How to Become a P.A. or Physician Assistant

Do you have an interest work as a part of a healthcare team? Does working with patients to diagnose and treat diseases along with medical doctors appeal to you? Then maybe a career as a physician assistant or P.A. is for you. As the demand for healthcare ccntinues, the demand for physician assistants is expected to rise also. Here's how to become a physician assistant.

Things You'll Need

• An Undergraduate Degree
• Acceptance to a university that has a PA program.

Instructions

1. Complete a Bachelor's of Science undergraduate degree. For many Physician Assistant programs, this is a requirement. Some schools require that you have to be a registered nurse in order to qualify. Other universities have programs that allow other medically related B.S. degrees are being allowed. You may also be required to be fully registered and licensed in those areas. For example, if you're a dietitian, you need to be a Licensed Registered Dietitian to apply. Seek the guidance of your preferred school for detailed information.

2. Apply to the P.A. program of your desired university. Make sure that the program is fully accredited. Accredited programs are legitimately recognized. It is highly advisable that you visit with faculty from that university before you apply. They will be able to tell you how the selection process works and if you've met the minimum requirements. In all actuality, visit with the advisor before beginning your undergraduate coursework. They will set you on the right path.

3. Complete the requirements of the Physician Assistant professional program and graduate. This will be a very intensive program that will require much time and effort. The standards are high because you will eventually function independently in various health care settings. You will have to complete a set number of hours under the supervision of a professional physician assistant in order to graduate.

4. Take the national exam to become certified. This will allow you the designation of PA-C. This is conducted by National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

5. Complete required continuing education in order to maintain your certification status. A physician assistant must record 100 hours of continuing education every two years and take the recertification exam every six years.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your best in undergraduate courses. Admission to the PA program is highly competitive, so good grades help.

• This field requires strength in the sciences, anatomy, and medicine. If you're not good at this, physician assistant may not be for you.