How to Become a Physician's Assistant

The professional association for Physician's Assistants in located in Alexandria, VA

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor, the job of a PA, or Physician's Assistant, is the third fastest growing career in the U.S. A Physician's Assistant is at the right hand of a medical doctor or surgeon. PA's can take medical histories, perform physical exams, order and interpret lab tests and results, diagnose and treat illnesses, counsel patients, assist in surgery, and even set fractures. The course to become a Physician's Assistant mirrors medical school in that you receive several years of medical training and attend a PA program, but it does not require the length in years that medical school does. Physicians' assistants can also prescribe medicine to patients.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. First, make sure you have your Bachelor's degree. A growing number of applicants to physician's assistant programs are fast-tracking from medical school. Higher education is essential to acceptance into a Physician's Assistant program, and medical background is highly valued but not required. This means that a degree in biology or pre-med is great but not necessary to be a PA.

2. American Academy of Physicans' Assistants

   Apply to a program. There are programs across the country--such as at the University of Chicago--that have seen a 70 percent increase in application to their physician's assistant program in the last 5 years. According to the American Academy of Physicians' Assistants, the program you attend must be accredited All by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). A list of certified programs is available at aapa.org (see Resources below).

3. Once accepted into a program, you must complete the 2- to 3-year accredited ARC-PA program. The Physician's Assistant program is a natural choice for those who are interested in medicine, want to have the salary benefits of the medical field but aren't willing to spend the 4 years in medical school plus 3 at a residency.

4. Pass your certification program. After graduation from your program you will pass a test given by the NCCPA. This test is not as stringent as medical boards or the bar exam, but it is an important test to pass on your path to becoming a Physician's Assistant.

5. After passing the certification program you will register in the state you will practice in as a PA (if required by the state). Physicians' assistants have to keep up their certification by completing 100 hours of CME's (Continuing Medical Education) credits every 2 years. Credits can be gained by reading industry magazines, attending conferences and through programs at local hospitals. A re-certification exam is required every 6 years for PA's. If you fail you will have to take another set of more difficult exams in order to not lose your certification. This process is similar in most of the medical field for nurses and doctors as well.

6. Find a doctor you like. After completing your program and becoming a physician's assistant, you will find a doctor or surgeon you wish to work with. PA's, like MD's, have medical specialties they can take, such as orthopedic surgery (hip and knee replacements, sports injuries), trauma, general practice and even obstetrics and gynecology. PA's often work alongside the doctor during surgery, but many don't have the stringent hours that a doctor does.

7. Congratulations - you've learned how to become a physician's assistant. Enjoy your career as a PA.

Tips & Warnings

• Education is important. Be sure to visit the American Academy of Physicians' Assistants website for accredited programs and tips on applying to different schools.

• Don't apply to become a physician's assistant if you don't have a passion for medicine. PA's are passionate about medicine and often work grueling hours without the glory and as high a salary as doctors. But saving lives is a rewarding career in itself, and the demand for PA's and the job market is continuously growing.

Resources

• American Academy of Physicians' Assistants