Do you wish to become a physician assistant in Puerto Rico? Here’s all you need to know. Getting into one of the best physician assistant schools in Puerto Rico would require you to possess the skills and educational qualifications to apply there.
Applicants must often start sending in applications to a school without surveying their chances of getting admitted.
Having first-hand knowledge of the school you want to apply to before sending in your applications is very important. Let’s look at the 15 best physician assistant schools in Puerto Rico without further ado.
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Are there Physician Assistant Schools in Puerto Rico?
To become a physician assistant, also called a Pa, you must obtain a degree from an accredited school. All states also require physician assistants to become licensed after graduation to practice as physician assistants.
Listed below are the physician assistant schools in Puerto Rico:
- Escuela de Medicina San Juan Bautista
- University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
- Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
- Ponce School of Medicine
- EDP University – Recinto de Hato Rey
- Inter-American University of Puerto Rico
- Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa
- Atlantic University College
- Huertas College
- Atenas College
- Caribbean University
- Trinity College of Puerto Rico
- Antillean Adventist University
- Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico
- Carlos Albizu University
What are the Requirements for Pa Schools in Puerto Rico?
Pa schools in Puerto Rico have obtained a specific standard for applicants seeking admission into any of the schools. These schools expect students to at least meet the requirements to be accepted.
Here are the requirements for Pa Schools in Puerto Rico:
- A Minimum GPA of 3.0
- A letter of reference
- Applicants must complete at least two years of basic and behavioral science coursework.
- GRE/MCAT score
- Patient care/Healthcare experience
- Portfolio
- High School Transcripts
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What are the 15 Best Physician Assistant Schools in Puerto Rico?
After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best physician assistant schools in Puerto Rico, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
Below is the list.
1. Escuela de Medicina San Juan Bautista
- Location: Caguas, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 83%
- Tuition fee: $100,830
The San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is a private medical institution located in Caguas, Puerto Rico. In 1978, it officially began operations. Doctor of Medicine, Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing are among the degrees offered by the institution.
The goal of the physician assistant program at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine is to prepare capable students for the challenges of primary healthcare delivery as team members of the healthcare system.
2. University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 10.21%
- Tuition fee: $18,100 in-state and $35,600 out-of-state
The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine is a four-year, MD-granting institution dedicated to Puerto Rican citizens and preparing aspiring medical professionals to work there.
The School of Medicine follows a conventional curriculum, with the first two years devoted to basic sciences and the third and fourth years filled with clerkships and electives. A Clinica de la Escuela de Medicina, operated by the School of Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico, offers affordable healthcare services to the local population.
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3. Ponce School of Medicine
- Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 16%
- Tuition fee: 5,834 USD in-state and 6,156 USD out-of-state
The Ponce School of Medicine, which awards MDs after four years of study, enrolled in its first charter class in 1981. The first two years of Ponce’s typical curriculum are pre-clinical and devoted to the fundamental sciences. Before graduating, third- and fourth-year students complete electives and clerkships. The Ponce Health Sciences Campus offers participation in more than 30 student organizations. Additionally, students participate in civic projects and activities.
4. Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine
- Location: Bayamón, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Tuition fee: $ 34,250 in-state and $ 42,255 out-of-state
The inaugural classes of the four-year, MD-granting Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine began in 1976. The medical school of Universidad Central del Caribe is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Puerto Ricans.
Through problem-based learning and evidence-based instructional strategies, the curriculum is delivered. The school prioritizes community engagement, encouraging students to participate in student organizations and the broader community.
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5. Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico
- Location: Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Tuition fee: $15,164
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, there is a private institution called Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico. In 1966, this institution was established. There are 3,718 undergraduate students enrolled in total. The campus is 10 acres in size and is located in an urban area. It employs a trimester-based academic cycle.
6. Carlos Albizu University
- Location: San Juan
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Tuition fee: $12,392
Private university Albizu University has three campuses: its main campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico; a satellite campus in Miami, Florida; and a fourth teaching location in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Psychology, health, education, and human services are its main areas of emphasis.
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7. EDP University – Recinto de Hato Rey
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate:55.8%
- Tuition fee:6,200 USD
EDP University: San Juan is a private San Juan, Puerto Rico institution. With only 627 undergraduate students, it is a small university. EDP University – San Juan’s acceptance rate of 56%, admissions are somewhat competitive. Popular degrees include business, fashion, apparel design, nursing science, education, and practice.
Regional Universities South lists EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc.—San Juan as #80 in its 2023 edition of Best Colleges.
8. Antillean Adventist University
- Location:Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate:100%
- Tuition fee:7,250 USD
Located in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, the Antillean Adventist University is a private Seventh-day Adventist institution. It is part of the second-largest global network of Christian schools, the Seventh-day Adventist education system.
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9. Inter American University of Puerto Rico
- Location: Guayama, Puerto Rico
- Acceptance rate: 39%
- Tuition fee: 4,080 USD
With its main campus in San Germán, Puerto Rico, the Inter American University of Puerto Rico is a private Christian university. Additionally, it includes campuses in Barranquitas, Fajardo, Guayama, Ponce, San Juan, Aguadilla, Arecibo, Bayamón, and San Juan.
10. Caribbean University
- Location: Bayamón, PR
- Acceptance rate: 57%
- Tuition fee: $5,496
In Puerto Rico, four campuses make up Caribbean University,, a private university system. Regional Universities South, positions 104–137, lists the university in the Best Colleges edition of 2023.
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11. Universidad Pentecostal Mizpa
- Location: San Juan, PR
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Tuition fee: $3,720
The Pentecostal Church of God, International Movement of Puerto Rico Region leads and oversees Mizpa Pentecostal University, a theological institution in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The earliest Pentecostal theological institution in Puerto Rico is Mizpah, established in 1937.
12. Atlantic University College
- Location: Guaynabo, PR
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Tuition fee: $3,557 / year
Private institution Atlantic University is situated in the San Juan region of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. With 968 undergraduate students enrolled, it is a modest institution. Colonel Ramón M. Barqun and Dr. Teresa de Dios Unanue formed it in 1983. It is one of just a few colleges in the Caribbean that focuses on all facets of digital arts education.
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13. Trinity College of Puerto Rico
- Location: Ponce, Pr
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Tuition fee: $7,462 / year
Located in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Trinity PR is a private university. The University is a modest one with 44 undergraduate students enrolled. The acceptance rate for Trinity PR is 100%. Nursing, medical office assistant, and Licensed Practical Nurse Training are popular majors (LPN).
The academic year at the institution is structured on trimesters. It has a student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1. The associate degree is the highest degree Trinity College of Puerto Rico offers.
14. Huertas College
- Location: Caguas, PR
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Tuition fee: $7,165
In the San Juan area of Caguas, Puerto Rico, there is a for-profit university called Huertas Junior. 371 undergraduate students are enrolled, making it a modest school. The Huertas Junior has a 100% acceptance rate. Nursing, dental assisting, and electrical engineering technician are popular majors.
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15. Atenas College
- Location: Manatí, PR
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Tuition fee: $7,370
Atenas College, a private 4-year college in Manat, Puerto Rico, was founded in 1996. The college provides several healthcare-related topics of study through its nine associate’s degrees, three bachelor’s degrees, and five technical programs.
It is a modest university with 346 undergraduate students enrolled. Popular majors include radiologic technician, emergency medical technician (EMT Paramedic), and nursing science, education, and practice.
Conclusion
It might be tiring to apply to PA schools in Puerto Rico without any initial knowledge or guide on how to go about it or start your application. A lot of applicants get misled and make mistakes, and as such, they’re unable to get into these schools.
Puerto Rico Pa schools are without any doubt one of the best, with well-known teachers and a great learning environment; students wouldn’t want to miss out on this opportunity. With the information in this article, we hope you will find applying to any Pa school in Puerto Rico easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states accept Puerto Rico physician assistant licenses?
The easiest medical licensing states are Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, Tennessee, Maine, Nebraska, and New Hampshire.
How does a PA differ from a nurse practitioner?
Both nurse practitioners and physician assistants receive in-depth education and training in medicine as well as vital soft skills. A nurse practitioner practices according to a nursing, patient-focused paradigm, whereas a physician assistant (Pa) practices according to a disease-centered (medical) model.
How long does it take to become a Doctor in Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, becoming a doctor takes about 4 years. This may take a little longer if the student enrolls in additional courses and internship programs at the institution.
What is the average salary of a Physician Assistant in Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, a physician assistant makes an average of $42 per hour and $87,999 per year. A physician assistant’s average salary ranges from $60,455 to $107,447.