The transition from physician assistant to medical doctor represents one of the most significant career pivots in healthcare.
MD programs for PAs offer a direct pathway to evolve from clinical practice into full physician roles, complete with diagnostic authority, independent practice rights, and expanded career opportunities.
This comprehensive guide examines six top-rated international medical programs that understand the unique background PAs bring to medical education and have streamlined their admissions processes accordingly.
The Financial Reality Check
Before diving into specific programs, it’s worth noting the substantial financial implications of this career transition. PAs currently earn a median salary of $134,000 annually, while physicians average $376,000 across all specialties.
This significant income differential—nearly $240,000 per year—helps justify the investment in medical education, though the path requires considerable financial commitment and years of additional training.
What to Look for in the Best MD Programs for PAs
When evaluating MD programs for physician assistants, several key factors distinguish PA-friendly institutions from traditional medical schools.
The most important considerations include holistic admissions processes that value clinical experience over strict MCAT cutoffs, flexible prerequisite requirements that recognize prior healthcare education, and robust clinical rotation networks that facilitate smooth transitions into residency programs.
International medical schools, particularly those in the Caribbean, have emerged as practical options for PAs seeking career advancement. These institutions typically offer multiple start dates throughout the year, accept students with diverse educational backgrounds, and maintain strong relationships with US hospitals for clinical training.
Top 6 Best MD Programs for Physician Assistants
1. AUA (American University of Antigua) – Holistic Admissions & MCAT Flexibility
AUA employs a holistic approach to student selection, believing that hard work, deep interest in science and medicine, and demonstrated compassion deserve opportunities even when standardized test scores aren’t exceptional. This philosophy makes AUA particularly appealing to PAs transitioning into medicine.
The school’s admission requirements are notably PA-friendly. While MCAT scores are required from US applicants, AUA processes applications before scores are submitted and doesn’t weigh MCAT performance as heavily as traditional medical schools.
The program requires 90+ undergraduate credits and values healthcare experience extensively during the selection process.
AUA’s curriculum follows the proven US medical education model, with preclinical sciences completed on its Antigua campus, followed by clinical rotations at affiliated US hospitals.
The school maintains strong clinical partnerships, including arrangements with Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine for core clinical rotations in the Greater Miami Area.
Key Differentiator: PA-friendly holistic admissions combined with extensive US clinical placement networks and flexible MCAT policies.
2. St. George’s University (SGU) – Trusted MD Pipeline for Experienced Clinicians
SGU stands as the largest provider of doctors to US residencies, with over 45 years of experience training physicians. The school’s admissions process specifically welcomes healthcare professionals with diverse backgrounds, including PAs seeking career advancement.
SGU’s Faculty Student Selection Committee considers each applicant’s academic strengths alongside their experiences and attributes, evaluating how individuals might contribute value as both medical students and future physicians.
This comprehensive approach recognizes the substantial clinical experience PAs bring to medical education.
The program offers exceptional flexibility with three start dates annually (January, April, and August), allowing PAs to begin their medical education when timing aligns with their career transition plans. SGU’s clinical training spans over 75 hospitals and health systems in the US and UK, providing extensive opportunities for hands-on experience.
Key Differentiator: Proven track record as the largest provider of doctors into US residencies, with experience-focused admissions and flexible start dates.
3. Aureus University (Aruba) – Accelerated Entry for Allied Health Professionals
Aureus University offers both 4-year and 5-year MD programs, with the 4-year program designed for students with pre-medical qualifications. This structure particularly benefits PAs who already possess substantial medical knowledge and clinical experience.
The school’s mission focuses on providing students with solid medical foundations necessary to overcome challenges during their medical careers. Notably, MCAT scores are recommended but not required, though they may impact admission decisions—a policy that removes barriers for PAs transitioning into medicine.
Aureus’s clinical training consists of 72-80 weeks of clinical study, including 48 weeks of core rotations and 24 weeks of electives, completed at affiliated hospitals in the United States and Canada. The program includes integrated USMLE preparation, helping students transition smoothly into residency matching.
Key Differentiator: Accelerated entry options for healthcare professionals with integrated USMLE preparation and optional MCAT requirements.
4. American University of the Caribbean (AUC) – Flexible Admission for PAs
AUC operates under a rolling admissions policy with three start dates—January, May, and September—providing flexibility for career changers. The school’s mission emphasizes training physicians whose service is enhanced by diverse learning experiences and international perspectives.
AUC takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering academics, drive, and potential to succeed as a physician. All US and Canadian applicants must submit MCAT scores, though the school encourages applicants to discuss their competitiveness with admissions counselors.
AUC is approved by the New York State Education Department to allow students to complete more than 12 weeks of clinical clerkships in New York State, making it one of only eight Caribbean medical schools with this approval.
This access to New York clinical sites provides valuable training opportunities for students planning to practice in the Northeast.
Key Differentiator: New York State approval for clinical rotations with rolling admissions and holistic evaluation processes.
5. Saba University School of Medicine – High USMLE Pass Rates & PA Advantage
Saba University boasts impressive USMLE performance, with students averaging 99% Step 1 and 99% Step 2 CK first-time pass rates from 2021-2023. This exceptional performance demonstrates the school’s commitment to preparing students for successful medical careers.
The school’s admissions committee takes a holistic view of each candidate, considering life experience, MCAT scores, and direct medical volunteer experience alongside GPA. Applicants are encouraged to have 50 hours or more of direct patient care experience—a requirement PAs easily exceed.
Saba maintains a 97% residency placement rate over four consecutive years, clearly demonstrating shared commitment to helping MD program students achieve their goals. The school’s intentionally small class sizes (40-60 students) allow for personalized attention and individualized support.
Key Differentiator: Industry-leading USMLE pass rates (99%) with exceptional residency placement success and personalized attention.
6. SGU’s PA-to-MD Guidance Resources – Career-Alignment Support
While not a formal program, SGU provides extensive resources comparing PA versus MD career paths, including insights from professionals who have made the transition. This guidance helps PAs understand the practical implications of pursuing medical school.
SGU’s materials emphasize that both PAs and MDs collaborate closely in patient care, with considerable overlap in duties, particularly in primary care settings. The school’s blog and educational resources provide valuable insights into the transition process, including MCAT preparation strategies and residency planning.
The institution’s commitment to supporting career changers extends beyond admissions through their Office of Career Guidance, which provides expert guidance and resources from basic science years through residency and postgraduate opportunities.
Key Differentiator: Comprehensive career transition guidance and resources specifically designed for healthcare professionals considering the PA-to-MD pathway.
Making the Financial Investment Work
The career transition from PA to MD requires significant financial planning. The US Department of Education reported median student loan debt of $331,634 for AUC graduates as of 2019, representing a substantial investment. However, the long-term earning potential justifies this expense for many healthcare professionals.
Consider that PAs earn a median of $134,000 annually, while physicians average $376,000 across all specialties. Even accounting for the additional years of training and increased debt load, the lifetime earning differential typically exceeds $2 million over a career.
Your Path Forward: Next Steps for PAs Considering Medical School
The transition from physician assistant to medical doctor represents a significant professional evolution with substantial rewards, one of them being the fact that it is one of the highest paying jobs. Each of the programs outlined above offers unique advantages for PAs seeking to advance their careers, from AUA’s holistic admissions approach to Saba’s exceptional USMLE performance.
Take Action Today:
- Research each program’s specific admission requirements and prerequisites
- Connect with admissions counselors to discuss your PA background and career goals
- Consider taking the MCAT or exploring programs with flexible testing requirements
- Plan your financial strategy, including federal loan options and scholarship opportunities
The healthcare system needs more physicians, and your existing clinical experience as a PA provides an exceptional foundation for medical school success. Start your application process today and take the next step toward independent practice and expanded career opportunities.
Ready to Begin? Contact the admissions offices of these programs to schedule interviews and learn more about their specific offerings for healthcare professionals. Your experience as a PA isn’t just valuable—it’s exactly what these programs are looking for in their next class of future physicians.