Washington D.C.

PA Programs in Washington D.C.: Every Accredited Program

Washington D.C. has some of the most competitive PA programs in the country. Here is every currently ARC-PA listed program, what they require, and how to decide which ones are worth your application fee.

Accreditation note: Program accreditation status can change. The listings below reflect ARC-PA status at the time of writing. Always verify the current accreditation status of any program directly on the ARC-PA accredited programs directory and confirm requirements with the individual institution before applying. ARC-PA accredited programs directory and confirm requirements with the individual institution before applying.

Washington D.C.-Area PA Programs at a Glance

Program	Location	ARC-PA Status	Application
George Washington University PA Program	Washington, DC	Continued	CASPA
Howard University PA Program	Washington, DC	Provisional	CASPA
Shenandoah University PA Program	Winchester, VA	Continued	CASPA

GPA averages, acceptance rates, tuition, and patient care hour minimums are not publicly reported by most programs. Do not rely on third-party estimates — verify all requirements directly with each program and confirm ARC-PA status before applying.

Program-by-Program Breakdown

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

The Washington D.C. area has three currently ARC-PA listed entry-level PA programs: George Washington University and Shenandoah University hold Continued status; Howard University holds Provisional status. Don't just apply to the most well-known program. Apply to programs where your GPA, patient care hours, and experience actually match the average admitted student. A strategic mix of reach, target, and safety programs is the right approach — and always verify current accreditation status directly with ARC-PA before applying.

George Washington University PA Program

Washington, DC

ARC-PA: ContinuedCASPA

A highly competitive downtown DC program. Use the program’s current admissions page to confirm course, hour, and deadline requirements before applying.

Howard University PA Program

Washington, DC

ARC-PA: ProvisionalCASPA

Howard’s mission and service orientation make meaningful community-facing clinical work and a clear commitment to equity especially important. Verify current accreditation status directly with ARC-PA before applying.

Shenandoah University PA Program

Winchester, VA

ARC-PA: ContinuedCASPA

Shenandoah is a regional option for students willing to study outside the urban core while remaining connected to the broader DC-area applicant market.

Dr. Tomei's Perspective

GWU and Shenandoah hold Continued accreditation status — the standard ongoing status for established programs. Howard holds Provisional status, which means it is a newer or recently reviewed program operating under closer ARC-PA oversight. Provisional programs are fully accredited and graduates are eligible for NCCPA certification, but applicants should verify current status directly with ARC-PA before applying.

Not Sure Which Washington D.C. PA Programs to Apply To?

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