Healthcare remains one of the most reliable career fields. Apart from the various positions, the Physician Assistant (PA) is the one that most highly ranks and is among the top most wanted jobs. In order to diagnose illnesses, determine the best course of treatment, and provide patient care, PAs collaborate closely with physicians.
If you loved medicine, but could not stand the thought of spending over a decade in medical schools, maybe becoming a Physician Assistant would be a better alternative for you. However, the question is How do you become one? This guide will take you through every single encounter, from the beginning of school till the end of certification process. It is easy-to-understand and clear for anyone to follow it.
Who Is a Physician Assistant?
The Physician Assistant is a healthcare professional with a license. PAs can:
- Physically examine the patient.
- Request as well as interpret lab tests.
- Prescribe medications.
- Help perform surgeries.
- Engage in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
Although they assist a doctor, they are not medical professionals.In most cases, patients might not find any significant difference between visiting a PA or a doctor, as both are capable of providing the best care.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
First, a bachelor’s degree is required to work as a physician assistant. The majority of students opt to study science-related areas. Biology, chemistry, or health sciences are among the most chosen majors.
Some aspects you should consider while doing this:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree is necessary.
- Enroll in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and microbiology classes.
- Keep your GPA high (most PA programs require a GPA of at least 3.0).
In addition to it, some students are also engaged in volunteer work or paid healthcare jobs during this period. Gaining experience will make your application stand out in the future.
Step 2: Gain Healthcare Experience
The majority of PA schools would prefer applicants who have a solid healthcare background. It demonstrates that you are competent in patient care and the medical setting.
Several ways to get the necessary experience:
- Get a medical assistant certificate and work as one.
- Get certified as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician).
- Work as a nurse's aide.
- Hospital or clinic volunteer work.
Some schools require 500–2,000 hours of practical experience before students are allowed to apply
Step 3: Take the GRE (if required)
Some PA programs ask for GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores. Not all schools need it, but many do.
Suggestions:
- Practice tests are the best thing you can do to get ready for the actual test.
- Pay most of your attention to voc, mat, anal. writing.
- Your application will be more powerful if you score well in GRE.
Step 4: Apply to Physician Assistant Programs
Once you have a bachelor’s degree in the sciences and healthcare experience, you will be ready to apply to PA school. The most applications are processed through CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).
Characteristics the PA™s
programs refer to:
- Strong GPA.
- Healthcare experience that is relevant.
- GRE scores of a good level (if you are required to take the test).
- Recommendation letters.
- An essay outlining your motivations for wanting to become a PA.
Most PA programs are two to three years long and are master’s degree programs.
Step 5: Complete a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
This is the core of your journey. You will learn everything involved in the practice of medicine in Physician Assistant school.
The list below includes common requirements for graduate designation:
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Pharmacology.
- Medical ethics.
- Pathology.
- Clinical medicine.
You will also, be in a lab, and a classroom for certain hours. In most cases, professors are highly qualified, which means that they can be doctors, or they have some sort of experience in healthcare, as PAs, etc. In the medical field, they are the greatest.
Step 6: Finish Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are basically onsite visits in different areas of the medical field where students can get firsthand experience. Like interns, students through various departments get the opportunity to have a hands-on training under the supervision of experienced professionals.
Typically, the most common rotations are:
- Family medicine.
- Internal medicine.
- Pediatrics.
- Emergency medicine.
- Psychiatry.
- Surgery.
Each of such rotations lasts for a few weeks, and they are conducted in a hospital or a clinic, where you have direct contact with patients but work under close supervision, so you apply what you gained in the class helps.
Step 7: Pass the PANCE Exam
It necessary to get the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam) once you have completed your master is degree.
Details about the examination:
- It is a computerized test.
- Covers medical knowledge as well as clinical skills.
- Consists of multiple-choice questions.
Passing the PANCE is obligatory for conversion to a licensed PA. Besides, without it, the practicing of the profession is impossible.
Step 8: Get Licensed by Your State
Having the permission to perform the role of a Physician Assistant is the goal of any US state. After PANCE, you apply for the state license. The procedure can be different in each state but generally, it involves:
- Evidence of a successful PANCE completion.
- Application fee.
- Background check.
It is only a legal PA after a license has been issued to you that you can work.
Step 9: Consider a PA Residency (Optional)
First, note that PAs who really want to enter the workforce and start practicing are not the ones who usually consider taking residency programs. However, it cannot be denied that there is a group that does. A PA residency is a program that aims to provide you with extra training in the area of your choice such as surgery, pediatrics, or emergency medicine.
Residencies are usually 12 months long. They help you get a complete grasp of a subject and also keep your career options open.
Step 10: Maintain Certification and Continue Education
Being a Physician Assistant is not the end of the road, in fact, it is just the start of a lifelong learning journey. You have to make sure that you keep your certification and license active.
The requirements include:
- CME (Continuing Medical Education): A hundred hours every two years are required.
- Every ten years, the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam, or PANRE, must be taken.
These measures are meant to keep PAs current about the latest in medical sciences and their implementation.
Key Skills Every Physician Assistant Needs
Besides formal education, you also need to have some particular traits or qualities in order to succeed as a PA:
- Great and effective communication skills – to explain health matters to patients in a clear way.
- The capability of critical thinking – to be able to make snap decisions that are accurate.
- The ability to care for the suffering with a loving spirit is one of the graces of compassion.
- Spirit of teamwork – to be able to play well with the team of doctors, nurses, and other staff members.
- Detail-oriented – to avoid making mistakes in coding, treatment, or prescriptions.
Career Outlook for Physician Assistants
The demand for PAs is high and growing quickly.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Positions of PA are going to increase by 27% in the time span of 2022 to 2032.
- The average salary is about $126,000 a year.
- Many PAs thus not only have the advantage of signing on with confidence but also have the choice of pursuing various careers with different schedules that suit their needs.
PAs can work in many different areas such as family medicine, surgery, psychiatry, dermatology, or urgent care.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Physician Assistant
Pros
- Good salary.
- Training length is shorter compared to a doctor.
- High demand and stability of the job.
- You can go and work in another area of the medical field.
- You will have the opportunity to assist the patients directly.
Cons
- The educational journey can be quite costly.
- The training is barely bearable and the long study hours are a must.
- Some states restrict the activities of PAs that do not require the presence of a doctor.
- However, throughout your career, you will have to take part in continuing education that will be required of you.
Conclusion
Physician Assistant will be a great career for those who love medicine and want to make a positive impact. The route is not just an easy way, it takes years and training as well, but the results are worth displaying through a glow on one's face.
The first stage is a bachelor’s degree, then a health-related work experience, and finally, a master’s PA program. After the clinical rotations and passing the PANCE test, you get the right to work. From there, you are free to pick up a specialty, keep studying, and climb up the ladder of your career.
Physician Assistant is a career like no other which brings you fame, wealth, and the opportunity to save people’s lives. If you have the fire, the will, and the kind heart, then this road will suit you well.
FAQs
What is the duration required to become a physician assistant?
The typical period is 7-8 years altogether. A bachelor’s degree lasts 4 years, and a master’s degree is 2-3 years. The total time can be longer if you decide to gain healthcare experience.
Is it hard to get into PA school?
Yes, PA programs are very selective. Every year, most schools only admit a very limited number of candidates. Writing a strong application, having good grades and a healthcare background will increase your chances of success.
Do Physician Assistants need to go to medical school?
No. PAs do not go to medical school. Instead, they finish a master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies.
Can Physician Assistants specialize?
Definitely. PAs can decide to work in areas such as dermatology, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or psychiatry. Some of them also complete residencies to gain more training.
Do Physician Assistants work independently?
In most states, PAs are allowed to work under the supervision of a licensed doctor. However, in reality, PAs are often the ones who meet patients and make decisions on their own, especially in clinics that are busy or located in rural areas.
