as these are designed for PAs who are already in the field and joined the profession before a master’s was required.
Online Physician Assistant Programs Available to Oklahoma Students
The following online physician assistant programs may be available to students in Oklahoma. 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.
On Campus PA Programs in Oklahoma
The following physician assistant programs can be found on Oklahoma campuses.
| Program | City | Time to Complete | GPA Requirement |
| Northeastern State University | Tahlequah | 27 months | 3.0 |
| Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City | 28 months | 3.0 |
| University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City | 27 months | 3.0 |
| University of Oklahoma, Tulsa | Tulsa | 30 months | 3.0 |
General Tips on How to Become a Physician Assistant in Oklahoma
To become a physician assistant in Oklahoma, 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 Oklahoma Medical Board 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 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma’s state board for exact requirements.