Here’s a brief list of what Physician Assistants do:

• Patient Assessment: Conducting thorough medical histories, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests to assess patients' health conditions.

• Diagnosis and Treatment: Assisting in diagnosing medical conditions, interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians.

• Medical Procedures: Performing various medical procedures under the supervision of a physician, including suturing wounds, casting fractures, and assisting in surgeries.

• Prescribing Medications: Prescribing medications and therapies within their scope of practice and under the supervision of a physician.

• Patient Education: Providing patient education on medical conditions, treatment plans, preventive care, and lifestyle modifications.

• Clinical Decision-Making: Making clinical decisions and recommendations based on patient assessments, medical guidelines, and collaboration with healthcare team members.

• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Promoting preventive healthcare measures, screening tests, and vaccinations to improve patient health outcomes.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

1. Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Start by earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While specific majors are not always required, coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare-related subjects can be beneficial.

• Prerequisite Courses: Complete prerequisite courses required by PA programs, which typically include biology, chemistry (including organic chemistry), anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and psychology.

2. Gain Healthcare Experience:

• Clinical Experience: Obtain hands-on patient care experience through healthcare-related work or volunteer positions. This experience can include working as a medical assistant, emergency medical technician (EMT), paramedic, nurse, or in another healthcare role.

3. Apply to Accredited PA Program:

• Master’s Degree Program: Apply to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) or similar accredited PA program. PA programs are typically 2-3 years in length and include classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations.

• Accreditation: Choose a PA program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Accreditation ensures that the program meets national standards for quality and prepares graduates for PA licensure.

4. Complete PA Program Requirements:

• Curriculum: Complete the required coursework and clinical rotations as part of the PA program curriculum. Courses typically cover topics such as pharmacology, pathology, clinical medicine, diagnostic techniques, ethics, and legal issues in healthcare.

• Clinical Rotations: Gain hands-on experience in various medical specialties during clinical rotations, which are supervised by licensed healthcare professionals.

5. Pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE):

• Exam Preparation: Prepare for the PANCE, which is the national certification exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The exam assesses your medical knowledge and readiness to practice as a PA.

• Licensure: Upon passing the PANCE exam, you will earn the PA-C (Certified) credential. To practice as a PA, you must obtain state licensure, which requires passing the PANCE and meeting additional state-specific requirements.

6. Obtain State Licensure:

• State Licensure: Apply for state licensure as a Physician Assistant through your state board of medicine or licensing authority. Requirements vary by state but typically include passing the PANCE exam, completing a certain number of clinical hours, and fulfilling continuing education requirements.

  This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!