To become a Physician Assistant (PA) in Virginia (VA) complete a two-year accredited PA program, requiring a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience.
After graduation, passing the national certification exam and obtaining state licensure are imperative steps for practice. Continuous education is mandatory for licensure maintenance, ensuring ongoing professional competence in the dynamic field of healthcare.
Listed below are the top accredited Physician Assistant Schools in, or near to, Virginia.
Top Accredited PA Schools in Virginia
Opting for an ARC-PA accredited PA school in Virginia ensures a high-quality education, meeting stringent certification standards. Accreditation validates the program’s commitment to excellence, enhancing the credibility of your qualifications.
In Virginia, there are 9 accredited PA schools, with 7 holding full accreditation and 2 currently under provisional or probationary accreditation (*).
| School | City | ARC-PA | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Virginia Medical School | Norfolk | Yes | Program Page |
| Emory & Henry College | Emory | Yes | Program Page |
| James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Yes | Program Page |
| Mary Baldwin University | Fishersville | Yes | Program Page |
| Shenandoah University | Winchester | Yes | Program Page |
| South University | Richmond | Yes | Program Page |
| University of Lynchburg | Lynchburg | Yes | Program Page |
| Randolph-Macon College | Ashland | Yes* | Program Page |
| Radford University | Radford | Yes* | Program Page |
The majority of institutions commonly employ the online CASPA application method. It is imperative to verify application deadlines directly on the CASPA website to ensure the timely submission of required materials. Stay informed by consulting the official CASPA platform for accurate and up-to-date application timelines.
Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk
- Address: P. O. Box 1980, Norfolk, VA 23501
- Phone: 757.446.7158
- Email: paprogram@evms.edu
Located in Norfolk, Eastern Virginia Medical School is a public institution with a student enrollment of 1400 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, providing a comprehensive academic environment.
The Physician Assistant Program at Eastern Virginia Medical School is fully ARC-PA accredited until March 2028. The program spans 28 months with a class size of 80 students, awarding graduates a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) degree. Phase I comprises a 16-month pre-clinical year, integrating traditional classroom instruction with clinical skills development. In Phase II, spanning 26 credit hours, students gain direct patient care experience through eight clinical field experiences.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees amount to $13,133.00, while out-of-state students pay $15,833.00. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of March. Further details can be found on the program’s webpage: https://www.evms.edu/education/masters_programs/physician_assistant_program/.
Emory & Henry College, Emory
- Address: P.O. Box 947, Emory, Va. 24327
- Phone: (276) 944-6133
- Email: trinehardt@ehc.edu
Nestled in Emory, Emory & Henry College, a private institution with a Christian Methodist affiliation, with a student enrollment of 1,358 in 2023. The college provides on-campus accommodation, fostering a tight-knit community for an enriched academic experience.
The physician assistant program at Emory & Henry College is fully accredited by ARC-PA until September 2031. This 27-month program, with a class size of 40 students, awards graduates a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS). The curriculum maintains a commitment to excellence, guided by the college’s historical motto, “Increase in Excellence.” The program does not offer advanced placement, and international applicants must submit transcript evaluations to CASPA.
For those aspiring to join this esteemed program, the total tuition for the entire 27-month MPAS program is $94,024.00. The CASPA application deadline is typically on the 1st of December. Further details about the program can be found on the official program page: https://www.ehc.edu/academics/physician-assistant-studies/.
James Madison University, Harrisonburg
- Address: 235 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, MSC 4315, Health and Behavioral Studies Building, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
- Phone: (540) 568-2395
- Email: paprogram@jmu.edu
Situated in Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a public university with a student enrollment of 20,346 in 2023. The campus is renowned for its commitment to cultural humility, fostering an environment that values individual differences. On-campus accommodation is available for students.
The Physician Assistant Program at James Madison University is fully ARC-PA accredited until September 2026. This 28-month program accepts a limited class size of 36 students annually, granting graduates a Master of Physician Assistant degree. For aspiring PAs, the program maintains a recommended GPA of 3.0, though emphasis is placed on continuous improvement.
Total tuition and fees for Virginia residents are $75,705, while non-residents pay $93,833.The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 15 of July. For detailed information, prospective students can visit the program page at https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/healthprof/pa/index.shtml.
Mary Baldwin University Fishersville, Staunton, VA
- Address: 101 E Frederick Street, Staunton, VA 24401
- Phone: (540) 887-7019
- Email: admit@marybaldwin.edu
Located in Staunton, Virginia, Mary Baldwin University Fishersville is a private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA), boasting a student enrollment of 1792 in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation and fosters a team-based, collaborative, and interprofessional approach to patient care.
The fully ARC-PA-accredited Physician Assistant Program at Mary Baldwin University Fishersville has a class size of 40 and can be completed in 27 months. Graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA), and the program is accredited until March 2030. The admission requirements include a 3.0 overall GPA, three references submitted via CASPA, a brief personal statement/essay, and a GRE taken within 5 years of application. Notably, there is no published minimum GRE score, as MDCHS adopts a holistic approach to admissions.
For in-state students, the total tuition and fees for the PA program amount to $89,010. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of October, and further details about the program can be found on the Program Page https://marybaldwin.edu/programs/physician-assistant-m-s/.
Shenandoah University, Winchester
- Address: 1460 University Drive, Winchester, Virginia 22601
- Phone: 800-432-2266
- Email: aschempp@su.edu, pa@su.edu
Located in Winchester, Shenandoah University is a private institution with a student enrollment of 4,260 in 2023. The campus provides on-campus accommodation, fostering a supportive environment for students. The university is affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religious tradition.
The Physician Assistant Program at Shenandoah University is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2025. This 30-month program emphasizes primary care practice, teamwork, and service to underserved populations. With a class size of 60 students, graduates receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MS-PAS). The program’s commitment to quality is reflected in its top 25 national ranking by the 2019 U.S. News & World Report.
For aspiring PAs, the total tuition and fees amount to $97,200. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of September. Further details and application information can be found on the program’s official page: Program URL https://www.su.edu/physician-assistant/.
South University, Richmond
- Address: 2151 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060
- Phone: 804-727-6853
- Email: emallory@southuniversity.edu
Located in Glen Allen, South University Richmond is a private institution with a student enrollment of 442 in 2023. The campus, while not offering on-campus accommodation, provides a conducive environment for academic growth.
The Physician Assistant (PA) program at South University Richmond is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2031. This 27-month program boasts a class size of 36 students, offering a comprehensive Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MSPA) degree upon completion. The curriculum integrates fundamental medical concepts, preparing students to contribute effectively to healthcare teams under physician supervision.
For aspiring PAs, the total tuition and fees for in-state students amount to $97,704.The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 1st of August, and the program details can be found at https://www.southuniversity.edu/richmond/physician-assistant-ms. The application process involves a formal review and interview, with applicants designating the South University campus through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) system.
University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg
- Address: 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501-3113
- Phone: 434.544.8876
- Email: pa@lynchburg.edu
Situated in Lynchburg, the University of Lynchburg is a private university with approximately 2692 students enrolled in 2023. The campus offers on-campus accommodation, fostering a convenient living and learning environment. The University is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), providing a values-based education.
The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at the University of Lynchburg is fully accredited by ARC-PA until March 2029. The program spans 27 months with a class size of 40 students, awarding graduates a Master of PA Medicine (MPAM) degree. The total tuition and fees for in-state students total $96,859. The CASPA application deadline typically falls on the 15th of January.
For those aspiring to join the PA program, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, with an emphasis on science and prerequisite GPAs. The University of Lynchburg PA Medicine Advisory Board, comprising practicing healthcare professionals, contributes to the development of the MPAM program. More details can be found on the program’s official page: http://www.lynchburg.edu/graduate/physician-assistant-medicine/.
PA Certification and License Requirements Virginia
Following graduation from a PA program in Virginia, aspiring Physician Assistants must undertake the PANCE, typically administered at designated testing centers nationwide.
Certification is a prerequisite for obtaining state licensure, ensuring that PAs meet established national standards of competence. This sequential process safeguards the integrity and quality of healthcare services provided by PAs in Virginia.
Aspiring professionals should refer to official certification bodies for specific exam details and locations, progressing toward professional validation and licensure in the healthcare sector.
Licensing
Once you have obtained certification it is required by Virginia 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 Virginia, PAs are supervised by physicians under a practice agreement that outlines the supervisory relationship, performance evaluation, and the PA’s scope of practice. This practice agreement is required and approved by the Virginia Board of Medicine. PAs in Virginia can prescribe, dispense, administer, and procure Schedule II-V substances without the need for a Controlled Substance License.
You can contact the Board directly with queries relating to the scope of practice and licensing using the contact details below:
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804-367-4600
Website: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Medicine/AbouttheBoard/RegulatedProfessions/PhysicianAssistant/
PA Salary and Employment in Virginia
In 2024, Virginia employed 4,230 Physician Assistants with an average salary of $118,920, reflecting a 5.34% difference below the national average of $125,270. This corresponds to an hourly wage of $57.17. Among these professionals, the top 10% earned $152,810, while the bottom 10% earned $86,310.
In the five years from 2018 to 2022, the average salary for Physician Assistants in Virginia increased by $19,580, reflecting a significant growth of 20%. Simultaneously, employment experienced a substantial rise of 1,720 positions, marking an impressive 69% increase.
Looking ahead, the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a robust 27% growth in physician assistant employment between 2022 and 2032, signaling sustained demand and favorable career prospects in Virginia.