Physician Assistant Schools and Colleges

If you’re interested in a career as a certified physician assistant, there are many conditions and variables to keep in mind. Read on to learn about the requirements needed to successfully complete training programs.

How Do I Evaluate Physician Assistant Schools and Training Programs?

Consider the following factors when researching schools and applying to physician assistant (PA) programs:

• Pass rates of examinations – What percentage of students pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination the first time?
• Settings for clinical rotations – Where are clinical rotations conducted? Are there one or more surgery rotations for students who want to specialize in this area? Do students have a choice of where they want to complete their rotations?
• Level of degree – What level of degree can be earned (associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s)? Will this level of degree qualify students for the type of jobs they are seeking?
• Prerequisites – What are the prerequisites of the program? What additional coursework will need to be completed beforehand? How much direct patient care experience is needed?
• Reputation – What is the reputation of the program? What about the reputations of the medical institutions where clinical rotations will be completed?

Where Can I Attend a Physician Assistant Program?
In the United States, over 140 accredited physician assistant training programs are available for aspiring candidates. Programs are generally affiliated with two- and four-year colleges and university schools of medicine or allied health. Most program application deadlines fall between November and March and most programs begin between May and September. A list of PA programs can be found on the website of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).

An Online PA Programs Directory, published by the PAEA, lists contact information, admission deadlines, entrance requirements, tuition fees, financial aid, clinical affiliations, and other information for every member program.

What Coursework Should I Expect in Physician Assistant Training Programs?
Physician assistant training programs generally require around two years of study. The first year is typically composed of classroom studies – essential medical sciences such as microbiology, anatomy, and physiology – followed by a year of clinical rotations in private practice and institutional settings. Below are some classes you can take.

What Levels of Degrees Can I Attain?
As a student in the physician assistant program, you can currently receive an associate’s, baccalaureate, or master’s degree in physician assisting. Regardless of the academic degree awarded, all graduates sit for the same national certifying exam. Over 10,000 students are expected to be enrolled in PA programs during every academic year.

Although accredited certificate and associate’s degree programs are widely available, physician assistants generally participate in programs that result in bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

• Bachelor of Arts in Physician Assisting (BA-PA) – This accelerated 4-year program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree in conjunction with your graduate level PA certificate. The first two years usually involve courses in basic sciences, mathematics, and liberal arts. The third and fourth years include nine months of clinical course work and 12 months of clinical rotations. Most BA-PA programs admit students into the program on a conditional pre-professional status, until the first two years are complete.
• Master of Arts in Physician Assisting (MA-PA) – Getting a bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for a master’s degree program. The first year emphasizes coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, geriatrics, surgery, and psychology. The second year emphasizes clinical experience in primary care and medical specialties.

Are There Any Prerequisites for Entering PA Training Programs?
Nearly every training program requires some kind of healthcare experience before admission. Baccalaureate programs require a minimum of two years of college credits. Master’s degree programs demand both academic prowess and a wealth of experience in the healthcare field.
How Do I Qualify for Physician Assistant Positions After Completing a Training Program?
Upon completion of an accredited program, graduates receive eligibility to take the national certification exam provided by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Only individuals who pass the test can wear the title Physician Assistant-Certified(PA-C). Like every other medical professional, PAs keep up with medical advances through continuing medical education (CME) courses. To maintain national certification, PAs must complete 100 hours of CME every two years and take a recertification exam every six years. Graduation from an accredited PA program and passage of the NCCPA exam are required for state licensure.