How to become a physician assistant

Is becoming a physician assistant right for me?

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Overview
What do physician assistants do?
Career Satisfaction
Are physician assistants happy with their careers?
Personality
What are physician assistants like?

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How to become a Physician Assistant

To become a physician assistant (PA), you typically need to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Complete a bachelor's degree program in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry. Ensure that your program includes prerequisite courses required for admission to a PA program.
  • Gain Healthcare Experience: Gain hands-on experience in the healthcare field by working or volunteering in healthcare settings. This can include roles such as medical assistant, EMT, nurse, or any other healthcare-related position.
  • Complete a Physician Assistant Program: Apply to an accredited physician assistant program. These programs usually result in a master's degree, but some institutions offer a bachelor's degree or a certificate. PA programs typically take two to three years to complete and include classroom instruction and clinical rotations.
  • Obtain a PA License: After successfully graduating from a PA program, you need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Once you pass the exam, you can apply for state licensure, which is required to practice as a PA.
  • State Licensure and Certification: Each state has its own requirements for PA licensure. Check with your state's medical board for specific licensing requirements. Additionally, consider obtaining additional certifications, such as the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) designation, offered by the NCCPA, which demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the profession.
  • Maintain Certification and Continuing Education: PAs must maintain their certification by completing a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) hours and participating in ongoing professional development. This ensures that PAs stay updated on the latest medical advancements and maintain their competency.

Certifications
Physician assistants can obtain certifications to demonstrate their expertise and enhance their professional credentials. The main certification for PAs is provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

  • Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C): The PA-C designation is the primary certification offered by the NCCPA. To become a PA-C, PAs must successfully pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which assesses their knowledge and competence in medical principles and patient care. The PA-C certification indicates that a PA has met national standards for clinical knowledge and is qualified to practice as a physician assistant.
  • Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQ): PAs can pursue additional certifications in specific specialty areas through the NCCPA's Certificate of Added Qualifications program. These certifications demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in specialized areas of practice. Some examples of CAQs include Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Orthopedic Surgery, Psychiatry, and Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification: ACLS certification is not specific to PAs but is often required or preferred for PAs working in settings where they may encounter cardiac emergencies. ACLS training provides PAs with the knowledge and skills to manage and respond to cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening cardiovascular events.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: BLS certification is also important for PAs and is often a prerequisite for employment. BLS training covers basic life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.