If you are researching PA schools in Boston, you have more options than almost any other city in the country. Five physician assistant (PA) programs are based in Boston — MCPHS University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Boston University and the MGH Institute of Health Professions — and Massachusetts has 11 PA programs in all.
I'm Dr. Mario Tomei, a practicing emergency physician, university professor and former medical school admissions committee member. I work with pre-PA students applying to programs in Boston and across the country. This guide covers every PA program in Boston and Massachusetts, how they differ, and what it takes to get in.
Last updated: October 2026. Program length, prerequisites and minimums change, so confirm details with each program and on CASPA before you apply.
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Book my free auditPA Schools in Boston at a Glance
| Program | Location | Length | Listed patient care minimum* |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCPHS University (Boston) | Boston (Longwood) | 30 months | 250 hours |
| Northeastern University | Boston | 24 months | Recommended; no set minimum |
| Tufts University School of Medicine | Boston | 25 months | 1,000 direct patient care hours |
| Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine | Boston | 34 months | Check program site |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions | Boston (Charlestown Navy Yard) | 25 months | 1,000 direct patient care hours |
*Minimums as listed in program directories; competitive applicants usually exceed them. Confirm current requirements on each program's website.
All PA Programs in Massachusetts
Beyond Boston, Massachusetts has six more PA programs:
| Program | Location | Length | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCPHS University (Worcester) | Worcester | 24 months | Accredited |
| Assumption University | Worcester | 28 months | Provisional accreditation |
| Bay Path University | East Longmeadow | 24 months | Accredited |
| Springfield College | Springfield | 27 months | Accredited |
| Westfield State University | Westfield | 24 months | Accredited |
| Endicott College | Beverly | See program site | Developing; not yet accredited |
Every program must hold accreditation from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) for its graduates to sit for the PANCE certification exam. Check each program's status on the ARC-PA website, and look up its PANCE pass rates, which ARC-PA requires programs to publish.
Boston PA Program Profiles
MCPHS University (Boston)
MCPHS's Boston PA program sits in the Longwood Medical Area, surrounded by some of the country's best-known teaching hospitals. It is one of the most applied-to PA programs in New England and lists one of the lower patient care minimums among Boston programs, but admitted students typically bring far more than the minimum.
Northeastern University
Northeastern's 24-month program draws on the university's co-op culture and deep ties to Boston's hospital network. It also offers a dual MS/MPH option for students interested in public health. Northeastern recommends patient care experience rather than setting a minimum, but competitive applicants still show substantial hands-on hours.
Tufts University School of Medicine
Tufts' PA program is part of its medical school, and PA students learn alongside the broader Tufts medical community. It lists a 1,000-hour direct patient care minimum, so plan your clinical experience early if Tufts is on your list.
Boston University
BU's PA program is based at the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and, at about 34 months, is the longest program in Boston.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
The MGH Institute is the graduate school founded by Massachusetts General Hospital. Its PA program is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard and lists a 1,000-hour direct patient care minimum.
PA School Prerequisites in Boston
Prerequisites vary by program, but most Boston PA programs expect:
- Biology and general chemistry with labs
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Organic chemistry and/or biochemistry (at some programs)
- Statistics
- Psychology
Most programs set a minimum GPA of around 3.0, but competitive applicants to Boston programs usually have considerably higher overall and science GPAs. See our full guide to PA school prerequisites in Boston.
Patient Care Hours for Boston PA Programs
Patient care experience is where many PA applicants fall short. Listed minimums in Boston range from about 250 hours to 1,000 hours of direct patient care, and competitive applicants usually exceed them. Roles that typically count include EMT, CNA, medical assistant, patient care technician, scribe (at some programs) and phlebotomist. Confirm how each program defines direct patient care before you count your hours. See our guide to patient care hours for PA school in Boston.
How to Get Into PA School in Boston
Dr. Tomei's Perspective
- Exceed the hour minimums. Aim well above each program's listed patient care minimum, in roles with real responsibility.
- Shadow a PA. Programs want to see that you understand the PA role and why you are choosing it over other careers.
- Apply early on CASPA. Many programs use rolling admissions, so earlier applications often have an advantage.
- Write program-specific essays. Explain why each program's mission, setting and training fit your goals.
- Prepare for interviews. Practice both traditional and multiple mini interview (MMI) formats. See our PA school interview questions guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About PA Schools in Boston
How many PA schools are in Boston?
Five PA programs are based in Boston: MCPHS University, Northeastern University, Tufts University, Boston University and the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Massachusetts has 11 PA programs in total.
What is the shortest PA program in Boston?
Northeastern's PA program is 24 months. Tufts and the MGH Institute are about 25 months, MCPHS Boston is about 30 months and Boston University is about 34 months.
How many patient care hours do I need for PA school in Boston?
Listed minimums range from about 250 hours at MCPHS Boston to 1,000 direct patient care hours at Tufts and the MGH Institute. Competitive applicants usually exceed the minimum.
What GPA do I need for PA school in Massachusetts?
Most programs list a minimum of around 3.0, but competitive applicants to Boston programs typically have higher overall and science GPAs. Strong recent coursework can help offset an earlier weak record.
Are there PA programs outside Boston in Massachusetts?
Yes. MCPHS (Worcester), Assumption University, Bay Path University, Springfield College, Westfield State University and Endicott College all offer, or are developing, PA programs outside Boston.