How to become a PA.com

Education of a Physician Assistant

The entire education process of a PA.

Process

To get into a PA program you must first meet some requirements.

Most all programs require a bachelors degree, as many of the programs are moving towards awarding a masters degree upon completion as opposed to the trational certificate awarded for successfully completing the program. Along with this requirement there are specific courses that must be completed prior to application.

In addition to a strong academic background, most physician assistant programs require medical experience prior to application.

Once accepted into a program you must complete the 2-3 year accredited ARC-PA program.

Once completed you must take and pass a national certification program given by the NCCPA in order to practice with a supervising physician. Many states also require you to register in the state in which you are practicing in.

You must retain NCCPA certification throughout your carrer by completing 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and take a recertification exam every six years. If you fail to maintain certification you will have to take the more difficult certification exam.

Congratulations, this is the start of a new path.

See additional topics discussed in this article:
Specific Course requirements
Medical experience requirements