What It Takes to Be a Physician Assistant

The role of physician assistant was introduced in 1968 and today there are more than 50,000 PAs practicing medicine in the United States. Physician assistants work under a supervising doctor and can examine patients and treat minor injuries, prescribe medicine, take medical histories, order and analyze lab tests and perform clinic management duties. They work in private doctor's offices, hospitals, clinics and schools. Salaries can range from $65,000 to $90,000. Training programs are fairly uniform across the United States, preparing students for the challenging and rewarding role as physician assistants. Physician assistants need to have a Master's degree.

Instructions

• 1

  Before applying to a physician assistant program, applicants should have at least two years of experience in the medical field. Most students applying to PA programs have a background as medical assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapy assistants, emergency medical technicians and athletic trainers. Most programs also prefer that you have a Bachelor's degree, with a transcript that includes courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Microbiology, Math and English.

• 2

  The application process can be a lengthy one. Many programs use the CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). Applicants can open an account with the service online and use it to apply to various programs. In addition to completing the application, prospective students are asked for a personal statement letter and at least two letters of recommendations (one of which should be from a doctor).

• 3

  Once the paperwork is complete and you have paid your application fee, an interview with the program representative completes the application process.

• 4

  You will want to apply to a program that is accredited by the ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant). Many programs have a Bachelor/Master degree program.

• 5

  Once accepted and all undergraduate requirements are met, graduate students in PA programs attend courses in pharmacology, surgical principles, techniques and procedures, medical history and physical examinations, genetics and advanced life support. Second year students attend clinical rotations.

• 6

  NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) is the organization that conducts the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination). Licensure requirements vary from state to state. Some will issue temporary licenses to physician assistants who are eligible and have applied to take the PANCE. To become fully licensed, the PANCE must be passed.