About the PA Program
The Wichita State Physician Associate (PA) Program is the first and longest-running PA program in Kansas and one of the first in the nation. For more than 50 years, we have prepared highly skilled, compassionate healthcare providers who serve communities across Kansas and beyond.
Our faculty and staff are committed to student success and view students as future colleagues. Through applied learning and research, professional development, community service, diversity awareness, and interprofessional education, students graduate prepared to deliver patient-centered, evidence-based, collaborative care.
Why Choose Wichita State?
- Kansas' first PA program and one of the first in the nation
- More than 50 years of excellence in PA education
- Board pass rates consistently above the national average
- Strong clinical affiliations across Kansas
- Training opportunities with premier healthcare professionals and tertiary healthcare systems
- Extensive experiences serving rural, underserved, and diverse populations
Study in Wichita
Wichita offers students an exceptional quality of life and affordability.
- Ranked the #1 most affordable college town
- Ranked the #2 most affordable city in the U.S.
- Low home prices, low unemployment, and competitive salaries
- Located in Kansas' largest urban area, providing access to diverse clinical experiences
Clinical Training Opportunities
Our students benefit from a broad range of clinical experiences throughout Kansas, including unique rural practice sites. This exposure helps students develop the skills and confidence needed to serve patients in a variety of healthcare settings.
Graduate Impact
More than 1,800 Wichita State PA graduates are improving access to healthcare and advancing wellness across Kansas and beyond. Among our graduates:
- 46% work in rural communities
- 45% work in primary care
- 39% work in medically underserved areas
These rates exceed national averages and reflect our commitment to addressing healthcare workforce needs throughout the region.
ARC-PA Accreditation
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Wichita State University Physician Associate Program sponsored by Wichita State University. 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 March 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.
Learn more about our program outcomes and how we meet our Vision, Mission, & Guiding Principles.