6 Best PA Schools in South Carolina-Tuition & Requirements

The physician assistant is a qualified health professional who practices under the supervision and oversight of a licensed physician.

The physician assistant has received specialized academic and clinical training to perform medical tasks typically performed by physicians. 

In basic and specialized care settings, PAs offer crucial diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative, and health maintenance services.

They can work in a variety of places, such as clinics at work, retail clinics, educational establishments, hospitals, and nursing homes. In this article, we will be looking at the best PA schools in South Carolina and everything you need to become a PA.

The Role of a Physician Assistant 

Physician assistants are qualified healthcare professionals that can:

  • Conduct physical examinations.
  • Diagnose and treat illnesses.
  • Order and interpret tests.
  • Advice on good health maintenance.
  • Assist in surgery.
  • Write prescriptions. 

The List of Best PA Schools In South Carolina

South Carolina is a state in the United States with 60 colleges and universities. According to enrollment, the University of South Carolina in Columbia is the biggest university in the state. However, these are the best PA schools in South Carolina.

Charleston Southern University PA Program

Academic work is divided into didactic and clinical components in Charleston Southern University’s Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree.

The professors at the school will support you along the way by encouraging your commitment to your studies and success in the classroom.

A stimulating learning environment and the resources required for developing connections with peers, instructors, staff, and preceptors will be made available to students.

Graduates of the program will be able to apply for licensure through the Board of Medical Examiners in the state in which they wish to practice medicine, as well as to sit for the national certification exam for physician assistants administered by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). 

Click here for more information. 

Application Requirements: The following requirements must be met for your application to be considered 

  • The completion of a bachelor’s degree from a locally authorized university, or its equivalent from a foreign university, is required.

  • The required cumulative and science GPAs must both be 3.0. (on a 4.0 scale).

  • For program applications, the GRE is necessary.
  • A minimum of 1,000 hours must have been spent providing direct patient care. 

Tuition: $15,500/Semester. 

Francis Marion University PA Program

Francis Marion University’s physician assistant program aims to produce outstanding primary care physician assistants who are prepared to deliver healthcare services with both personal and professional integrity as graduates.

The school’s campus is at Florence, South Carolina and the degree offered is Masters degree.

The class begins in August, and the course lasts 27 months with 32 students maximum per class. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Ensure you fulfill the following requirements for your application to be considered. 

  • Complete CASPA application 

  • A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 3.0 CGPA 

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework

Tuition: $68,348 for resident students and $136,696 for non-residents. 

Medical University of South Carolina PA Program

More than ever, physician assistants are assisting in meeting the demands of our country and the rest of the world for high-quality, affordable healthcare.

This curriculum is the ideal setting for acquiring the abilities, information, and practical understanding needed to practice in this fascinating and constantly changing field.

The seven semesters of the PAS program begin at the end of May.

The fifteen-month didactic phase of the program, which is divided over the first four on-campus semesters, is entirely focused on classroom instruction.

Nine clinical rotations are part of the PA Program’s final three semesters. 

The locations of clinical rotation sites vary geographically, with many of them being found in the state of South Carolina.

Internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, mental health, emergency medicine, surgery, an adjunct clinical experience, and an elective of the student’s selection are among the clinical rotations.

Students are strongly discouraged from working while enrolled in the PAS program due to the intensive nature of the program. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: Ensure you fulfill all requirements below so as to be considered for admission. 

  • Complete CASPA application.

  • A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 3.0 CGPA 

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework

  • 3 letters of reference 

  • Submit a resume and personal statement. 

  • 1000 hours or more of patient care experience is recommended. 

Tuition: click here to see the breakdown.

North Greenville University PA Program

You will gain the knowledge and experience required for patient care from this faculty.

You will study in-depth in the classroom for the duration of the didactic phase to master the fundamentals of medicine.

The clinical phase provides practical training in a range of clinical environments.

The month-long summative phase, which will help you transition to clinical practice, will help you get your degree.

The Didactic Phase, which lasts 12 months, is the preclinical year.

The Clinical Phase, which lasts 11 months and is made up of supervised clinical education and training, symbolizes the clinical year.

The Summative Phase, which lasts one month, is the last phase of training. 

Click here to see more information. 

Admission Requirements: Ensure you fulfill all criteria to be considered for admission. 

  • Complete CASPA application 

  • A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 3.0 CGPA 

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework

  • 3 letters of reference 

  • Submit a resume and personal statement. 

  • Submission of transcripts. 

  • Hours of patient care experience are recommended. 

Tuition: click here to see the complete breakdown

Presbyterian College PA Program 

Students in the Presbyterian College Physician Assistant Studies Program practice medicine by examining patients, requesting diagnostic tests, helping with surgery, and conducting medical research.

Many distinguished alumni of Presbyterian College, which was founded in 1880, call it home.

They live under the school’s motto, Dum Vivimus Servimus, which means “While We Live, We Serve.” Graduates go into the world with a knowledge of service and community, and they use these basics in their daily lives and vocations. 

Being a part of a church-affiliated college, Presbyterian College’s Physician Assistant Studies Program’s main goal is to help each student improve their medical, mental, moral, physical, and spiritual skills in preparation for a career of service to patients and those in need in society. 

Click here to see more information. 

Admission Requirements: for your application to be considered, first make sure you meet the following requirements. 

  • Complete CASPA application 

  • A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 3.2 CGPA overall and in science. 

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of B. 

  • 3 letters of reference 

  • Submit a resume and personal statement. 

  • Submission of transcripts. 

  • 250 hours of patient care experience, out of which a minimum of 50 is spent on shadowing. 

Tuition: $97,800 for both resident and non-residwnt students. 

University of South Carolina School of Medicine PA Program 

You will have access to cutting-edge technologies, comprehensive classroom teaching, and clinical practice during your studies.

You will learn how to function as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team through this.

Their thorough curriculum will provide you with the groundwork necessary to make wise medical decisions.

Through simulations, practical instruction, and anatomy lessons using cadavers, you’ll gain experience.

The most recent ultrasound techniques will also be covered. You will have a range of specialties to pick from during your clinical at locations close to their school.

You’ll receive individualized attention throughout because of their low student-to-faculty ratio. 

Click here for more information. 

Admission Requirements: for your application to be considered, first make sure you meet the following requirements. 

  • Complete CASPA application 

  • A Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. 

  • Minimum of 3.2 CGPA overall and in science. 

  • Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C. 

  • 3 letters of reference 

  • Submit a resume and personal statement. 

  • Submission of transcripts. 

  • 500 hours of patient care experience, 2000+ hours is considered competitive. 

Tuition: $111,516 for resident students and $152,697 for non-resident students. 

FAQs

How do I become a PA in South Carolina? 

  • Choose Qualified Physician Assistant Programs for Licensure.

  • Take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)

  • Apply for licensure with the State’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.

  • Maintain the South Carolina PA License.

Which PA school is the easiest to get into? 

Currently, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science’s PA program is the easiest to get into; to apply, you only need a 2.75 GPA. 

What undergrad is best for PA school? 

Although a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for graduate PA programs, you can choose the type of bachelor’s degree you want to pursue.

The most popular degree major for individuals who are accepted to PA school is biology (41.5%), followed by health sciences (14.8%), according to the most recent Student Report. 

How many PA schools are in SC? 

In South Carolina, there are now five accredited on-campus PA programs. 

Is MUSC a good PA school?

The physician assistant program at MUSC is ranked No. 46 by U.S. News & World Report.

This places it in the top 20% of the nearly 240 recognized PA programs in the nation.

Medical doctors supervise those who have a Master’s degree in physician assistant studies. 

Should I do med school or PA school? 

The best method to choose between a physician and a PA is to observe both.

Additionally, think about the position you want on the medical staff.

Don’t select PA only because the training is shorter if becoming a doctor would better suit you. 

How long does it take to get a South Carolina physician assistant license? 

In most cases, it takes 12–14 weeks, or roughly 2-3 months, to get your South Carolina medical license. 

Does Charleston Southern have a PA program? 

The PA Program at Charleston Southern University is here to support you along the way by encouraging your commitment to your studies and academic excellence.

A stimulating learning environment and the resources required for developing connections with peers, instructors, staff, and preceptors will be made available to students. 

How can I increase my chances of getting into PA school? 

You may say that applying to PA schools is difficult. According to the statistics, it takes some work to get admitted into a certain PA program or PA school.

But raising your GPA, doing volunteer work in the healthcare industry, and getting stellar letters of recommendation can all increase your chances of getting accepted. 

How long is the PA program at MUSC? 

Each year, the PAS program starts at the end of May and lasts roughly 27 months (seven semesters).

Classroom study takes up the first four semesters.

They span the fifteen-month didactic section of the program and take place on campus. 

What GPA do you need to get into MUSC? 

There is no established GPA requirement for applicants.

To become a more competitive applicant, students with GPAs below 3.4 are often pushed to finish a graduate degree.

On a scale of 4.0, the current class’s average GPA is 3.7. Do you have suggestions regarding these PA schools in South Carolina? Please leave a comment below.

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