Getting through Physician Assistant (PA) school is a long and arduous process. With an average course length of 2-3 years, it’s certainly a significant commitment to make. But how long exactly is PA school and what can you expect to encounter during the program? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of PA school and explore the length of the program, the types of courses you’ll take, and the overall timeline you’ll need to plan for. We’ll also discuss the importance of taking advantage of resources and networking opportunities while in school, as well as the various certifications and specializations that are available after graduation. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect during PA school and be ready to make an informed decision about your future.
What is a PA and what do they do?
A PA offers basic medical care and supports both patients and doctors. Here are some typical duties of a PA:
How long is PA school?
A program called PA, or physician assistant school, prepares future physician assistants to work in the medical industry. Graduates of PA programs have the option to pursue additional certifications, which can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete, and can take between six and eight years to complete. Physician assistants are required to gain clinical experience, which can result in an additional 2,000–4,000 training hours.
How to become a PA
You can take the following typical career path to become a PA:
1. Get a bachelors degree
Before submitting an application to a recognized masters program, physician assistants must complete a bachelor’s degree program, which can take three to four years to complete. Although PAs have a variety of options, the degree program must be in either basic science or behavioral science Here are some common options for degree programs:
2. Take and pass the GRE
Students must pass the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, to be admitted to a master’s program. Students who successfully complete their bachelor’s degree can apply to graduate programs after taking the GRE. Some programs have specific score requirements in order to apply. Be aware of the minimum score requirements for your graduate programs, and retake the test if necessary.
3. Apply to a masters program
You can apply for an ARC-PA-certified graduate program after completing a bachelor’s degree program and taking the GRE. Hundreds of master’s programs are supervised by the ARC-PA, or Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, at various universities. The ARC-PA ensures the quality and consistency of each program. PA students must bring a cumulative GPA of 3. 5 from their undergraduate program and a GRE score of at least 300 to qualify. There are some schools that accept the GRE, MCAT, or medical college admission test.
Each test carries a fee. The GRE is about $200, and the MCAT is about $315. The MCAT has 30 specific testing dates that students must apply for, though testing centers offer the exam all year. The GRE can be taken up to five times annually, but the MCAT has more restrictions. The MCAT exam can only be taken seven times in your lifetime.
4. Gain clinical experience
As a student physician assistant, you can gain practical experience throughout your education. Before being certified, the majority of states and programs demand a minimum of 2,000 to 4,000 hours of experience in a clinical setting. Under the guidance of a qualified physician, clinical experience can help you learn the fundamentals of patient care and medical procedures. Your coursework can be supplemented with this information to give you a fuller understanding of the workplace and medical settings.
5. Pass the PANCE test
For students pursuing a physician assistant certification, the PANCE, or Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam, is the last step. You can apply for the PANCE exam after completing a graduate program that is recognized. The exam assesses your knowledge of both fundamental and advanced medical concepts, as well as patient care methods, medical terminology, and medical ethics. Up to six attempts may be made over a six-year period. If you pass the PANCE exam, you can apply for certification in your state. Review your states medical board requirements for more information.
6. Consider other certifications
For PAs who want to deepen their medical understanding, boost their income, and pursue new career opportunities in medicine, some programs offer specialty certifications. Specialty certifications license PAs in specific medical practices, such as:
Additional certifications have their own GPA and clinical specifications, along with fees for each certification and the number of hours of clinical training. Certifications can cost between $300 and $500 each.
7. Earn continuing education credits
Up to 100 additional credits per year in specialized or general medical studies can be used to maintain your certification. PAs can demonstrate a desire to advance their careers by maintaining and expanding their knowledge through ongoing education. This can help you advance in your career and make you more appealing to prospective employers because PAs frequently possess a broad range of knowledge. Additionally, PAs need to recertify every ten years by passing the PANCE exam once more.
5 things I wish I knew before PA school (what to expect)
FAQ
How many years does it take to get a PA?
PA programs usually take three years to complete. They involve both clinical work and classroom work, as you might anticipate. There must be 2,000 hours of clinical rotations in all PA programs, giving students a wide range of clinical experiences.
How long is PA School vs med school?
The first step on the road to both health care roles is earning a four-year college degree. Then, aspirants to become physician assistants enroll in a two- to three-year PA program, while aspirants to become doctors enroll in a four-year medical program. Prior to applying, both routes require specific science prerequisites and relevant experience.
Is becoming a PA hard?
PA programs only last two years, which is a short amount of time. Rigorous School Program However, the pace of learning and the sheer amount of information present a difficult task that calls for strong organizational abilities.
