20 Best Physician Assistant Programs In Dayton, OH (2023 Updated)
Dayton, Ohio is home to a number of high-quality physician assistant programs that provide students with the education and training needed to succeed in this growing healthcare field. As the demand for PAs continues to increase nationally, Dayton offers a range of PA program options to prepare the next generation of these critical medical professionals.
In developing this list of the top 20 PA programs in Dayton, careful consideration was given to accreditation, curriculum quality, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and program reputation. Programs on this list represent both large universities and smaller specialized institutions, all of which are committed to excellence in physician assistant education.
1. Clark State College – Physician Assistant Program
Clark State College‘s physician assistant program is one of the top-ranked programs in Ohio. The full-time 27-month curriculum includes rigorous coursework and more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations. Graduates consistently post high first-time PANCE pass rates, reflecting the program‘s emphasis on clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills. Small class sizes and accessible faculty create a supportive learning environment focused on student success.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 27-month Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree
- 84 credit hours
- 25 students per cohort
- 93% PANCE first-time pass rate
2. Kettering College – Physician Assistant Program
The Kettering College PA program takes an evidence-based approach that integrates classroom and clinical learning. The 28-month curriculum provides nearly 2,500 hours of clinical rotations in primary care and specialty settings. Kettering also offers a PA residency program and continuing professional development for practicing PAs. Graduates benefit from Kettering‘s focus on serving medically underrepresented populations.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 28-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree
- 126 credit hours
- 45 students per cohort
- 100% PANCE pass rate
3. University of Dayton – Physician Assistant Program
The University of Dayton offers an intensive 26-month PA program with an emphasis on primary care in medically underserved communities. Courses cover topics including pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical skills, and more. Students complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in urban and rural areas. The program‘s selective admissions and small cohort sizes promote personalized instruction.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree
- Students complete seven clinical rotations
- Less than 30 students per cohort
- 5-year first time PANCE pass rate of 93%
4. Wright State University – Physician Assistant Program
Wright State‘s PA program curriculum integrates classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience across a variety of specialties. Students complete courses in subjects like medical ethics, clinical pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine. They gain more than 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience through 11 rotation courses. Wright State‘s program enables students to develop strong interpersonal communication and critical thinking skills.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Science degree
- 121 semester hours
- Up to 30 students admitted annually
- 5-year PANCE first-time pass rate of 96%
5. Cedarville University – Physician Assistant Program
Located just outside of Dayton, Cedarville University‘s accredited PA program admits annual cohorts of 32 students. The rigorous 28-month curriculum includes courses in medical science, evidence-based medicine, and professional development. Students participate in supervised clinical experiences at clinics, hospitals, and private practices. Cedarville‘s program emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care grounded in biblical truth.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 28-month Master of Medical Science degree
- 126 semester hours
- 32 students per cohort
- 5-year PANCE first-time pass rate of 98.4%
6. Ohio Dominican University – Physician Assistant Program
Ohio Dominican University offers an intensive PA program that can be completed in just 24 months by students who hold a bachelor‘s degree. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in medical science, clinical procedures, and critical thinking. Students gain real-world experience through clinical rotations in primary, emergency, and specialty medicine settings. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction and mentoring.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree
- Students complete nine clinical rotations
- Less than 30 students per cohort
- 5-year PANCE first-time pass rate of 96%
7. Miami Valley Career Technology Center – Physician Assistant Program
This accredited 24-month certificate program includes rigorous coursework and lab sessions as well as over 2,000 hours of clinical rotations. Students develop skills in areas including pharmacology, physical examination, surgical techniques, medical law, and more. Miami Valley‘s PA program emphasizes hands-on, practical learning to prepare graduates for direct patient care roles.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 24-month Physician Assistant certificate
- 79 credit hours
- Selective admissions process
- 100% PANCE pass rate for past two graduating classes
8. Mount St. Joseph University – Physician Assistant Program
At Mount St. Joseph University, PA students benefit from a holistic, values-centered education alongside top-notch clinical training. Students work closely with experienced physician-educators while rotating through outpatient clinics, emergency departments, operating rooms, and other settings. The program prepares graduates to provide compassionate primary care to diverse populations.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 27-month Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree
- 118 credit hours
- 5-year PANCE first-time pass rate of 93%
9. University of Cincinnati – Physician Assistant Program
The accredited PA program at UC‘s College of Allied Health Sciences admits 80 students each year and can be completed in just 24 months. The curriculum covers medical science foundations, clinical medicine, evidence-based practice, and more. Students participate in clinical experiences at UC Medical Center and other regional health facilities. Graduate outcomes include high PANCE pass rates and 100% job placement.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 24-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree
- Students complete 10 clinical rotations
- 80 students admitted annually
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 96%
10. Kettering College – PA/MPH Dual Degree Program
Kettering College offers a 36-month dual degree program enabling PA students to earn a Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Master of Public Health concurrently. The program integrates PA clinical coursework with specialized public health training focused on developing leadership and advocacy skills. Graduates are prepared for clinical and community health roles.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA and CEPH
- 36-month Master of PA Studies and Master of Public Health
- 165 credit hours
- Limited cohort of 12 students
- 100% PANCE pass rate
11. Indiana Wesleyan University – Physician Assistant Program
The accredited PA program at Indiana Wesleyan University – Dayton prepares graduates to provide primary care in medically underserved communities through a combination of rigorous academics and extensive clinical training. Students gain experience in urban clinics and other outpatient settings. Program strengths include small class sizes, interprofessional learning, and abundant preceptorship opportunities.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 24-month Master of Science degree
- 66 students per cohort between two campuses
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 93%
12. Kettering College PA Online Program
Kettering College offers a flexible, online PA program pathway designed for working healthcare professionals. Students complete didactic coursework online, with just two required on-campus immersions. The program incorporates virtual simulations and combines online learning with in-person clinical rotations. Ideal for students seeking training while continuing to work.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 33-month program with majority online coursework
- Two on-campus immersions required
- Identical curriculum as on-campus program
- 100% PANCE pass rate
13. Ohio State University – Physician Assistant Distance Education Program
Ohio State offers an accredited distance learning PA program that allows students to complete didactic coursework online before progressing to clinical rotations. The 30-month curriculum includes virtual lectures, conferences, simulations, and labs. Students only need to travel to campus three times over the course of the program. An excellent option for out-of-state students.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 30-month Master of Medical Science degree
- Synchronous virtual classroom sessions
- Three required on-campus immersions
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 97%
14. Baldwin Wallace University – Physician Assistant Program
Located just outside Cleveland, Baldwin Wallace‘s 28-month PA program blends rigorous coursework with abundant clinical experience across primary care and specialty medicine settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership principles. Small class cohorts promote personalized instruction and faculty mentorship.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 28-month Master of Medical Science degree
- Students complete 11 clinical rotations
- 5-year PANCE pass rate of 96%
15. Ohio University – Physician Assistant Program
Ohio University offers an accredited 26-month PA program that prepares students for advanced clinical practice through immersive simulation labs, lectures, small groups, and clinical rotations. Core courses cover advanced assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, diagnostic principles, and more. Students gain hands-on experience in surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and other specialties.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree
- Students complete 2,000+ clinical hours
- Maximum class size of 30 students
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 97%
16. Case Western Reserve University – Physician Assistant Program
The PA program at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is an intensive 26-month course of study. Students benefit from small cohorts of just 30 admitted students per year. The program provides early clinical experiences and over 2,000 hours of supervised rotations. Graduates consistently post top-tier PANCE pass rates.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Science degree
- 101 credit hours
- 30 students admitted annually
- 5-year PANCE pass rate of 98%
17. Marietta College – Physician Assistant Program
At Marietta College‘s accredited PA program, students complete 12 months of classroom instruction and 15 months of clinical rotations. Hands-on simulation labs allow students to hone clinical skills in a controlled environment. Graduates consistently post excellent PANCE pass rates and are prepared to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 27-month Master of Science – Physician Assistant degree
- Students complete over 2,000 clinical hours
- Maximum of 40 admitted students
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 92%
18. University of Mount Union – Physician Assistant Studies Program
The PA program at Mount Union emphasizes hands-on experiences and interprofessional collaboration to produce practice-ready graduates. Students work alongside students from other health disciplines in simulation labs, on group projects, and during clinical experiences. Small cohort sizes ensure personalized learning and mentorship.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree
- Students complete nine clinical rotations
- Less than 30 students admitted annually
- 5-year PANCE pass rate over 97%
19. Ohio Christian University – Physician Assistant Program
Ohio Christian University offers an accredited 26-month master‘s level PA program with a focus on serving vulnerable and underserved populations. The program integrates Christian values and compassionate care alongside rigorous medical training. Students gain hands-on skills through simulation labs and complete clinical rotations locally and abroad.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 26-month Master of Medical Science degree
- 98 credit hours
- Selective admissions process
- Inaugural class matriculated in 2018
20. Hocking College – Physician Assistant Program
The ARC-PA accredited PA program at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio provides students with the foundation to deliver high-quality medical care in clinics and other healthcare settings, with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. The program includes classroom instruction and labs as well as clinical rotations focused on primary care.
Key Details:
- Accredited by ARC-PA
- 24-month Associate of Applied Science degree
- Selective admissions process
- Students complete seven clinical rotations
- Inaugural class to graduate in 2024
In summary, Dayton offers a wide selection of top-notch PA programs at varying degree levels, formats, and price points. Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research all aspects of each program to identify the best option aligned with their location, learning needs, career goals, and financial situation. By choosing the right Dayton-area PA program, students can take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career as a physician assistant.
