3 answers
Danielle
Student
Naples, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What’s it like to become a Physicians assistant
What major did you complete to become PA?
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Danielle here are the steps you can expect to go through in order to complete your education, get training, and ultimately get certified as a physician assistant.
STEP 1) BACHELOR'S DEGREE
It may seem obvious, but earning your bachelor’s degree is the very first step upon which you’ll build your entire career’s foundation. When selecting your bachelor’s degree program, try and consider what programs will increase your chance of getting accepted into a graduate program. Not all grad schools have strict requirements when it comes to your undergrad program, but you still want to study something in a relevant field, like health sciences or nursing, in order to increase your chances of getting accepted. Which brings us to the next step…
STEP 2) REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
PA programs typically require at least 1,000 hours of experience in one or both of the Healthcare Experience (HCE) and Patient Care Experience (PCE) areas. Types of work experiences may include volunteer or paid positions—like working as a medic or emergency medical technician, having Peace Corps experience or completing a summer internship in a medical office. Direct patient care like working as a registered nurse.
STEP 3) PA SCHOOL
Even though physician assistants aren’t the same as doctors, they still need a master’s degree in order to qualify for certification. When browsing the physician assistant programs, it’s important that you choose one that is accredited by the ARC-PA, or the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. During your master’s degree, you’ll take a number of different courses, such as anatomy, biochemistry, medical ethics, pharmacology, preventative medicine, and more. You’ll also participate in clinical rotations in different types of settings so that you can gain more hands-on experience.
STEP 4) CERTIFICATION EXAM
In order to become a physician assistant, you’ll need to pass the PANCE, also known as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. You have up to six attempts in six years to pass this exam — however, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to pass this exam as soon as possible after graduating, as you’ll need to pass it before you can get your state license to practice.
Finally Danielle, after all those years of schooling and training and after successfully passing your PANCE exam, you’ll be able to get certified to begin working as a physician assistant.
STEP 1) BACHELOR'S DEGREE
It may seem obvious, but earning your bachelor’s degree is the very first step upon which you’ll build your entire career’s foundation. When selecting your bachelor’s degree program, try and consider what programs will increase your chance of getting accepted into a graduate program. Not all grad schools have strict requirements when it comes to your undergrad program, but you still want to study something in a relevant field, like health sciences or nursing, in order to increase your chances of getting accepted. Which brings us to the next step…
STEP 2) REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
PA programs typically require at least 1,000 hours of experience in one or both of the Healthcare Experience (HCE) and Patient Care Experience (PCE) areas. Types of work experiences may include volunteer or paid positions—like working as a medic or emergency medical technician, having Peace Corps experience or completing a summer internship in a medical office. Direct patient care like working as a registered nurse.
STEP 3) PA SCHOOL
Even though physician assistants aren’t the same as doctors, they still need a master’s degree in order to qualify for certification. When browsing the physician assistant programs, it’s important that you choose one that is accredited by the ARC-PA, or the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. During your master’s degree, you’ll take a number of different courses, such as anatomy, biochemistry, medical ethics, pharmacology, preventative medicine, and more. You’ll also participate in clinical rotations in different types of settings so that you can gain more hands-on experience.
STEP 4) CERTIFICATION EXAM
In order to become a physician assistant, you’ll need to pass the PANCE, also known as the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam. You have up to six attempts in six years to pass this exam — however, it’s worth putting in the extra effort to pass this exam as soon as possible after graduating, as you’ll need to pass it before you can get your state license to practice.
Finally Danielle, after all those years of schooling and training and after successfully passing your PANCE exam, you’ll be able to get certified to begin working as a physician assistant.
Thank you so much!
Danielle
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Danielle !
This is a good question ! I am not a physician assistant but I have worked in two P.A. Programs as well as one D.O. Program so I have been around some students that were pursuing the P.A. or medical doctor path.
Are you in High School or College right now ? The basic foundation to pursue your career would be to take human science classes the whole time you're in junior high and high school. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, and if your high school offers Organic Chemistry but you'd have that in college.
When you are applying to undergraduate colleges, read up on the requirements of the medical school or Physician Assistant programs and see what is required for that school. Again, in undergraduate college, you would major in any one of the health sciences. It is in the Physician Assistant Program, which is intense, that you will learn everything specifically to be a Physician Assistant. You didn't say if you are in high school or college, but in general, you should read the Physician Assistant program catalogues now to see what various programs are requiring and take those courses.
You may want to take an online class for Medical Terminology. This will give you familiarity of the terms and phrases that you will need to be familiar with as you study Physician Assistant. You will do rotations in your third or fourth year of the P.A. program, depending on the school. Rotations are where you work in various doctor offices or clinics or hospitals and work with patients. You basically take a history and maybe some simple vitals to prepare to give the supervising/attending physician.
Although it is an intense and focused program, the students that I worked with were very knowledgeable and had really great bedside manners. They follow a strict guideline that they are tested on and work on patients as students. These "patients" are part of the simulation process for the students' exams. These exams can happen in the first or second year of P.A. school.
I also became familiar with some Physician Assistants during the time I was a social service case manager. To me, they are like doctors, just my own opinion. They seem to give patients more time and never hesitated to speak with their patients' family or workers. I have seen P.A.'s go above and beyond while working in a clinic setting. This is just one viewpoint but everyone is different.
I encourage you to continue exploring this fine career and learn as much as you can. Visit a college that offers a P.A. program and ask for a tour and orientation to get a direct idea of what some programs are like so that you can consider one once you obtain your Bachelors Degree.
I do hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
This is a good question ! I am not a physician assistant but I have worked in two P.A. Programs as well as one D.O. Program so I have been around some students that were pursuing the P.A. or medical doctor path.
Are you in High School or College right now ? The basic foundation to pursue your career would be to take human science classes the whole time you're in junior high and high school. Subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, and if your high school offers Organic Chemistry but you'd have that in college.
When you are applying to undergraduate colleges, read up on the requirements of the medical school or Physician Assistant programs and see what is required for that school. Again, in undergraduate college, you would major in any one of the health sciences. It is in the Physician Assistant Program, which is intense, that you will learn everything specifically to be a Physician Assistant. You didn't say if you are in high school or college, but in general, you should read the Physician Assistant program catalogues now to see what various programs are requiring and take those courses.
You may want to take an online class for Medical Terminology. This will give you familiarity of the terms and phrases that you will need to be familiar with as you study Physician Assistant. You will do rotations in your third or fourth year of the P.A. program, depending on the school. Rotations are where you work in various doctor offices or clinics or hospitals and work with patients. You basically take a history and maybe some simple vitals to prepare to give the supervising/attending physician.
Although it is an intense and focused program, the students that I worked with were very knowledgeable and had really great bedside manners. They follow a strict guideline that they are tested on and work on patients as students. These "patients" are part of the simulation process for the students' exams. These exams can happen in the first or second year of P.A. school.
I also became familiar with some Physician Assistants during the time I was a social service case manager. To me, they are like doctors, just my own opinion. They seem to give patients more time and never hesitated to speak with their patients' family or workers. I have seen P.A.'s go above and beyond while working in a clinic setting. This is just one viewpoint but everyone is different.
I encourage you to continue exploring this fine career and learn as much as you can. Visit a college that offers a P.A. program and ask for a tour and orientation to get a direct idea of what some programs are like so that you can consider one once you obtain your Bachelors Degree.
I do hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Hi! I’m a senior in high school. Unfortunately I really didn’t think this may be a career path for me until this Summer however I have always had top grades in every class but I lean to sciences and math.
Since my schedule is set now, wondering what else I could do outside of school to help. Thank you!
Danielle
You are very welcome, Danielle. You can try an online Medical Terminology class if you want something outside of school.
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Danielle,
Great question! Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a rewarding career path that combines medical knowledge with hands-on patient care. PAs work collaboratively with physicians to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform procedures.
What It's Like to Be a PA:
Role and Responsibilities: PAs work closely with doctors to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. They perform physical exams, interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. The specific duties can vary based on the specialty and setting (e.g., hospitals, clinics, surgical centers).
Work Environment: PAs often work in fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environments, especially in emergency medicine or surgical settings. They may work long hours, including nights and weekends, depending on their specialty and practice setting.
Patient Interaction: PAs typically have a lot of patient interaction, which can be fulfilling. They build relationships with patients and often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Education and Training: Becoming a PA requires a Master's degree from an accredited PA program, which typically involves rigorous coursework and clinical rotations. PA programs usually require prior healthcare experience and a relevant undergraduate degree.
Educational Path to Becoming a PA:
Undergraduate Degree: While there isn't a specific major required for PA school, many students choose to major in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Some PA programs also accept other majors as long as prerequisite courses are completed.
Prerequisite Courses: Most PA programs require coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. These courses provide a strong foundation for the advanced medical training in PA school.
Experience: Clinical experience, such as working as a medical assistant, nurse, or EMT, is often required for PA school admission. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding patient care and the healthcare environment.
PA Program: PA programs typically take about 2–3 years to complete and include both didactic coursework and clinical rotations. The curriculum covers various medical topics and allows students to gain practical experience in different specialties.
Certification and Licensing: After graduating from a PA program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified PA. Additionally, you will need to obtain state licensure to practice.
Overall, becoming a PA requires a significant commitment to education and training but offers a fulfilling career with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
Best wishes!
Great question! Becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is a rewarding career path that combines medical knowledge with hands-on patient care. PAs work collaboratively with physicians to diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform procedures.
What It's Like to Be a PA:
Role and Responsibilities: PAs work closely with doctors to diagnose, treat, and manage patient care. They perform physical exams, interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop treatment plans. The specific duties can vary based on the specialty and setting (e.g., hospitals, clinics, surgical centers).
Work Environment: PAs often work in fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environments, especially in emergency medicine or surgical settings. They may work long hours, including nights and weekends, depending on their specialty and practice setting.
Patient Interaction: PAs typically have a lot of patient interaction, which can be fulfilling. They build relationships with patients and often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Education and Training: Becoming a PA requires a Master's degree from an accredited PA program, which typically involves rigorous coursework and clinical rotations. PA programs usually require prior healthcare experience and a relevant undergraduate degree.
Educational Path to Becoming a PA:
Undergraduate Degree: While there isn't a specific major required for PA school, many students choose to major in a science-related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Some PA programs also accept other majors as long as prerequisite courses are completed.
Prerequisite Courses: Most PA programs require coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics. These courses provide a strong foundation for the advanced medical training in PA school.
Experience: Clinical experience, such as working as a medical assistant, nurse, or EMT, is often required for PA school admission. This hands-on experience is crucial for understanding patient care and the healthcare environment.
PA Program: PA programs typically take about 2–3 years to complete and include both didactic coursework and clinical rotations. The curriculum covers various medical topics and allows students to gain practical experience in different specialties.
Certification and Licensing: After graduating from a PA program, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified PA. Additionally, you will need to obtain state licensure to practice.
Overall, becoming a PA requires a significant commitment to education and training but offers a fulfilling career with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives.
Best wishes!