Top 25 Physician Assistant Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas offers a robust and highly competitive landscape for Physician Assistant (PA) education, featuring nationally ranked programs and a growing number of new schools to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. According to the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center PA program is ranked #14 in the nation, while Baylor College of Medicine is tied for #6 nationally.

The state’s PA programs are rigorous, typically spanning 24 to 27 months, and are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). With a focus on primary care, clinical excellence, and serving diverse communities, Texas PA schools provide exceptional pathways to a rewarding career as a physician assistant.

Top 25 Physician Assistant Schools In Texas

1. Baylor College of Medicine (Houston)

Baylor College of Medicine’s PA program is tied for #6 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report’s rankings, making it one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Located in the world-renowned Texas Medical Center, the program offers students exceptional clinical training opportunities and access to 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, making it a highly competitive program for aspiring physician assistants.

2. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Midland)

TTUHSC’s Nadine and Tom Craddick Physician Assistant Studies Program is ranked #14 nationally among PA programs according to U.S. News & World Report. The program features a dedicated new PA facility with clinical skills labs, a simulation lab, and a gross anatomy lab, along with a rural track offering 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, with a supplemental application fee of $75 and a seat deposit of $125.

3. UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)

UT Southwestern’s PA program is nationally recognized and consistently ranked among the top PA schools in the United States, as confirmed by U.S. News & World Report and Becker’s ASC reviews. 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, and the application deadline is October 1.

4. UTMB Health (Galveston)

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers one of the first PA programs in Texas and is affiliated with the first medical school in the state, providing a rich history of medical education . The 26-month MPAS program starts in July  and admits approximately 90 students per cohort, with an average matriculant overall GPA of 3.7 and science GPA of 3.6, making it one of the largest programs in the state.

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, though it does recommend CASPer .

5. 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, reflecting its commitment to training primary care providers. 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 . Located in Fort Worth, the program serves the North Texas region with a focus on community health and primary care education.

6. UT Health San Antonio

UT Health San Antonio’s PA program is an accredited institution that offers a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies, preparing graduates for diverse clinical practice settings. 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 serving the healthcare needs of the South Texas region and has an application deadline of October 1 .

7. 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 through a curriculum that emphasizes primary care and community health. Students benefit from clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates for practice in diverse and underserved settings, and the program participates in CASPA for admissions.

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, preparing graduates to serve communities across Texas.

9. Hardin-Simmons University (Abilene)

Hardin-Simmons University has developed a PA program that has been granted Provisional Accreditation status, allowing it to move forward with enrollment and offer a values-based education integrated with Christian values. As a private Christian university, HSU offers a faith-based approach to professional practice and prepares graduates to serve patients with compassion and integrity . The program is located in Abilene and will serve the West Texas region.

10. 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. The Austin campus offers a dynamic learning environment for aspiring physician assistants.

11. 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 24-month MPAS program starts in March and admits approximately 48 students per cohort, with an average matriculant overall GPA of 3.63 and science GPA of 3.66. The hybrid format provides flexibility for students while ensuring they receive the hands-on experience necessary for clinical practice, and the program does not require the GRE for admission.

12. 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 . South University’s Austin location offers students access to a vibrant healthcare community and diverse clinical training sites.

13. Tarleton State University (Stephenville)

Tarleton State University is working on accreditation for a PA program expected to launch in 2026, expanding access to PA education in North Central Texas . 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 . The program will offer students a pathway to a career as a physician assistant in a supportive university environment.

14. University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Belton)

UMHB has developed a PA program that is working toward accreditation and will offer a faith-based education in a close-knit campus community . As a private Christian university, UMHB provides an education that integrates faith and learning, preparing students for compassionate patient care . The program is located in Belton and will serve the Central Texas region.

15. University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio)

The University of the Incarnate Word is developing a PA program in San Antonio as a private Catholic university, integrating professional training with the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership . The program will serve the South Texas region and offer a values-centered education that emphasizes compassionate patient care . UIW’s program will provide students with a faith-based approach to healthcare education.

16. Austin College (Sherman)

Austin College offers pre-physician assistant advising for undergraduate students preparing to apply to PA programs, providing comprehensive guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process . The college offers personalized advising to help students build competitive applications and prepare for the CASPA application process.

17. Baylor University (Waco)

Baylor University offers a PA program through its Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, providing a faith-based educational environment that integrates professional training with the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership . The program prepares students for careers as physician assistants with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care and is located in Waco.

18. Lamar University (Beaumont)

Lamar University offers a pre-physician assistant studies program to help undergraduate students prepare for entry into professional PA schools, providing prerequisite coursework and advising for students interested in PA careers . The program provides guidance on completing prerequisites, preparing for the GRE, and building competitive applications for PA programs.

19. Texas State University (San Marcos)

Texas State University offers pre-PA advising to help students navigate the pathway to PA school, including course planning, clinical experience guidance, and application support . The university provides resources for students interested in PA careers and helps them prepare for the competitive CASPA application process.

20. Abilene Christian University (Abilene)

Abilene Christian University offers a PA program that provides a faith-based educational environment integrating Christian values with professional practice . The program serves the West Texas region and prepares students for careers as physician assistants with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care.

21. Texas Christian University (Fort Worth)

TCU offers a PA program through its Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, providing a comprehensive education in physician assistant studies in a private university setting . The program is located in Fort Worth and prepares students for clinical practice across a variety of medical specialties.

22. University of Texas at Tyler (Tyler)

UT Tyler offers a PA program that serves the East Texas region, providing students with comprehensive training in physician assistant studies and clinical education in East Texas healthcare settings . The program is a public institution and is committed to training PAs for the East Texas region.

23. West Coast University (Texas)

West Coast University’s Texas campus offers a Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program that is designed to prepare students for clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings . The program is located in Texas and offers a comprehensive curriculum for aspiring physician assistants.

24. Angelo State University (San Angelo)

Angelo State University offers a PA program serving the West Texas region, providing students with comprehensive training in physician assistant studies and clinical education in West Texas healthcare settings. The program is committed to training PAs for the West Texas region.

25. Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches)

Stephen F. Austin State University offers pre-PA advising and prerequisite coursework for students preparing to apply to PA programs, providing guidance on completing prerequisites and building competitive applications. The university serves the East Texas region with accessible undergraduate preparation for PA school.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Applying to PA Schools

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, 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 and Franklin Pierce do not require the GRE at all .

For TTUHSC, average matriculant GRE scores are 150 verbal, 149 quantitative, and 3.9 analytical writing, though these are not strict cutoffs.

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 Tarleton State 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.