Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program
Please click on each question heading below to learn more about the Boston Physician Assistant Program.
Why BU?
Why should I consider Boston University’s PA program over other programs?
If you are interested in becoming a healthcare provider who is committed to serving the under served, practices medicine as a team enterprise, and want a highly committed faculty teaching you how to do all of this, then BU may be the place for you. We are looking to educate highly skilled clinicians and future leaders of the profession who will contribute to solutions of the problems of healthcare. Should we accept you and you choose to come here, you will be challenged both academically and clinically. In addition, many students are attracted to the program because of its interprofessional education emphasis.
What is the BU PA Program U.S. News and World Report Ranking?
For 2025, the BU PA Program is currently ranked 26th in the U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation
What is the BU Program accreditation status?
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Boston University School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Boston University School of Medicine. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2028. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-boston-university/.
The BU PA Program accreditation status is also found in our Accreditation Statement.
What happens if the BU PA Program closes or loses accreditation?
In the unlikely event of program closure or loss of accreditation, the BU PA Program would continue to teach out currently matriculated students. Students would be eligible for graduation and for the taking the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). (ARC-PA Standard 1.03h)
Clinical Rotations
Are students responsible for securing rotations and/or preceptors?
As a student, you are not required to provide or solicit clinical rotations for any clinical rotations. The Director of Clinical Education is responsible for maintaining the site roster, managing clinical rotations, and providing oversight for the clinical training standards.
Are students responsible for securing housing for away rotations?
For any mandatory clinical rotation over 50 miles away, the program will provide housing at no cost to the student.
Outcomes
In which states will I be eligible for licensure after graduating from the BU PA Program?
Students who complete the Boston University Physician Assistant Program are eligible for licensure in all 50 states, District of Columbia, and most US territories. The complete list can be found here.
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