Becoming a Physician Assistant

The position of physician assistant (PA) is among the most rapidly expanding and needed positions in health care careers.  Physician assistants play an integral role in the practice of medicine and the care of patients.  Should you become a physician assistant you will work under the care of a medical doctor and be directly responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of most illnesses, as well as prescribing medication.  You can also study a specialty such as geriatrics, pediatrics, or surgery.  If this sounds good to you, then here is your all-inclusive guide to becoming a physician’s assistant.

A physician assistant, while working under a licensed medical doctor, must he highly independent, motivated and able to make decisions alone.  It is not unusual for an attending physician to be present at all times but only consult on the difficult cases.  The American Academy of Physician Assistants states that a student must complete a 26-month accredited course before being able to practice.  Be sure to research your options carefully, there are many physician’s assistant programs out there so make sure the one you want is accredited

Most physician’s assistant programs do offer a bachelor degree, however it is recommended you achieve this beforehand.  The typical applicant already has a bachelor’s degree in a science related field, and some medical field experience.  These two things will make you look very motivated to the admissions committee at the PA program you choose.  Prerequisites do vary by program, so be sure to check with the educational program you want to apply to.

Once you’ve researched a few physician assistant programs, contact a few directly and ask them for an information packet.  Tell them you’re interested in applying and they should be more than happy to send you any and all information you need.  Try and find someone who has graduated from the program to find out their thoughts on their education.  Becoming a physician assistant is a long process, you should be sure that you’ve found the best program available to you.

You should open an account with CAPSA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants).  A majority of the programs you’ll find will require that you apply through CAPSA.  The application process for CAPSA does take a considerable amount of time, so apply as early as you can.  Please keep in mind that some physician assistant programs will require other application processes, such as applying to their accompanying university, so make sure you are clear on the requirements and what is being asked of you.

Getting statements from people who can recommend you to the program is also a good idea.  For a physician assistant program, three personal recommendations is highly encouraged and at least one of those must be a doctor or physician assistant.  You may also be required to undergo an interview with the admissions staff.  In this interview it is suggested that you demonstrate a decent knowledge of the history of physician assistants.  If you can ask some questions of a doctor or PA, this is also a great way to prepare for an interview.

Physician assisting education will model closely the education provided to other medical students.  You will attend not only classroom education but laboratory studies in basic medical services as well.  In the two-year program you will also complete clinical rotations in internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and geriatric medicine.  But, your education does not stop after your physician assistant program is complete.  To remain certified you must complete ongoing medical education courses and be re-tested on your medical skills regularly.

Once you have graduated from your physician assistant program you will be required to undergo testing in order to be able to practice.  While these requirements vary by state, one thing is constant.  You must successfully complete a state-licensing exam.  Some states will allow you to practice and start to gain some vital clinical experience while waiting for the exam, others will not.  Your physician assistant program instructor should be able to advise you on those guidelines.

Now you may notice that some physician assistants will have the title PA-C, instead of PA.  This is an indication that they are Physician assistant-certified.  This means they have completed the NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) exam and have consistently maintained 100 hours of ongoing medical education every two years and are re-tested on basic medical skills every six years.  The NCCPA is a separate entity to the American Academy of Physicians Assistant and members of it represent all medical professions.

Physician assistants are found in all areas of medicine both in the general field of practice and all sub specialties.  In your physician assistant program you will receive a very broad education in the field of medicine.  But that knowledge will be increased as you interact with patients and physicians, as well as in your continuing medical education.  Most physicians greatly appreciate having a physician assistant around the office to take on a bit of the workload.  Generally the two will work together to provide the best possible care with mutual respect for the other’s position.

There are a few precautions to keep in mind when starting your physician assistant education.   It is very easy to confuse a medical assisting program with a physician assistant program, but they are nowhere near the same thing.  Also some programs only offer certification without a degree.  This is fine if you already have a degree in a science related field, but if you do not be sure that you’re applying for a degreed program.

There is much to be learned and accomplished in the physician assistant profession.  It is a lot of work, but is a great stepping-stone to a continued and improved education in any field of medicine.  Whether you desire to stay a physician assistant until you retire or if you want to use it as a launching point into a different medical field, the opportunities are there.  This guide should get you on the right path to becoming a physician assistant.