Top Physician Assistant Programs in Cincinnati
Northern Kentucky University offers a Master of Physician Assistant Studies through its College of Health Professions, with a program length of approximately 27 months and a total tuition cost of around $60,000 for in-state students. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. NKU PA program details
Xavier University does not currently offer a standalone PA program but provides strong pre-PA science tracks through its biology and health sciences departments, with a reported pre-health graduation rate above 90%. Students from Cincinnati often complete prerequisite coursework at Xavier before applying to ARC-PA accredited programs elsewhere. Xavier biology pre-PA track
Admission Requirements and Costs for Cincinnati PA Schools
Most accredited PA programs in the Cincinnati region require a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, completion of specific science prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and a minimum of 500 to 2,000 hours of direct patient care experience. The average cost of attendance for a PA master's program in Ohio ranges from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on residency status and institution. ARC-PA accreditation standards
The Central Application Service for Physician Assistants is used by many programs to streamline applications, with deadlines typically falling between September and January for fall enrollment. Competitive applicants often have healthcare experience as registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, or medical assistants, and may submit GRE scores if required by the program. CASPA application portal
Career Outcomes and Certification for Cincinnati PA Graduates
Certification and Licensure Path
Graduates from ARC-PA accredited programs in Cincinnati must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants to become a PA-C. Ohio requires licensure through the State Medical Board, which includes submitting proof of certification and completing continuing education every two years. NCCPA certification information
Employment and Salary Data
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that physician assistants in Ohio earned a median annual wage of approximately $110,000 as of May 2023, with employment projected to grow much faster than average through 2032. Cincinnati-area hospitals and health systems such as TriHealth and Cincinnati Children's Hospital are major employers of newly certified PAs. BLS PA occupation data