Fastest Way to Become a PA: 12 Accelerated PA Programs & Application Tips

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a dream for many aspiring healthcare professionals but for students who want to get there as quickly as possible, traditional timelines can feel slow. Accelerated PA programs offer a direct, streamlined path from high school or early college into PA school, often combining undergraduate and graduate studies into one continuous program.

These direct-entry options (often structured as 3+2 or 4+1.5 pathways) let you earn both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies in as little as five years, instead of the usual six to eight.

In this guide, we’ll break down 12 of the best accelerated PA programs in the United States, explain how they work, and share strategies. Including gaining global healthcare experience through programs like Go Elective’s Pre-Physician Assistant Internships to make your application stand out.

> Explore Go-Electives Pre-PA and PA Internships in Africa

How Accelerated PA Programs Work

An accelerated PA program condenses the traditional path into fewer years by:

• Allowing direct entry from high school into a combined bachelor’s + master’s curriculum.
• Compressing undergraduate coursework into three years instead of four.
• Guaranteeing (or conditionally reserving) a seat in the graduate PA program for students who meet progression requirements.

These programs are highly competitive, with strict GPA, prerequisite, and clinical hour expectations. Many require applicants to have shadowing or patient care experience before matriculating — a perfect opportunity to strengthen your portfolio through international clinical internships in Kenya or Tanzania.

Benefits of Choosing an Accelerated PA Pathway

• Graduate Sooner – Start practicing and earning earlier than peers on the traditional path.
• Integrated Curriculum – Bachelor’s and master’s studies flow seamlessly, often taught by the same faculty.
• Guaranteed or Reserved Seats – Fewer uncertainties about graduate school admissions (for students meeting benchmarks).
• Cost Savings – Completing studies in fewer years can reduce tuition and living expenses.
• Consistent Mentorship – Work with the same advisors and faculty from start to finish.

Trade-Offs to Consider

• High Intensity – Accelerated pacing leaves less time for exploration, electives, or breaks.
• Limited Flexibility – Changing majors may forfeit your guaranteed seat.
• Early Commitment – You’ll need to decide on the PA path early, sometimes before entering college.
  
  

Top 12 Accelerated PA Programs in the U.S.

1. Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) – 3+3 Dual-Degree BS/MS

Seton Hall integrates a traditional liberal arts education with medical training, offering 64 weeks of clinical rotations — among the highest in the country. Students benefit from problem-based learning and research opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. 

Standout Feature: Extensive rotations rivaling medical student training.

2. Le Moyne College (Syracuse, NY) – 3+2 or 4+2 Direct-Entry

Students can choose a fast-paced 3+2 track or a 4+2 option for more academic flexibility. Rotations cover nine specialties, grounded in a Jesuit mission that emphasizes compassion and ethics.
Standout Feature: Flexible pacing plus holistic training focus.

3. Gannon University (Erie, PA) – 5-Year Dual-Degree

This program blends liberal arts with clinical preparation, offering close faculty mentorship and a strong job placement rate in underserved communities.

Standout Feature: Focus on community healthcare and mentorship.

4. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) – 5-Year Dual-Degree

Known for technological innovation, RIT incorporates simulation labs and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates report a median first-year salary above $105K.

Standout Feature: Tech-driven clinical training with high employment rates.

5. DeSales University (Center Valley, PA) – 3+2 PA Program

With one of the highest first-time PANCE pass rates nationally, DeSales provides access to advanced simulation centers and the only gross anatomy lab in the Lehigh Valley.

Standout Feature: Exceptional PANCE pass rates and cutting-edge facilities.

6. Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY) – 5-Year Dual-Degree

Students benefit from diverse clinical clerkships, cadaver labs, and case-based learning. The program includes community engagement and research.

Standout Feature: Multi-modal instruction and urban clinical exposure.

7. Thomas Jefferson University (Philadelphia, PA) – 4+2 or 4-Year BS with Reserved Seats

Located in a major medical hub, Jefferson offers access to extensive clinical networks and interprofessional education. Students can attend campuses in East Falls or Voorhees, NJ.

Standout Feature: Prime location in a healthcare-rich city.

8. Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) – 5.5-Year BS/MHS Bridge

Drexel combines rigorous academics with co-op experiences, helping students build real-world skills while studying. The program prioritizes diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Standout Feature: Integrated co-op placements during PA studies.

9. Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) – 5-Year Dual-Degree

Students move directly from a health sciences bachelor’s into the PA master’s program, with access to community outreach clinics and research projects.

Standout Feature: Strong Midwest clinical network and service-learning.
 

10. Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA) – 5-Year Accelerated PA Program

One of the oldest PA programs in the nation, Saint Francis combines Franciscan values with modern clinical training and high PANCE success rates.

Standout Feature: Long-standing reputation and values-driven education.

11. University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA) – 3+2 Pre-PA Pathway

While California has few direct-entry programs, Pacific offers an accelerated path for top undergraduates, transitioning into its graduate PA program.

Standout Feature: One of the fastest PA routes in California.

12. Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI) – 5-Year Direct-Entry

Marquette integrates liberal arts with medical training, emphasizing patient-centered care and ethical decision-making. Clinical rotations include underserved urban and rural sites.

Standout Feature: Strong mission-driven approach with diverse clinical placements.

How to Strengthen Your Application for an Accelerated PA Program

Accelerated PA programs expect applicants to have more than just strong grades. You’ll also need:

• Clinical Experience – Programs often require hundreds of patient care hours. Consider joining a Go Elective pre-PA internship abroad to gain direct exposure in resource-limited hospitals.
• Shadowing Hours – Document experience observing licensed PAs.
• Leadership and Service – Volunteer work, especially in healthcare or underserved communities, can strengthen your profile.
• Strong References – Build relationships with healthcare professionals and professors early.
• Personal Statement – Articulate why you’re choosing the PA path and your readiness for an accelerated format.

Final Thoughts

Accelerated PA programs can launch your career years ahead of schedule, but they require early commitment, intense focus, and a strong application profile. By combining academic readiness with immersive experiences like Go Elective’s internships in Kenya and Tanzania, you can set yourself apart from other applicants.

Your path to becoming a PA could be shorter than you think — and your journey can start now. Apply to our PA internships abroad here, 

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Eelective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 8, 2025