Part-Time PA Programs in 2025 | Flexible Paths to Becoming a Physician Assistant

Becoming a physician assistant (PA) is a rewarding career path, but for many students, balancing a full-time course load with personal responsibilities like work or family can feel overwhelming. The good news? Some PA schools now offer part-time program tracks designed with flexibility in mind.

This guide explores what part-time PA programs are, which schools offer them, how much they cost, and whether this path might be right for you.

 Looking for a pre-PA or PA internship abroad? Inquire here.

Why Consider a Part-Time PA Program?

Physician assistants play a vital role in healthcare, providing services such as conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgery. Training to become a PA typically takes around 27 months of full-time study, including rigorous didactic coursework and clinical rotations.

But not every student can dedicate themselves to such an intensive schedule. A part-time PA program may be ideal if you:

• Are working while studying
• Have childcare or family responsibilities
• Want a lighter academic workload each semester
• Prefer to spread costs over a longer period

While these programs extend the time it takes to graduate, they make PA education more accessible to students with demanding schedules.

Examples of Part-Time PA Programs

Here are three established universities offering part-time PA program options:

I. Rutgers University

• Ranking: #7 Best PA School
• Location: Newark, New Jersey
• Admission Requirements: GPA 3.2; GRE not required
• Part-Time Tuition: $803 per credit
• Highlights: Offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant with coursework, simulations, and clinical rotations, including opportunities in underserved communities and international settings.
  
  

II. Drexel University

• Ranking: #27 Best PA School
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Admission Requirements: GPA 3.0; 500 healthcare hours; GRE not required
• Tuition: $1,382 per credit hour
• Highlights: Emphasizes teamwork, diversity, and community service. Students receive both classroom training and clinical exposure to develop technical and interpersonal skills.
  
  

III. University of Detroit Mercy

• Ranking: #65 Best PA School
• Location: Detroit, Michigan
• Admission Requirements: GPA 3.0; GRE 900; 1,000 healthcare hours
• Tuition: $32,300 (part-time track available)
• Highlights: Offers a two-year program normally, but students can opt for a three-year track to reduce course load. The curriculum covers medical sciences in year one, followed by clinical rotations.

Is a Part-Time PA Program Worth It?

Part-time programs may take longer to complete, but the benefits are clear for students balancing multiple commitments:

i. Flexibility

A reduced course load means more time for family, work, or personal responsibilities.

ii. Work Experience

Extra time may allow you to continue gaining healthcare experience alongside studies.

iii. Financial Management

Tuition costs are spread out, making payments per semester more manageable.

iv. Networking Opportunities

Even with fewer classes, you’ll still build relationships with faculty, peers, and healthcare professionals.

FAQs About Part-Time PA Programs

#1. How long do part-time PA programs take?

Most full-time PA programs last about 27 months. A part-time program can take closer to three years, depending on the school.

#2. Are all PA programs two years?

Not exactly. Traditional PA programs last 26–27 months, but dual-degree programs and part-time tracks may shorten or lengthen the timeline.

#3. Do I still need patient care hours for part-time programs?

Yes. Most schools require 500–2,000 hours of healthcare experience, regardless of program format.

Final Thoughts

If becoming a PA is your goal but you need flexibility, a part-time PA program may be the right solution. These programs give you the same rigorous training and credentials as traditional tracks but at a pace that allows you to balance school with life’s other responsibilities.

At Go Elective, we know how important patient care experience is for PA school. That’s why our pre-physician assistant internships in Africa offer supervised hands-on clinical exposure in global health settings. Pairing this kind of experience with a flexible part-time PA program can strengthen your application and prepare you for a successful career.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, PA Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 19, 2025