John Bielinski, MS PA-C 
Becoming a physician assistant is a challenging journey, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding one. Physician assistants, or PAs, are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of a licensed physician and provide medical care to patients. They perform a wide range of duties, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and assisting in surgeries. Quite frankly, it’s an awesome profession for anyone who loves to help people and is a lifelong learner.
If you’re considering becoming a physician assistant, there are several requirements and challenges you’ll need to overcome. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what it takes to become a PA.
Education Requirements
The first step in becoming a physician assistant is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific major required for PA school, it’s recommended that students pursue a degree in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry.
After completing a bachelor’s degree, aspiring PAs must complete a Master’s degree in physician assistant studies, which typically takes two years to complete. PA programs are highly competitive and typically require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, as well as several prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and other sciences.
Certification and Licensing
After completing a PA program, graduates must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become certified as a physician assistant. The exam covers a wide range of medical topics, including pharmacology, pathology, and clinical interventions.
In addition to certification, PAs must also obtain a state license to practice. Licensing requirements vary by state, but typically involve passing a state-specific exam and completing continuing education courses.
Challenges
The journey to becoming a physician assistant is not an easy one. PA programs are highly competitive, and students must dedicate themselves to a rigorous course of study that includes classroom lectures, hands-on clinical experience, and countless hours of studying.
Once certified and licensed, PAs also face several challenges in their careers. They must work closely with supervising physicians and other healthcare professionals, which requires strong communication and interpersonal skills. They must also keep up with the latest developments in medicine and continuously improve their skills through continuing education courses.
Perhaps the biggest challenge that PAs face is managing the emotional toll of working in healthcare. They often work with patients who are seriously ill or injured, and they must be able to maintain their composure in the face of difficult and emotionally-charged situations.
Conclusion
Becoming a physician assistant is a challenging but rewarding journey. Aspiring PAs must complete a bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree in physician assistant studies, and pass both the PANCE and a state licensing exam. They must also possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to manage the emotional toll of working in healthcare.
While the road to becoming a physician assistant is a difficult one, the job itself is incredibly rewarding. PAs have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients and to work alongside other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality medical care. If you’re up for the challenge, a career as a physician assistant might be the perfect fit for you.
