Frequently Asked Questions

The Bureau of Labor Statistics places the PA profession 13th on the list of the fastest-growing occupations from 2012 to 2022, projecting that the number of PA jobs will increase by 38.4%.

PAs and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are both defined as mid-level practitioners.

Physician Assistants are individuals trained using the medical school model, which has an expectation of a strong basic science background and clinical experience of between 2,000 to 2,500 hours during their educational program. PA training and certification is in general medicine, allowing PAs to practice in any area of medicine they choose.

Nurse Practitioners are individuals trained using the nursing school model, and are often trained in a specific area such as pediatrics, etc., following their formal training as a nurse. Clinical experience of approximately 500 hours is required during their educational program. 

HEALTHeCAREERS Network (AAPA Job Link)

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PAWorld

Advanced Practice Jobs

The program is 27 months long, separated into 15 months of didactic work and 12 months of supervised clinical rotations.

No. Only a full-time program is offered.

Classes will matriculate in the Pre-Fall semester (July) once annually. 

We don't encourage any employment during the course of the program.

The PA Program is an extremely intense and rigorous academic program. We expect that your position here is your primary responsibility and that any outside activity will not interfere with your ability to accomplish your requirements as a PA student.

Yes. Prerequisite coursework completed more than 10 years from time of matriculation will not be accepted.

Yes. Applicants may apply with up to two outstanding prerequisite courses. The unfulfilled courses would need to be completed prior to time of matriculation. Your application will not be reviewed if fewer than seven of your nine prerequisite courses are complete.

Students must have a Bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation into the program. Applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain patient care hours (EMT, pharmacy technician, CNA, etc.) and PA or other healthcare shadowing hours. The Program has a requirement of at least 200 hours of direct patient care experience.

The Program does not require GRE or MCAT testing. However, if you have taken either of these examinations, please submit your score reports during the application process.

No. The PA program does not accept Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credits for any prerequisite requirements.

Advanced placement will not be granted for matriculating students and all PA professional coursework must be completed at Thomas Jefferson University - Center City Campus.

Yes. All students in the PA Program must present proof of child and adult CPR certification upon entry into the Program. It is the students’ responsibility to maintain their BCLS certification throughout the Program.

No. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state residents.

Tuition and fees are the same for resident and non-resident students. For detailed expenses, please visit our Registrar’s page.

Clinical Experiences

Students are required to pay for housing and transportation costs related to all off-campus and clinical experiences.

Medical Insurance

View Jefferson's policies for medical insurance. Please note, in addition to Jefferson's standard policies for medical insurance:

Policies require that all PA students carry major medical health insurance during their education at Jefferson.  Students may indicate that they wish to maintain coverage through a parent, spouse or a private plan. The student is required to show proof of coverage at the beginning of each school year, and if changes are made they must be reported immediately to the program. An insurance plan is made available for purchase to all students through the University.

Malpractice Insurance

Malpractice insurance costs are covered by the institution for registered students.

Additional Program Costs

Additional program costs include items such as required textbooks, medical equipment, short white coats, name tages, and any immunizations and clearances that are required for students in a health professions program. These costs are not included in tuition and fees and are estimated to be approximately $3,500 for the program.

PLEASE NOTE: Tuition and approximate costs are calculated annually. The costs and fees listed below are based upon the latest estimates available at the time of this publication and are subjected to change. They should be used as estimates only.