Love the thought of working in the medical field? A Physician Assistant (PA) career may be the right path for you! With wholehearted effort, studying, and school, a PA career is one of the most rewarding, exciting medical careers possible.
With that being said, here’s how to become a physician assistant!
Steps to Become a Physician Assistant
1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
This is the first requirement necessary to apply to a PA program. Your bachelor’s degree doesn’t have to be in a specific major, so if you already have one, no worries. Although, you may have to take additional classes to meet some prerequisites.
Haven’t picked a major? Select a health science, biology, or pre-med degree that will lay the academic foundation you need to become a PA.
2. Gain Practical Healthcare Experience (HCE/PCE)
PA programs require applicants to have at least 1,000 hours of experience, referred to as Healthcare Experience (HCE) or Patient Care Experience (PCE). HCE is interacting with patients but not being directly responsible for their care, and PCE is hands-on involvement with patients.
Future PA students can take a gap year to fulfill these requirements, and with a solid plan, it can be acquired through roles such as medical technician or assistant, paramedic, physical therapy aide, or dental assistant.
3. Enroll in a PA Program
Once you’ve completed your prerequisites, it’s time to apply to a PA program! Submit your letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and HCE/PCE hours. After you’ve been accepted to an accredited PA program, you’ll have two years to complete the program and earn your master’s degree.
Here, you’ll gain priceless hands-on experience through clinical rotations. You will also complete rigorous academic coursework, covering anatomy, ethics, biology, pharmacology, and more. It may be challenging, but with Picmonic, you’ll have everything you need to learn, study, and recall information! Picmonic is a visual learning platform with 1,800+ picture mnemonics, unlimited quizzing, study guides, and more resources to ensure your success at PA school.
4. Prepare for and Pass the PANCE
You must take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) when you graduate. The PANCE assesses your knowledge and readiness to practice as a PA. But, don’t leave passing the PANCE to chance! Study and feel prepared for the PANCE with Picmonic. With comprehensive coverage of PA facts and topics, you’ll be ready for your big exam day.
For more PANCE tips and tricks, read our do’s and don’ts on how to study for the PANCE exam.
5. Obtain a State License to Practice
After you’ve passed the PANCE, you can apply for state licensure to practice. Of course, licensing requirements vary by state, but you generally need proof of completed education and PANCE certification.
6. Apply for PA Roles
Jump into the workforce! PAs are needed in all kinds of healthcare settings. Where can you envision yourself working? A hospital, clinic, or private practice are all great options. Update your resume with your most recent and relevant experiences, write a cover letter if necessary, and be sure to tailor your application materials for the role. The demand for PAs continues to grow, offering diverse employment opportunities, so there’s bound to be a place for you.
FAQs for Up-and-Coming Physician Assistants
Phew! That was a lot of information. If you still have lingering questions about becoming a PA, you’re not the only one. Read the most frequently asked ones below.
Is it hard to become a Physician Assistant?
The path to becoming a physician assistant can be winding—especially when navigating through new experiences like clinical rotations—but with determination and school-life balance, you’ll achieve your goals.
How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant?
Taking ALL the steps to become a PA typically takes around six to seven years. You can follow them to a T, but don’t be afraid to do your own thing. Your timeline may vary depending on circumstances (life happens), but it’s all worth it.
What are the key roles of a PA?
PAs play a vital role in healthcare, often working alongside physicians and other medical professionals to provide safe, quality patient care. Responsibilities include taking medical history, ordering and interpreting tests, monitoring patient progress, conducting physical exams, performing minor procedures, interpreting lab results, and counseling patients on preventive healthcare measures.
What is the average salary for a PA?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for PAs was $126,010 in 2022. Your salary may be higher or lower depending on your location, employer, and experience.
What qualities should a good PA have?
Essential PA qualities range from characteristics like compassion and empathy to critical thinking and effective communication. No matter what, you should be prepared to work with a team, be yourself, remain level-headed, and provide your patients with the care they need.
If becoming a PA is your next move, allow Picmonic to be a part of your journey! Sign up for Picmonic to study throughout PA school and for the PANCE. We’re here to help you succeed on your path to becoming a PA.
