I'm looking into becoming a Physician Assistant but have some questions?

Question

I'm looking to become a physicians assistant but first of all what should i major in? i went from undecided and now i'm in business i know the pre-requisite courses to take like Chem I, II, and Bio I, II, and physiology and anatomy..I've taken everything except bio II and anatomy..i read at www.aapa.org that they take people with medical backgrounds, but i have no expierence in the medical field..will i still get into the program? Any feedback would be much appreciated..Thanks in advance.

this is my second year at ETSU and just started the spring semester I the biology major route and finish it in two years if thats possible, get accepted into the PA program, two years later, take the PA test..then i can start going to work am i correct?

Answer 1

they should have certificate programs you can complete at a local college..most do... and then if your grades are good and can prove yourself you should get hired even without the past work experience, let them understand that you have to start and prove yourself somewhere.

Answer 2

Requirement number one! Be a hunchback.
Number two. ALWAYS bring the evil brain.
And last. Don't get too close to the sparky thing with the electrical arc. You can get burned real bad.

Answer 3

Here's the story from the U.S. Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm


Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years; admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience.

All States require physician assistants to complete an accredited education program and to pass a national exam in order to obtain a license.

Physician assistants rank among the fastest growing occupations, as physicians and health care institutions increasingly utilize physician assistants in order to contain costs.

Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner city clinics.


Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

All States require that PAs complete an accredited, formal education program and pass a National exam to obtain a license. PA programs usually last at least 2 years and are full time. Most programs are in schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges; a few are in community colleges, the military, or hospitals. Many accredited PA programs have clinical teaching affiliations with medical schools.

In 2005, more than 135 education programs for physician assistants were accredited or provisionally accredited by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. More than 90 of these programs offered the option of a master’s degree, and the rest offered either a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. Most applicants to PA educational programs already have a bachelor’s degree.

Admission requirements vary, but many programs require 2 years of college and some work experience in the health care field. Students should take courses in biology, English, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and the social sciences. Many PAs have prior experience as registered nurses, while others come from varied backgrounds, including military corpsman/medics and allied health occupations such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics.

PA education includes classroom instruction in biochemistry, pathology, human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical pharmacology, clinical medicine, geriatric and home health care, disease prevention, and medical ethics. Students obtain supervised clinical training in several areas, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, prenatal care and gynecology, geriatrics, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Sometimes, PA students serve one or more of these “rotations” under the supervision of a physician who is seeking to hire a PA. The rotations often lead to permanent employment.

All States and the District of Columbia have legislation governing the qualifications or practice of physician assistants. All jurisdictions require physician assistants to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and open only to graduates of accredited PA education programs. Only those successfully completing the examination may use the credential “Physician Assistant-Certified.” In order to remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. Every 6 years, they must pass a recertification examination or complete an alternative program combining learning experiences and a take-home examination.

Some PAs pursue additional education in a specialty such as surgery, neonatology, or emergency medicine. PA postgraduate educational programs are available in areas such as internal medicine, rural primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, neonatology, and occupational medicine. Candidates must be graduates of an accredited program and be certified by the NCCPA.

Physician assistants need leadership skills, self-confidence, and emotional stability. They must be willing to continue studying throughout their career to keep up with medical advances.

As they attain greater clinical knowledge and experience, PAs can advance to added responsibilities and higher earnings. However, by the very nature of the profession, clinically practicing PAs always are supervised by physicians.

For information on a career as a physician assistant, including a list of accredited programs, contact:

American Academy of Physician Assistants Information Center, 950 North Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1552. Internet: http://www.aapa.org

For eligibility requirements and a description of the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, contact:

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Inc., 12000 Findley Rd., Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097. Internet: http://www.nccpa.net