How long does it take to become a Physician's Assistant?

Question

I am a junior studying Political Science at a university and thinking of pursuing becoming a Physician's assistant after i finish my degree...what would this take? Is it a long program?

Answer 1

From one career page:
"Competition is tough: Nurses, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics most commonly apply to PA programs in order to become certified physician assistants. The typical applicant to a PA program has a bachelor’s degree (they also need to have followed a premed track as an undergraduate) and more than four years of health care experience. For those interested in becoming PAs but who haven’t followed the traditional science route in college, a post-baccalaureate program may be the answer. Many universities have programs where students can take all the undergraduate sciences courses in one post-baccalaureate program. Because PAs are going to be in a close working relationship with physicians, they are educated in a medical model designed to complement physician training. Once candidates have been accepted to a PA program the average curriculum stretches over 108 weeks of intensive medical study [over two years past the bachelor's degree], compared with 153 weeks for medical school."
http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=181

Here's a good page for finding the educational programs, seeing the application process, and understanding other PA school related details:
http://saaapa.aapa.org/prepa/paprograminfo.htm

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How long does it take to become a Physician's Assistant?
I am a junior studying Political Science at a university and thinking of pursuing becoming a Physician's assistant after i finish my degree...what would this take? Is it a long program?

Answer 4

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I am currently a 2nd year student in a surgical PA program. To become a PA... 1) major in pre-med, biology, engineering, chemistry, or sports medicine/ physiology. PA programs love a minor in Psych, so go for that, since you already started. :) 2) Get GOOD GRADES!!! Although they say you only need a 3.0 to apply, you need a 3.7 or so to get in, so be sure to take some easy classes, too! 3) Get a job as a nurse's assistant or a surgical tech, or a home health aide. You need some experience in medicine, i think 2000 hours prior to applying. As for how long it takes after beginning undergrad? 7 years. PA school is 7 semesters after graduating college. Nursing is a good start, but most nurses go on to be nurse practitioners, who can also write prescriptions. NP program admission is not near as competitive, and they do not have to be in grad school as long. Hope this helps!! :)

Answer 5

It is a two year post bachelor program at most places, some are three year programs. It may take a while for you to nail down the prerequisites, there are more than there are for medical school, and they dont probably match up very well with political science.

Answer 6

It takes 6 years. 4 years undergrad. 2 years post graduate

Answer 7

How Long Is Pa School

Answer 8

Hello, take a look at this site it might help you:

http://career.physicianassistantfaq.com

Good Luck