PA Schools & PA Programs: National Directory & Match
Welcome to the 2026–2027 Physician Assistant (PA) School Finder — the most comprehensive, free, and interactive directory for prospective PA school applicants. Browse every accredited PA program, search PA programs by state, or filter by what matters most: PA schools that don’t require the GRE, minimum GPA, program length, tuition, PANCE pass rate, prerequisites, healthcare experience, CASPA participation, and class size. We review program information on a rolling basis, prioritizing changes that affect application planning. Check the source dates and any flagged unknowns or conflicts on each profile, and confirm requirements with the program before applying.
Start with the national directory: compare PA schools and PA programs across the United States. If distance matters, use the PA Schools Near Me map to search by ZIP code and radius.
Only here: a “What This Program Looks For in Applicants” summary on every active program page — the preference points, holistic-review criteria, and mission fit each program actually weighs — so you can target your application with confidence.
Already a PA graduate? Explore the postgraduate PA residency and fellowship programs. Ready to find your fit? Try the free PA Program Match tool to compare programs across multiple categories in real time.
Which PA programs fit your current profile and goals?
Paste your stats into PA Program Match AI to compare your recorded information with published program data. Start with a free planning score and recorded-requirement checks, then optionally unlock a personalized ranked list with reasons, flags, deadlines, and costs. Results support application planning; they do not predict admission.
Get my free score →Frequently Asked Questions About PA Programs
How many PA programs are there in the United States?
This directory lists more than 350 accredited entry-level physician assistant programs, plus 129 postgraduate PA residency and fellowship programs. Accreditation status and program details are reviewed on a rolling basis. Check the source dates and any flagged unknowns or conflicts on each profile, and confirm requirements with the program before applying.
How do I know what each PA program looks for in applicants?
Every active program page includes a “What This Program Looks For in Applicants” summary — the stated preferences, holistic-review criteria, mission and values fit, and preferred experience each program weighs — drawn from the program’s own admissions materials. It’s a feature you won’t find in other PA directories.
Which PA schools don’t require the GRE?
Most accredited PA programs no longer require the GRE. Use the GRE Not Required filter to see the full, current list of PA schools you can apply to without a GRE score.
How do I find PA programs by state?
Open the Locations view to browse PA programs on an interactive U.S. map and see every program in your state.
What’s the difference between a PA program and a PA residency?
An entry-level PA program leads to a master’s degree and eligibility for the PANCE. A postgraduate PA residency or fellowship is optional specialty training (for example, emergency medicine or surgery) for PAs who have already graduated and are certified.
How often is the directory updated?
We review program information on a rolling basis, prioritizing changes that affect application planning. Check the source dates and any flagged unknowns or conflicts on each profile, and confirm requirements with the program before applying.
Can AI help me plan which PA programs fit my profile?
PA Program Match AI compares the information you enter — such as GPA, patient care hours, and completed prerequisites — with published program data. Your free planning score and recorded-requirement checks can help you decide where to research next; they do not predict admission.
