Different schools have different admission policies. There are some schools that will allow students to enroll if they have spent some time working in a healthcare position but most of them do require that a degree in the science field is completed prior to enrolling. Someone that has completed their degree in a science field and that has worked in the healthcare industry for a while will be almost instantly accepted. This means that your years of experience as well as your years in school will count towards the time that it takes to get into the school.
Here is one very important piece of advice: if you are serious about getting into the school, spend some time doing some research to learn the history involved in the physician assistant position and speak to someone in the healthcare industry that can help you to be more prepared during the interview. You need to find a source that can tell you what the likely questions will be during the interview. If the admissions committee does not accept the application that you turn in then you should consider how much time you spent on trying because now you have to try to get admission to another school.
As you consider signing up for a physician assistant class, keep in mind that a twenty six month accredited course must be taken prior to beginning to practice according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, or AAPA. You should be certain that your school is accredited and should add this extra twenty six months onto the time that it will take to begin working. The NCCPA, or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, will be administering the exams. There may be a brochure or packet available from the school so be sure to ask.
An account must be opened with Central Applications Service for Physician Assistants, or CAPSA, as part of the admissions process for a physician assistant. Now, CAPSA does not process applications in quick time – it takes rather long. You will need to consider this additional time spend with CAPSA and make sure that you have send in the application early so it is not approved after the classes have begun. You do not want to miss any time out of the classes. Sometimes the college will mandate the students be enrolled in an affiliate university as part of their application processes. Once you review the factors that have been discussed you are sure to come to the understanding that when you want to become a physician assistant, you must be diligent with your preparation and planning and should plan on committing several years gathering the education and experience that you need.
A test is given at the end of the physician assistant course and this will determine if they are able to begin practicing. These testing programs and exams vary from state to state. Each state is the same in their requirement for a graduating physician assistant to take a licensing exam that the state gives. Some states allow Physician Assistants to start practice after passing the license exam, while some states don’t. You should factor this time into your calculations as well. The official title of Physician Assistant – Certified, or PA-C, is only earned once the physician assistant has passed the NCCPA exam, or National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants’ exam. The final title of PA-C can only be maintained if the PA is able to complete at least 100 hours in continuing education classes within each two year time frame and if they get their skills tested once every six years; this will earn them the – C at the end of their title.
As stated earlier, becoming a Physician Assistant is a long process and therefore one must be sure of what one does every step of the way. Calculate the time that will be taken before enrolling for the course and you will find that careful planning and timing can lead you to success in the profession.
‘How long does it take to become a physician assistant?’ is a commonly asked question among students interested in becoming one. For a more detailed explanation, please visit: Physician Assistant Salary
