How to Become a Physician Assistant: Education, Certification, and Continuing Medical Education

Physician Assistants (PAs) are crucial members of the medical team, working in partnership with physicians to provide high-quality care across various settings. The journey to becoming a PA is comprehensive, encompassing a competitive application process, extensive training, a demanding certification process, and ongoing medical education. This post delves into each of these stages, offering a detailed overview for anyone interested in pursuing this rewarding career.

This post written by Natalie Michelle MPAS PA-C.

1. Education: Laying the Foundation

Bachelor’s Degree

The first step toward becoming a PA is completing a bachelor's degree. While there's no specific "pre-PA" major, candidates typically pursue undergraduate studies in fields like biology, chemistry, or health sciences. This phase provides foundational knowledge in science and prepares students for the advanced coursework they will encounter in PA programs. Applicants are also expected to complete prerequisite courses, which may include subjects such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, and statistics.

Gaining Healthcare Experience

Admission into PA programs is highly competitive, and candidates are usually required to have healthcare experience. This experience can be obtained through various roles, such as EMT, paramedic, medical assistant, or nurse, providing practical exposure to patient care and the healthcare environment. The required hours of experience can vary by program but typically range from 500 to 2,000 hours.

2. PA Program: Advanced Education and Clinical Training

Master’s Level PA Programs

PA education has evolved to a master's level, typically requiring two to three years (about 27 months on average) of full-time study. These programs are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and combine classroom instruction with clinical rotations.

Didactic Phase

The first year of a PA program focuses on classroom and laboratory instruction in medical sciences, including courses in pharmacology, pathology, human anatomy, physiology, and medical ethics. This phase equips students with the theoretical knowledge necessary for effective clinical practice.

Clinical Rotations

The second year transitions to clinical rotations, offering hands-on experience in various medical settings. PA students complete rotations in core areas of medicine, such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. These rotations are critical for applying classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, allowing students to gain proficiency in diagnosing and treating patients under the supervision of experienced physicians and PAs.

3. Certification: The PANCE

Upon completing a PA program, graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The PANCE is a comprehensive exam that assesses medical and surgical knowledge necessary for entry into practice as a certified PA.

Preparing for the PANCE

Effective preparation for the PANCE involves reviewing core medical knowledge, understanding the exam format, and completing practice questions. Many students begin preparing several months before taking the exam, using resources such as review books, online courses, and study groups.

Maintaining Certification

After passing the PANCE, PAs earn the "PA-C" designation, signifying they are a Certified Physician Assistant. To maintain certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) every two years and pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) every ten years.

4. Continuing Medical Education: Lifelong Learning

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is an essential component of a PA's career, ensuring they remain knowledgeable about the latest in medical science and patient care. CME can be obtained through various activities, including conferences, workshops, online courses, and self-study programs.

Types of CME

CME activities are categorized into Category 1 (accredited activities designed to enhance clinical knowledge and skills) and Category 2 (non-accredited educational activities that contribute to professional development). PAs are encouraged to engage in both types of CME to support their professional growth and ensure high-quality patient care.

Specialty Certifications

PAs looking to specialize can pursue additional certifications in areas such as emergency medicine, surgery, or psychiatry. These certifications may require specific CME credits related to the specialty, along with passing a specialty-specific exam.

Conclusion

The path to becoming a Physician Assistant is challenging but deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives. From the initial steps of obtaining a bachelor's degree and healthcare experience to completing a rigorous PA program and achieving certification, each stage prepares candidates for a successful career in medicine. Continuing Medical Education ensures that PAs remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and patient care throughout their careers. For those drawn to the healthcare field, becoming a PA represents a fulfilling opportunity to deliver compassionate, high-quality medical care as part of a dynamic healthcare team.