How To Become A Physician Assistant

Step 1: Excel at Math and Science to Prepare for College

High school students should strive to achieve high grades in Math and Science. Biology is especially important for this career. If available, students should also take Anatomy courses and advanced science classes.

Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Physician Assistants often start their college education by enrolling in a Bachelor’s program. Common majors include Biology, Chemistry, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Health Sciences, and Biochemistry. Physician Assistant educational programs typically require two to four years of undergraduate coursework. However, completing a Bachelor’s Degree demonstrates an additional commitment to your education and may help you get accepted to a Master’s program.

Step 3: Look for Work in the Medical Field

Most Physician Assistants have at least one year of medical experience before applying to a Physician Assistant Master’s program. A common path is to choose a Bachelor’s Degree that can lead to suitable entry-level work.

For example, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and passing the NCLEX-RN qualifies candidates for jobs in Nursing. Aspiring Physician Assistants also frequently start as EMTs, Paramedics, or Nursing Assistants. Each of these options typically requires the completion of a certification program or an Associate’s Degree.

Completing the necessary training for one of these jobs before pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree may shorten the path to earning the degree. For example, individuals who earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or an Associate Degree in Paramedic Medicine may only need to complete an additional two to three years of college to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Step 4: Enroll in an Accredited Physician Assistant Program

Physician Assistants need to complete a Master’s program from an accredited college or university. Physician Assistant Education programs are Master’s level programs designed specifically for this career. Application to a Physician Assistant (PA) program is highly competitive. Those with the most education and experience are more likely to get accepted.

PA programs tend to last three years and include a combination of classwork and clinical work. Students will complete classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and other Health Science subjects.

Students begin their clinical rotations during their second or third year of the program. By the end of the program, students complete over 2000 hours of clinical work. Most clinical rotations are completed at clinics, long-term care facilities, or Physician offices.

Step 5: Pass the PANCE to Become a Certified Physician Assistant

All states require Physician Assistants to obtain a license. To obtain a license, candidates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The exam is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

The PANCE is a computer-based exam with 300 multiple-choice questions divided into five sections. Examinees have 60 minutes to answer 60 questions for each of the five testing blocks in the exam. The exam covers medical content and tasks related to the work of a Physician Assistant.

The first portion of the exam covers the different body systems with a focus on the cardiovascular system and the pulmonary system. The second portion of the exam deals with clinical work, such as performing physical exams, managing patients, and applying basic scientific concepts.

Applicants may attempt to pass the PANCE six times over six years. After six attempts or six years, applicants must complete an unabridged Physician Assistant educational program again. Individuals who pass the exam may use the “Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C)” credential.

Step 6: Obtain a State License to Work as a Physician Assistant

After passing the PANCE and meeting all additional state requirements, you may apply for a state license. Along with the exam, all states require candidates to have graduated from an accredited PA program.

Some states also require candidates to hold a Bachelor’s Degree instead of simply completing several years of undergraduate study before enrolling in a PA program. Most states also require membership with the NCCPA, which you qualify for after passing the PANCE.

Step 7: Look for Work as a Physician Assistant

After becoming a PA-C, begin looking for work in your field. Over half of Physician Assistants work at Physician offices. About 26% work at hospitals. Other common employers include outpatient care centers and government-run educational services.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) maintains an online job board for Physician Assistants. The job board only includes PA jobs and allows job seekers to search by specialty or type of practice. The AAPA job board typically contains close to 1000 listings.

The NCCPA also manages an online job board with hundreds of listings. Membership is free and members can accept job alerts to receive emails when new listings become available.

Individuals who struggle to find employment may also consider working with a recruiting agency that specializes in the medical field. Recruiting agencies can often find temporary work for qualified candidates. A temporary job may lead to full-time employment and improves your resume.

Step 8: Meet Continuing Education Requirements

Physician Assistants need to complete 100 hours of continuing education coursework every two years. The continuing education requirements may also include educational activities, such as the completion of services. Activities must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate organization.

Physician Assistants must also pass a recertification exam every 10 years. The exam is called the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Examination (PANRE). You become eligible to take the exam during your ninth year of the ten-year certification maintenance cycle. The PANRE includes 240 multiple-choice questions divided into four testing blocks. Examinees have 60 minutes per block.