Why choose OHSU's PA program?

Learn at Oregon’s only academic health center and get the training, support and clinical experience you need to succeed as a physician associate.

• Proven certification success. 97.3% first-time pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
• High graduation rate. With a 98.7% graduation rate, students who come here graduate.
• Low student-to-faculty ratio. A 13:1 ratio means dedicated attention and guidance throughout the program.
• Clinical experiences across Oregon. Complete rotations in hospitals and clinics across the state, including rural and underserved communities.
• Advanced simulation training. Build skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs and practice imaging and diagnostics with a personal handheld ultrasound device.
• Support from day one. Connect with a student mentor before classes start, complete a pre-enrollment prep course and work with a faculty advisor throughout the program.
• Commitment to health equity. Learn to address health disparities and advocate for patients from diverse backgrounds and communities. 

Your path to becoming a PA

OHSU’s PA program is a full-time, 26-month master’s program. We accept 60 students each year, with classes starting in June. You spend the first 12 months in classroom learning and labs, then 14 months in clinical rotations. Explore the curriculum.

Why train at an academic health center?

As Oregon's only academic health center, OHSU combines patient care, research and education in one place. You'll learn from faculty who are actively practicing clinicians and gain experience in world‑class facilities across OHSU’s hospitals, clinics and community partner sites.

Advanced simulation experiences

Train in state-of-the-art simulation labs throughout your academic and clinical years. Practice communication, patient interaction and sensitive exams with standardized patients, trained actors who portray real patients. Use task trainers—models that let you practice specific clinical procedures—to build hands‑on skills. Each student also receives a handheld ultrasound device to develop core imaging and diagnostic skills.

Discover simulation at OHSU. 

We’re invested in your success

We want every student we admit to graduate. From the moment you’re accepted, you’ll have guidance, resources and tools to help you succeed.

• Pre-enrollment course to review foundational concepts before classes start
• Student mentor paired with you three months before your start date
• Faculty advisor providing personalized coaching throughout the program
• Early alert and remediation support to keep you on track
• iPad provided at no cost, yours to keep after graduation
• Free textbooks through OHSU’s academic library

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

OHSU's PA program values diverse perspectives and prepares you to serve all communities. Through coursework, clinical experiences and student organizations, you’ll develop the skills to understand systemic health barriers and advocate for patients.

The student-led PA Diversity in Medicine interest group advances diversity, equity, inclusion and access in the PA profession through anti-racist education and advocacy for underrepresented students.

To learn more about OHSU's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, connect with the Center for Learner Diversity and Inclusion.

Cohort experience

Each year, 60 students enter the program as a cohort, building strong connections before classes even begin. Incoming students are paired with a current first-year mentor, and the cohort stays connected through a dedicated Facebook group and student-organized community events throughout the program.

PA Program News

Brianna Hanson honored with Continuing Professional Development APP awards (6/16/2026)

PA-S2 Taylor Sharman shares her experience with the AHEC Scholar Program (3/26/2026)

Faculty member Jessica Schlump, PA-C, co-leads health outreach event for the Korean Society of Oregon (11/3/2025)

Kerith Hartmann, PA-C and alumna of the OHSU PA Program, earns PA of the year (10/20/2025)

Graduate and AHEC Scholar Lauren March, PA25, returns to Eastern Oregon to support rural healthcare (7/2/2025)