How to Become a Physicians Assistant
Physician assistants play an important role in the healthcare field. The physician assistant works in various fields and takes on managing and supervising tasks. They may write prescriptions and order laboratory tests, performing the same tasks of a physician. The role of a physician's assistant depends on the level of training, but all physician assistants work under the supervision of a doctor. A career for a physician assistant is rewarding and high in demand. If you are interested in a lucrative career as a physician assistant, follow these steps.
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Instructions
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How to Become a Physicians Assistant
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Decide how far you want to go in your education. Those who wish to get an advanced degree as a physician assistant will have more responsibilities and higher earnings. You may have fewer responsibilities with a two-year Physician Assistant (PA) education, whereas a Master’s degree will allow you to have more responsibility and more income potential.
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Choose an accredited Physician Assistant school. Many community colleges and four-year universities offer Physician Assistance programs, accredited by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). Some community colleges offer advancing opportunities to earn a Master’s degree (Master of Medical Science) while you are earning a certificate. Use the resource box for an accelerating program for Physician Assistants.
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Fulfill the pre-entrance requirements. Most schools want a minimum of 60 credits of education and experience in a health-related field. A general education in English and mathematics and courses in health and science are required for many schools. The pre-entrance educational requirements vary from each school, so check with the school’s pre-entrance requirements before applying.
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Apply to Physician Assistant programs by filling out only one application. American Academy of Physician Assistants offers a convenient application process through the Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). You can fill out one application and submit it to any number of schools and you can keep track of the paperwork, correspondence and records through this program.
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Complete the screening requirements. Most health-related careers require additional screening before accepting an applicant into the program. A background check or drug screening may be required, in addition to any other requests the school may have. Ask the school advisor where to get these screenings done and the date they are due.
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Get certified as a physician assistant. Those who graduated from an accredited school will need to sit for the Physician Assistants National Certifying Examination (PANCE). After six years, re-examination is required to maintain certification by passing the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE).
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Complete continuing education requirements. Continuing education is required in order to maintain your certification as a physician assistant. Be sure to complete this and keep your contact information updated with the PANCE.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask the school if health insurance or any other type of insurance is required for entrance into the Physician Assistant program.
A year of volunteering or working in the medical setting and course work in the health and sciences may increase your chances of being accepted into a PA program. In some cases, you may move up on a waiting list.
Be sure you choose an accredited school, by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
Submitting online applications may not be safe. Be sure you are submitting through a secure transaction.
Resources
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