Physician Assistant Programs in Wyoming
If you live in the state of Wyoming, there are no on campus physician assistant (PA) degree programs that you can attend in the state. However, thankfully, there are some accredited online programs offered by campuses throughout the country that you can complete from the comfort of home. Online degrees can vary greatly from program to program so it is important to evaluate your options properly in order to choose the program that is best for you. This guide may help you evaluate your options so that you can make that decision.
Online PA Programs vs On-Campus PA Programs in Wyoming
One way to start narrowing down your list of physician assistant programs of interest starts with taking a look at your personal schedule. If you anticipate that you will have additional ongoing commitments on your plate as you complete your PA degree, you may want to select programs that do not require you to be in class when those commitments take place. If you complete your online PA degree in the state of Wyoming, commuting will not be a deciding factor because your classes will likely all be held online. However, if you decide to relocate to attend school near a campus, you will want to think about where you will live that’s within reasonable commuting distance. Variability in your schedule is a factor you should weigh as well – if the timing of your other commitments changes every week, you may do better with a program that allows you to learn on your own time asynchronously.
After you narrow down your list based on schedule, you can consider other important factors such as learning style. Ask yourself where you focus best – is your home full of distractions or is it the perfect comfortable place for you to learn? How important is class discussion to your learning experience? Some online programs facilitate discussion much better than others. Think about these variables and any other factor that may affect your learning experience.
Last Updated: 12/9/21
On Campus PA Programs in Wyoming
You are likely familiar with at least some aspects of the on campus learning experience, particularly if you’ve earned a degree on a campus before. On campus students report to class to attend lectures, take exams, and get credits for their degrees. PA students, like many students in the healthcare field, also report to clinical placement sites to get clinical experience. Sites are typically local to the university. Through these clinical experiences, students get real world practice that they need in order to become certified.
Intending to stay in Wyoming to complete your degree? You will need to learn more about online PA programs.
Online PA Programs in Wyoming
With online programs, you can log into class anywhere from home to the library to wherever else that works best for you. This added level of flexibility saves you valuable commuting time. Need even more flexibility? Some programs allow you to learn through pre recorded lectures, meaning you get to complete much of your degree completely on your own time, so long as you meet due dates. If you are more interested in a program that better mirrors the structure of a traditional program, there are options for that too. Some online PA programs will be delivered via webcam so that you can attend class in real time and engage and participate in discussions.
Online programs still require you to report to clinical placement sites, as that real world experience is necessary for certification. Check with the programs you are interested in applying to to see if they can help you secure placement sites that are local to you in Wyoming.
Hybrid PA Programs in Wyoming
A hybrid program splits coursework requirements between campus and online. This kind of program is not currently being offered on any Wyoming campuses.
Physician Assistant Program Online Learning Formats
Online learning is done either synchronously or asynchronously
- Synchronous learning is in real time and typically collaborative
- Asynchronous learning is done on your own time
How Long do Physician Assistant Programs in Wyoming Typically Take to Complete?
PA programs are approximately 27 months, according to American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). However, it may take more or less time to complete a PA program. This does not apply to bridge programs for current PAs certified before a master’s degree was required.
Online Physician Assistant Programs Available to Wyoming Students
The following online physician assistant programs may be available to students in Wyoming. Note that some of these options are bridge programs for current PAs:
| 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) | |
| Stony Brook/SUNY
|
MPAS | Some | None | 24 months | ARC-PA accreditation | |
| 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 Wyoming
Currently, there are no on campus programs being offered in the state of Wyoming.
General Tips on How to Become a Physician Assistant in Wyoming
To become a physician assistant in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming Board of 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming’s state board for exact requirements.