Phillip EdwinTexas offers a robust and growing landscape for Physician Assistant (PA) education, with multiple accredited programs across the state and several new programs in development to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.
The state’s PA programs are highly competitive, typically offering Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) or similar master’s degrees, and require a strong academic record, healthcare experience, and a commitment to patient-centered care. With programs ranging from nationally ranked institutions to new programs with provisional accreditation, Texas provides diverse pathways to a career as a physician assistant.
Top 15 PA Schools In Texas
1. Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)
Baylor College of Medicine’s Physician Assistant Program is tied for the No. 6 spot in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’, making it one of the most prestigious PA programs in the country . Located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the program offers students access to exceptional clinical training opportunities and a rich academic environment.
Applicants must apply through CASPA, and the program participates in the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) for admission consideration.
2. UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s PA program is nationally ranked and recognized as one of the top PA schools in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report. The program is part of the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions and offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for clinical practice across a variety of medical specialties . The program is highly selective and seeks applicants with strong academic credentials and a demonstrated commitment to healthcare service.
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Midland)
TTUHSC’s Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program is ranked No. 14 nationally among PA programs according to U.S. News & World Report. The program features a dedicated PA facility with clinical skills labs, a simulation lab, and a gross anatomy lab, along with a rural track that offers longitudinal rotations in West Texas to prepare students for practice in medically underserved areas. The 27-month program starts in May, admits approximately 72 students per cohort, and has an average matriculant overall GPA of 3.6 and science GPA of 3.62. Tuition for Texas residents is approximately $35,023, while non-resident tuition is $85,648.
4. UTMB Health (Galveston)
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers a PA program that is one of the first in Texas and is affiliated with the first medical school in the state. The 26-month MPAS program starts in July 2027 and admits approximately 90 students per cohort, with an average matriculant overall GPA of 3.7 and science GPA of 3.6. Unique features include a full cadaver lab, Faculty Coached Learning Teams for community building, and clinical experiences in burn care, autopsy, and correctional managed care . Tuition for Texas residents is approximately $54,905, and the program does not require the GRE for admission .
5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Edinburg)
UTRGV’s PA program is a public institution serving the Rio Grande Valley, one of the most medically underserved regions in the country. The program is dedicated to training physician assistants who will address the healthcare needs of South Texas communities. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes primary care and community health, with clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates for practice in diverse and underserved settings.
6. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (San Antonio)
UT Health San Antonio’s PA program is an accredited institution that offers a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies. Located in South Texas, the program provides students with access to a wide range of clinical training opportunities within the UT Health San Antonio system and its affiliated hospitals and clinics. The program is committed to preparing graduates to serve the healthcare needs of the region.
7. University of North Texas Health Science Center (Fort Worth)
UNT Health Science Center’s PA program is accredited and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its primary care and graduate outcomes. The program is part of the School of Health Professions and offers a curriculum designed to prepare students for collaborative practice in a variety of healthcare settings. The program is located in Fort Worth and serves the North Texas region.
8. Sam Houston State University (Conroe)
Sam Houston State University’s new Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program was awarded Provisional Accreditation status by ARC-PA in June 2026, allowing the program to enroll its inaugural class of 40 students in August 2026. The program is housed in a new Health Professions Building in Conroe, Texas, and was developed to help meet the critical need for more healthcare professionals in the state. The curriculum is designed to promote leadership, professionalism, clinical excellence, and interprofessional collaboration .
9. Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)
Hardin-Simmons University is developing a PA program that has been granted Provisional Accreditation status, allowing it to move forward with enrollment . As a private Christian university, HSU offers a values-based education that integrates faith with professional practice. The program is located in Abilene and will serve the West Texas region.
10. West Coast University (Texas)
West Coast University’s Texas campus offers a 24-month Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program that starts in January 2027 and admits approximately 50 students per cohort, with an average matriculant overall GPA of 3.6 and science GPA of 3.5. The program features a Physician Assistant Center for Advanced Immersive Learning, which includes virtual dissection, augmented reality, and simulation rooms with manikins that mimic real-life physical functions. Tuition is approximately $100,386, and the program requires the CASPer test for admission rather than the GRE.
11. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)
TCU’s Physician Associate Studies program has applied for Accreditation-Provisional status from ARC-PA and anticipates matriculating its first class in January 2027, pending achieving accreditation at the October 2026 ARC-PA meeting . The program is part of Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences and will be located in Fort Worth. TCU is a private university with a strong reputation in health sciences education.
12. University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (Austin)
USAHS offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program at its Austin campus, providing students with a comprehensive education in a city known for its vibrant culture and healthcare community . The program is designed to prepare graduates for clinical practice in a variety of settings, with a focus on patient-centered care and interprofessional collaboration.
13. South University (Austin)
South University’s Austin campus offers a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (MS) program, providing students with a rigorous curriculum and clinical training opportunities in the Austin area . The program is part of a national network of PA programs and is committed to preparing graduates for successful careers in healthcare.
14. Franklin Pierce University (Round Rock)
Franklin Pierce University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program at its Round Rock campus, combining online coursework with in-person clinical training . This format provides flexibility for students while ensuring they receive the hands-on experience necessary for clinical practice. The program is part of a university with a long history of PA education.
15. Tarleton State University (Stephenville)
Tarleton State University is working on accreditation for a PA program expected to launch in 2026 . As a public university in the Texas A&M System, Tarleton will serve the North Central Texas region and is developing a program to address the growing demand for physician assistants in the state.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Location | Program Length | Class Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baylor College of Medicine | Houston | Varies | Varies | #6 nationally, Texas Medical Center |
| 2 | UT Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas | Varies | Varies | Nationally ranked, comprehensive curriculum |
| 3 | Texas Tech University HSC | Midland | 27 months | 72 | #14 nationally, rural track, gross anatomy lab |
| 4 | UTMB Health | Galveston | 26 months | 90 | Full cadaver lab, Faculty Coached Learning Teams |
| 5 | UT Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg | Varies | Varies | Serving South Texas underserved communities |
| 6 | UT Health San Antonio | San Antonio | Varies | Varies | South Texas clinical training network |
| 7 | UNT Health Science Center | Fort Worth | Varies | Varies | Primary care recognition |
| 8 | Sam Houston State University | Conroe | Varies | 40 | Provisional accreditation, new Health Professions Building |
| 9 | Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene | Varies | Varies | Provisional accreditation, Christian values |
| 10 | West Coast University | Texas | 24 months | 50 | Immersive learning center, CASPer required |
| 11 | Texas Christian University | Fort Worth | Varies | Varies | Provisional accreditation pending, starts Jan 2027 |
| 12 | USAHS | Austin | Varies | Varies | Austin location, patient-centered care focus |
| 13 | South University | Austin | Varies | Varies | Austin campus, national network |
| 14 | Franklin Pierce University | Round Rock | Varies | Varies | Hybrid format, Round Rock location |
| 15 | Tarleton State University | Stephenville | Varies | Varies | Developing program, expected 2026 |
Success Tips for Applying
Start by researching each program’s specific requirements, as they vary significantly in prerequisite coursework, standardized tests, and healthcare experience expectations. Most Texas PA programs require a bachelor’s degree with coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and anatomy and physiology, along with a competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher, though accepted students often have averages of 3.6 to 3.7.
Consider whether you need to take the GRE; some programs like TTUHSC require it with average scores around 150 verbal and 149 quantitative, while others like UTMB do not require the GRE at all.
Apply early through CASPA, as many programs use rolling admissions, and programs like UTMB have deadlines as early as September 1.
For new programs, be aware that Provisional Accreditation is the first step and does not guarantee future accreditation, though it does allow students to enroll and sit for the PANCE exam.
Closing
Texas offers a dynamic and growing selection of PA programs, from nationally ranked institutions like Baylor College of Medicine and TTUHSC to new programs with provisional accreditation at Sam Houston State University, Hardin-Simmons University, and Texas Christian University. With a mix of public and private institutions, traditional and hybrid formats, and programs serving diverse regions from the Texas Medical Center to the Rio Grande Valley, Texas PA schools provide multiple pathways to a rewarding career.
When choosing a program, consider accreditation status, program length, cost, location, and each program’s unique mission and clinical training opportunities. Note that all information, including accreditation status and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school and through the ARC-PA website.