Physician Assistant

• Physician Assistants (PAs) need a master’s in PA Studies, accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.
• Undergraduate degrees vary but must provide sufficient preparation for a rigorous PA program. Common undergrad majors include anatomy, biology, health sciences, chemistry, microbiology, and physiology. Many grad school applicants have to take prerequisites to qualify if they didn’t take the right prep classes 
• Common prereqs are anatomy, general chemistry, physiology, microbiology, statistics, and general psychology
• In addition, PA grad school applicants need real-world patient care experience. That’s why it is not uncommon for PA students to have work backgrounds as Registered Nurses, EMTs, or Paramedics
  • Note, some applicants earn patient care experience through volunteerism
• Master’s programs involve in-class and lab instruction in pathology, human anatomy, physiology, clinical medicine, pharmacology, physical diagnosis, and medical ethics
• Other training includes supervised clinical rotations in settings such as family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics
• All states require PAs to pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants’ Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Those who pass are “Physician Assistant - Certified” and can apply for licensure
  • The PANCE is tough but has a high pass rate for first-time test takers, ranging from 98% in 2018 to 93% in 2021)
• Certified PAs must maintain currency through continuing education plus retaking their exam every decade
• Licensure criteria also dictate that PAs need an agreement with a supervising physician
• There are several additional certifications that PAs can earn, such as:
  • Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professionals -
    • Certification of Healthcare CPD Professional
    • Healthcare CPD Associate
  • Certyfikacja Biofeedback International Alliance - 
    • Technician Certification in Neurofeedback
    • Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback
    • Board Certified in Neurofeedback
    • Technician Certification in Biofeedback
  • Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution - Certified Ambulatory Surgery Technician
  • National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy - Wound Care Certification
  • National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants - Orthopaedic Physician's Assistant Certification
  • National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants - 
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Hospital Medicine
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Psychiatry
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Nephrology
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Orthopaedic Surgery
    • Physician Assistant - Certified
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Emergency Medicine
    • Certified Physician Assistant - Pediatrics
  • The National Certification Corporation - 
    • Certificate of Added Qualifications: Electronic Fetal Monitoring
    • Certificate of Added Qualification in Neonatal Pediatric Transport
  • Vascular Access Certification Corporation - Vascular Access-Board Certified

• Work as an EMT or paramedic, registered nurse, nursing assistant, or similar care position
• Volunteer opportunities at hospitals or clinics, or working with special-needs or at-risk groups, such as orphaned youth or homeless populations.

"Obviously, take science courses and study.  Volunteer!  Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, health fairs, homeless shelters or maybe medical missions.  Most of these do not require any medical knowledge, but they are places that need help and there is a place for everyone.  Another great idea is to join “pre-PA” groups to continue to learn about the profession and if you find the opportunity shadow a PA (or more) while they are working to get a better understanding of what the role is all about." Cyndy Flores, Senior Director Advanced Providers, Vituity

• PA hopefuls need real-world patient care experience to get accepted into a graduate program. Many gain experience by working as an EMT, paramedic, registered nurse, or nursing assistant
• Sufficient relevant volunteerism may be enough to qualify to admission into a PA graduate program, but check with the programs you’re interested in
  • Relevant volunteer experiences might include working at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or governmental-sponsored sites (such as homeless shelters)
• Take college prep classes in high school, including anatomy, physiology, biology, math, English, and communications. Study hard to earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable college program
• Shadow or interview a working PA
• Consider which major you want to pursue a bachelor’s in. Make sure it covers the necessary prerequisites for entry into a master’s program later
• Join relevant student clubs and participate in professional organizations like the American Academy of PAs (see our list of Resources > Websites)
• Read or watch interviews with PAs and learn about their various daily duties
• Think about where you want to work. PAs are employed in doctor’s offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, for governmental agencies, and for educational services
• Consider writing articles for publication on healthcare websites and in print journals! Writing credits always look great on a resume or CV! 
• Learn about the specific licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in
• Stay out of trouble so you can pass the background check (if applicable)!
• Develop a personal workout schedule so you can stay in shape and help patients, when needed