Minnesota Physician Assistant Schools and Careers

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in Minnesota (MN) necessitates the completion of an accredited PA program.

After graduating from the program, candidates must pass the national certification examination and secure state licensure to practice within the state. The journey to becoming a PA in Minnesota includes continuous education requirements and license renewal to maintain professional status.

Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Minnesota.

Accredited PA Schools in Minnesota 2024

Choosing an ARC-PA-accredited school in Minnesota is crucial for ensuring a high-quality education and meeting the certification requirements. Accreditation validates the program’s standards and equips students for certification.

In Minnesota, there are 5 accredited PA schools, – 4 holding full accreditation, and 1 currently on provisional or probationary accreditation (*).

The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application procedure, thus it is advisable to verify the application deadlines on the CASPA website.

Augsburg University, Minneapolis

Augsburg University, situated in Minneapolis, is a private institution with a student body of 3,088 students. It has religious affiliations, particularly with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The campus provides on-campus accommodation.

The Physician Assistant program at Augsburg University is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months. Each PA class admits 33 students, and upon completion, graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program uses CASPA for applications, with a deadline set for August 1st.

Prospective students should be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $120,000.

Bethel University, Saint Paul

• 3900 Bethel Dr, Saint Paul, MN 55112
• +1 651-638-6400

Bethel University, located in Saint Paul, is a private institution affiliated with the Christian faith. The campus accommodates a student body of 1,292 students and provides on-campus housing options.

Bethel University’s Physician Assistant program holds full accreditation from ARC-PA and has a duration of 27 months. Each PA class admits 32 students, and upon successful completion, graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. The program employs CASPA for applications, and the application deadline is set for August 1st.

Prospective students should take note that the PA Program’s tuition and fees exceed $87,000.

College of St. Scholastica, Duluth

The College of St. Scholastica, located in Duluth, is a private institution affiliated with the Christian-Catholic faith. The campus houses 3,207 students and provides on-campus housing.

ARC-PA fully accredits the Physician Assistant program at the College of St. Scholastica and has a duration of 28 months. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Medicine degree. The program utilizes CASPA for applications, and the application deadline is set for August 1st.

Prospective students should be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $109,000.

Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul

•  2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, Saint Paul, MN
• +1 651-690-6000

Saint Catherine University, located in Saint Paul, is a private institution with Roman Catholic religious affiliations. The campus hosts 3,577 students and offers on-campus housing.

Saint Catherine University provides a 28-month ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program. Each PA class comprises 33 students, and upon completion, graduates receive a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. The program utilizes CASPA for applications, with an application deadline of August 1st.

Regarding costs, it’s important to be aware that the tuition and fees for the PA Program exceed $105,000. Prospective Physician Assistants can submit their applications through CASPA, and the application deadline is also set for August 1st.

Certification and Licensure Requirements

After graduation from a PA program, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in Minnesota must pass the  Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become certified. Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining a state license, necessary for practice.

The certification examination is administered by the NCCPA and can be taken at designated test centers. These exams assess a candidate’s medical knowledge, clinical skills, and ability to provide safe and effective patient care.

Successful completion of the certification exam ensures that PAs meet nationally recognized standards of competence before embarking on their professional careers.

Scope of Practice and Licensing

Once you have obtained certification it is required by Minnesota law that you apply for a license to work as a Physician Assistant there. The scope of practice for physician assistants varies from state to state and therefore so do licensing requirements.

In Minnesota, the Board of Medical Practice mandates a written agreement between PAs and supervising physicians, clearly defining the supervisory relationship and the PA’s duties. PAs in Minnesota are authorized to prescribe, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances if specified in the agreement and delegated by their supervising physician. PAs in Minnesota do not need to apply for a separate Controlled Substances license.

You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:

Address: 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (612) 617-2130
Website:  https://mn.gov/boards/medical-practice/licensing/applicants/apply/

PA Salary and Employment in Minnesota

In 2024, there were 3,530 persons employed as Physician Assistants in Minnesota with an average salary of $125,680. This represents an hourly wage of $60.42, which is 0.33% above the national average of $125,270. The top 10% of physician assistants in the state earned an average of $153,620, while the bottom 10% earned an average of $102,010. These updated figures illustrate changes in salary and employment trends for physician assistants in Minnesota over the years.

Between 2018 and 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Minnesota increased by $9,480, reflecting an 8% salary growth over the five years. In terms of employment, over the same five-year period, there was a substantial 78% increase in employment, marking a significant rise in the number of physician assistants practicing in the state.

Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 27% growth in employment for physician assistants from 2022 to 2032, indicating continued demand for this profession.