Steps to Become a Physician Assistant in South Carolina
Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) in South Carolina (SC) requires completion of an accredited PA program. The ARC-PA accredits PA schools in South Carolina.
Following graduation, prospective PAs must pass a national certification exam and secure a state license for practice as a PA in South Carolina. Maintaining a license necessitates ongoing education and renewal.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in South Carolina.
Top Accredited PA Schools in South Carolina
Selecting an Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant in South Carolina is crucial as it ensures a high-quality education, vital for PA certification.
South Carolina has 5 accredited PA schools, – 4 fully accredited, and 1 provisionally or probationary accredited*
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston Southern University | Charleston | Yes | Program Page |
| Medical University of South Carolina | Charleston | Yes | Program Page |
| North Greenville University | Tigerville | Yes | Program Page |
| University of South Carolina | Columbia | Yes | Program Page |
| Presbyterian College | Clinton | Yes* | Program Page |
Please note: Many institutions utilize the CASPA application system, so verifying application deadlines on the CASPA website is advisable to ensure on-time submission.
Charleston Southern University Charleston
- +1 843-863-7000
The Charleston Southern University, located in Charleston, is a private Christian school with an enrollment of 3,418 students. The school offers an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program spanning 27 months.
Upon completion, graduates receive a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). To apply for the program, you can use CASPA, with an application deadline of around September 1st.
On-campus accommodation is available. Tuition and fees for the PA program total over $120,000.
Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
- +1 843-792-2300
The Medical University of South Carolina is a public institution located in Charleston with an enrollment of 3,240 students. The campus has no specified religious affiliation and on-campus accommodation is not offered.
The Physician Assistant program at the Medical University of South Carolina is fully accredited by ARC-PA and takes a 27-months to complete. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies upon completion. To apply for the program, you can use CASPA, with an application deadline typically around September 1st.
Tuition costs for the PA program for full-time in-state tuition and fees exceed $54,000, while out-of-state fees are over $93,000.
North Greenville University, Tigerville
- +1 864-977-7000
The North Greenville University, located in Tigerville is a private institution with Christian affiliations and a student population of 2,280 students.
The school offers an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program which will take 24 months to complete.
Each class has 30 students and graduates are awarded a Master of Medical Science (MMS) degree. To apply for the program, you should utilize CASPA, with an application deadline of around August 1st.
The tuition and fees for the PA program exceed $110,000 and on-campus accommodation offers convenience for those who choose to reside there.
University of South Carolina, Columbia
- 514 Main St, Columbia, SC 29208
- +1 803-777-6994
The University of South Carolina, located in Columbia, is a public institution with strong Christian affiliations. The campus is expansive, accommodating 52,000 students and offering on-campus housing options.
The Physician Assistant program at the University of South Carolina is fully accredited by ARC-PA and spans 27 months. Each PA class typically consists of 20 students, and graduates earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. To apply for the program, you can utilize CASPA, with an application deadline typically around September 1st.
Tuition and fees for the PA program for in-state students is over $83,000 while out-of-state students face a higher cost of around $136,000.
South Carolina PA Certification and License Requirements
After graduation from an accredited program, aspiring Physician Assistants (PAs) in South Carolina are typically required to sit the Physician Assistant National Certification Exams (PANCE). Certification ensures that PAs have met the necessary educational standards and clinical competencies, verifying their readiness to practice.
These exams are offered by NCCPA and conducted at authorized designated testing centers by the certifying organizations.
Licensing
Once you have achieved certification it is required by South Carolina law that you obtain 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 South Carolina, PAs and physicians establish a supervisory agreement and scope of practice guidelines within the framework of established state statutes. The South Carolina Board must also approve the agreement between PA and physician of Medical Examiners. PAs in SC are permitted to prescribe, dispense, and administer Schedule II-V substances but only after obtaining an additional Controlled Substance License.
You can contact the Board directly using the contact details below:
Address: 110 Centerview Dr., Columbia, SC 292109,
Phone: (803) 896-4500
Website: https://llr.sc.gov/med/licensure.aspx
PA Salary and Employment South Carolina
In 2024, South Carolina employed 1,730 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $106,200. This represents an hourly wage of $51.06, which is 17.96% below the national average of $125,270.
Between 2018 and 2022, South Carolina witnessed a positive trend in both salary and employment for physician assistants. Salaries increased from $103,710 in 2018 to $106,200 in 2022, marking a $2,490 (2%) rise over five years. Concurrently, employment showed significant growth, from 1,430 in 2018 to 1,730 in 2022, denoting a 21% increase over the same period.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a promising 27% employment growth for physician assistants nationwide between 2022 and 2032, reflecting the profession’s strong demand and potential.