To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in New Mexico, complete an accredited PA program, usually lasting around two years. Prerequisites typically include a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, passing a national certification exam and obtaining state licensure is required for practice. Regular continuing education and licensure renewal are mandatory for maintaining your PA career.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, New Mexico.
Accredited PA Schools in New Mexico
Selecting an ARC-PA-accredited PA school in New Mexico is crucial for quality education and certification eligibility. It ensures the program meets rigorous standards, fostering a strong foundation for future practice.
In New Mexico, there are 2 accredited PA schools, 1 fully accredited and 1 on provisional or probationary accreditation*.
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Mexico | Albuquerque | Yes | Program Page |
| University of St. Francis | Albuquerque | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions employ the CASPA online application system. It is essential to verify application deadlines directly on the official CASPA website.
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
- Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States
- +1 505-277-0111
The University of New Mexico, situated in Albuquerque, is a public university. The campus can accommodate 21,982 students and provides on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at the University of New Mexico is fully accredited by ARC-PA, and it spans a 27-month duration with a class size of 60 students. Upon completion, graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (M.S.) degree.
In terms of tuition and fees, residents are expected to pay over $60,000, while non-residents face costs exceeding $100,000. Prospective students can apply through CASPA, with an application deadline set for August 1st.
New Mexico PA Certification and Licensing
After graduation, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in New Mexico must pursue national certification. This involves completing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). To be eligible for the PANCE, candidates must have graduated from an accredited PA program.
Certification is a prerequisite for state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet the national standards of competence and practice.
The PANCE is typically administered at Pearson VUE test centers across the United States, making it accessible to New Mexico candidates.
Licensing Requirements
Once you have graduated from an accredited program and obtained certification it is required by New Mexico law that you apply for a license to work as a Physician Assistant there.
Licensing requirements and PA scope of practice vary from state to state. In New Mexico, PAs and physicians establish supervision or collaboration at the practice level. PAs can perform assigned duties within their supervising physician’s scope and prescribe, dispense, and procure Schedule II – V substances with physician supervision and an additional Controlled Substance License.
The New Mexico Medical Board governs the licensing and scope of work of Physician Assistants in New Mexico. You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 2055 South Pacheco St., Bldg. 400, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: (505) 476-7220
Website: https://www.nmmb.state.nm.us/licensing_info/physician_assistant_licenses.html
PA Salary and Employment in New Mexico
A career as a Physician Assistant can offer great income potential and excellent job prospects.
In 2024, there were 690 persons employed as Physician Assistants in New Mexico with an average salary of $133,630. This represents an hourly wage of $64.25 and is 6.26% above the national average of $125,270.
Between 2018 and 2022, in New Mexico, the average salary for Physician Assistants increased by $25,020, representing a 23% growth. In terms of employment, there was a net gain of 10 positions over the same period, equating to a 1% increase.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a substantial 27% growth in employment for physician assistants between 2022 and 2032.