physician assistants??

Question

what do u have to do from the very beginning to the end if ur interested in becoming a physician assistant?
*tell ALL
..if ur 1 tell me what u went through n what its like
thanks!!

Answer 1

Big question here!!!
Start by getting some medical experience before you even begin to apply--most schools want experience. Find a PA you can shadow for some time in various jobs to see how you like it.
Then do a bachelors in a science/pre-med type major--besure you do very well in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology, microbiology.
Then apply to PA schools (Master's level)
Spend about 2.5 years in PA school (time depends on school).
This is like a mini medical school (focus is primary care)--1 year book work and 1 year clinical rotations and then a masters thesis. Expect to be very tired, work very hard, read whole textbooks in a few days, have shifts all over the clock, work weekends. You will need to purchase equipment and a lot of textbooks.You will probably not be able to work very much on the outside so be sure you have financing in place.
The rotations include: ortho, OB-GYN, electives, urgent care, suturing, emergency, family practice, pediatrics, surgery etc.
Graduate and take the NCCPA exam.
Find job. Or do a PA residency in a specialty for 1 year.
Every 5 years you need to re-take an exam NCCPA-to keep your certification. You also need 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. You need to get a state license to practice every 2 years and a DEA # to prescribe drugs.

Answer 2

OMG i wanted to be a physician and all aswell and it looks really fun and stuff..when i researched it all, i think the best thing is a physicician- no the assistant as the pay is much smaller and stuff:) x hope this helps x

Answer 3

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm

http://www.aapa.org/