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How difficult is it to become a physicians assistant?

I am majoring in physiology next year in hopes of becoming a PA after I graduate #medicine #healthcare #physician-assistant

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Ld’s Answer

Hi Erica! I will start by saying I'm NOT a physician's assistant (PA), nor am I a medical professional. I retired from the Navy and looked extensively at switching careers into medicine, and here is what I found out. It seems that becoming a PA takes much of the science and math you'd need to make it into medical school. However, you get into actual hands-on medical care sooner. You can graduate sooner and start working sooner. That being said, when you graduate, you can NOT practice medicine independently, and as a PA you never will: you must practice medicine on the license of a physician. This probably isn't too bad when you're just starting out, but speaking from the experience of having a full career in a different field under my belt, by the time a PA has been in medicine for 20 years, they probably have a ton of experience and knowledge... yet they would still be required to practice medicine on the license of a physician who may literally have just finished medical school. Don't get me wrong: PA's are VERY valuable to have around, especially when you consider that many areas and hospitals may be understaffed or underserved. However, that limitation may be a source of career frustration down the road. By comparison, nursing is something of a different philosophy to caring for a patient, and job opportunities are likely just as prevalent. That might be another field to consider which offers many rewards and sub-specializations, as well as the prospect of becoming a nurse practitioner. Regardless of whichever path you choose, I offer up that medicine, no matter in what capacity, needs good people always. It is a career where one must be somewhat selfless: you are caring for the sick and injured - there is a lot of honor in that. I hope you find the right path that works for you, and that if you do choose medicine, you are successful and find a lot of personal satisfaction with it.
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Richard’s Answer

To get into PA school you need excellent grades and you need to demonstrate a commitment to the profession with hundreds of hours of clinical shadowing. Many applicants don't gain admission their first time applying. But I believe it is worth the work. PAs have a high job satisfaction.
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