Best Schools for Physician Assistants in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Physician Assistant

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a rewarding career path that requires a specific educational foundation followed by targeted training. Here’s a breakdown of the essential education you need to enter this dynamic field.

Bachelor's Degree

First things first, you'll need to obtain a bachelor's degree. While there's no mandatory major, your choice can set the stage for your PA program application. Consider focusing on areas that will give you a strong foundation in healthcare:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Healthcare administration

These majors not only prepare you for the rigors of PA programs but also make your application competitive.

Healthcare Experience

Before applying to PA programs, candidates are often required to have healthcare experience. This can range from direct patient care roles such as EMT, nurse, or paramedic to more administrative positions with hands-on patient interaction. The goal is to show that you have a solid understanding of healthcare settings and patient care.

Graduate-Level PA Program

After obtaining your bachelor's degree and gaining healthcare experience, the next step is enrolling in an accredited Physician Assistant program. These programs typically take about two years to complete and lead to a Master's degree. They include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Key areas of study include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Pharmacology
• Medical ethics
• Patient assessment
• Clinical medicine across various specialties

During your clinical rotations, you'll gain hands-on experience in different medical settings, from family medicine to surgery and emergency care.

Certification and State Licensure

Upon completing your PA program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Successfully passing this exam grants you the title of Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).

Finally, to practice, you'll need to obtain licensure in the state where you intend to work. Requirements vary by state but generally include passing the PANCE and completing an accredited program.

By following these educational steps, you'll be well on your way to launching a successful career as a Physician Assistant, ready to make a significant impact on patient care and the healthcare industry.

Physician Assistant Education Resources

Professional Associations

Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a commendable goal, and connecting with the right people and resources can make all the difference. Here are some professional associations you should consider joining:

• American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): As the national professional society for PAs, AAPA provides advocacy, continuing education opportunities, and the latest industry news. Visit AAPA
• National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA): This organization is responsible for certifying PAs in the United States. Their website offers valuable information on certification requirements. Explore NCCPA
• Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA): Focused on excellence in PA education, PAEA offers resources for both educators and students, including research grants and learning tools. Check out PAEA

Industry Publications

Staying informed about the latest trends, research, and news in your field is crucial. Here are some top publications for aspiring and current PAs:

• Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (JAAPA): This peer-reviewed publication offers clinical and professional articles relevant to practicing PAs. Read JAAPA
• Clinician Reviews: Both online and in print, this resource shares peer-reviewed clinical content tailored for PAs and nurse practitioners. Visit Clinician Reviews

Other Resources

In addition to professional associations and publications, there are several other resources worth exploring:

• The Physician Assistant Life: This site offers a comprehensive guide on becoming a PA, including tips on applications, interviews, and survival strategies for PA school. Explore The Physician Assistant Life
• AAPA's Career Central: Perfect for job hunting, this platform allows you to search for openings, post your resume, and access career advice specifically for PAs. Visit AAPA's Career Central
• Career.Guide: Your go-to resource for in-depth exploration of various professions, including the path to becoming a Physician Assistant. With expert advice and real-world insights, Career.Guide helps you navigate your educational journey effectively. Discover more on Career.Guide

These resources are designed to support you at every stage of your journey to becoming a Physician Assistant, from student to practicing professional. Whether you're looking for the latest research, networking opportunities, or career advice, these tools will help pave your way to success in this rewarding healthcare profession.

Physician Assistant Education FAQs

What are the prerequisites for applying to a Physician Assistant program?

To apply for a Physician Assistant (PA) program, you generally need:

• A bachelor's degree in any field, though science-related fields are preferred.
• Completion of specific science prerequisites, which may include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.
• Healthcare experience, either paid or volunteer. The required hours vary by program but typically range from 500 to 2000 hours.
• Letters of recommendation, often including one from a healthcare provider.
• A competitive GPA, usually above 3.0 both overall and in science courses.

How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?

Becoming a PA typically involves:

• Completing a bachelor's degree (4 years).
• Gaining healthcare experience (timing varies).
• Attending a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), which usually takes 2 to 3 years.

In total, you're looking at about 6 to 7 years from starting college to becoming a certified PA.

What does PA program coursework involve?

PA program coursework is designed to prepare you for a wide range of medical duties and includes:

• Basic medical sciences (anatomy, pharmacology, physiology).
• Patient assessment techniques.
• Medical ethics and laws.
• Clinical rotations in several medical specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.

Are there online PA programs?

Yes, there are online PA programs that offer flexibility for students who cannot attend traditional, on-campus classes due to geographical or personal constraints. However, it's crucial to note that:

• These programs still require in-person clinical rotations in medical settings.
• Not all states have online programs available.
• Accreditation by the ARC-PA is essential for ensuring the program meets high educational standards.

What is the PANCE?

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) is:

• A comprehensive exam required to become a licensed/certified PA.
• Administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Comprised of 300 multiple-choice questions covering medical and surgical knowledge.
• Must be taken within six years of graduating from an accredited PA program.

How can I prepare for a successful career as a Physician Assistant?

To prepare for a successful career as a PA:

• Seek diverse healthcare experiences before applying to PA programs to broaden your understanding of the field.
• Focus on your studies and clinical rotations during your PA program to gain as much knowledge and skill as possible.
• Develop strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients and healthcare team members.
• Continue learning after becoming a PA through continuing medical education (CME) opportunities and specialty certifications.
• Join professional organizations such as the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) for networking and professional development resources.