[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician assistants (PAs) are in high demand as the need for healthcare services increases. PAs can work in many different healthcare settings. They provide many of the same services as physicians, but their training takes less time and costs less.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Find out how to become a physician assistant and what to expect from this rapidly growing career.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Physician Assistant?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician assistants are licensed medical providers with master’s degrees. They provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic healthcare services with a licensed physician.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PAs offer many of the same services as doctors, like conducting physical exams and prescribing medications. They work in hospitals, physician’s offices, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, and community health facilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many physician assistants and organizations advocate changing their title to “physician associates.” In 2021, the national professional group for PAs formally changed its name to the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to better reflect a PA’s duties.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, the AAPA stresses that PAs should not take on the new title until states adopt the necessary legislative and regulatory changes.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Earn a bachelor’s degree that fulfills PA program prerequisites.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some graduate PA programs accept undergraduate degrees in any subject. But a bachelor’s degree in natural science, healthcare science, a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) degree, or a specific pre-physician assistant program is the best preparation for graduate work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PA programs look for bachelor’s degree holders with a strong foundation in science and a high GPA, often 3.0 or better.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Gain patient care experience.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most PA programs require healthcare experience as a prerequisite. Applicants should have at least 1,000 hours of hands-on direct patient care, although some schools require as many as 4,000 hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring PAs can gain patient care experience working as [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-paramedic-to-rn-bridge-programs-online/”]emergency medical technicians or paramedics[/hen-ui-link] or licensed practical or registered nurses. Nursing assistants, surgical technicians, or similar positions can also provide the necessary experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep in mind that these roles have different eligibility and licensure requirements. For example, working as a licensed practical or registered nurse requires passing the appropriate[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/guide/”] National Council Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link] by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Complete a physician assistant master’s program.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a physician assistant, you must complete a master’s level PA program accredited through the [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.arc-pa.org/about/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-link] (ARC-PA). These programs, which take about 27 months to complete, include intensive classroom instruction, labs, and clinicals.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Pass the PANCE.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing a physician assistant master’s program, you must pass the physician assistant national certifying examination (PANCE). Then, you can apply for licensure in the state where you intend to work. Depending on the state, you may have to meet additional licensing requirements to practice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physician Assistant Education[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PAs must complete an accredited master’s level program that takes about three years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. A PA master’s program includes coursework on generalist medicine and at least 2,000 hours of clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-secondary” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While PA master’s programs accept applicants from different academic backgrounds, a strong science-focused undergraduate degree provides the best preparation for graduate work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many aspiring PAs earned their undergraduate degrees in biology or healthcare sciences. Some students enter a PA master’s after completing a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]BSN program[/hen-ui-link] or pre-physician assistant undergraduate program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most common prerequisites for the PA master’s degree include coursework in physiology and anatomy, general chemistry, microbiology, statistics, and general psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading]High school diploma or its equivalent; minimum 2.5 GPA; reference letters[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Program Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]Aspiring PAs may choose from many undergraduate majors and minors, so the program curriculum varies. Classes in the sciences and health sciences offer students an advantage. Dedicated pre-PA programs may cover evidence-based practice, medical-surgical nursing, assessment, and pharmacology. Students also complete clinical placements.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Time to Complete[/hen-ui-heading]2-4 years[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Skills Learned[/hen-ui-heading]PA master’s students learn writing and communication skills, master key concepts, build competencies in math and natural science, and refine their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Physician Assistant Licensure and Certification[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before you can apply for state licensure as a physician assistant, you must pass the PANCE exam administered by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nccpa.net/become-certified/” target=”_blank”]National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants[/hen-ui-link] (NCCPA). Only graduates of accredited ARC-PA programs can take the PANCE exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The PANCE exam, which you must take within 180 days of your graduation date, consists of 300 multiple-choice questions in five blocks of 60 questions. The exam covers medical content and task areas for entry-level practice as a certified physician assistant.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After successfully passing the exam and becoming NCCPA certified, you may use the physician assistant certified credential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Working as a Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The shortage of primary care physicians increases the need for PAs. The mounting healthcare needs of the aging population and patients with chronic diseases also drive demand. The demand is so great that three quarters of PAs receive several job offers when they graduate, reports AAPA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that PA positions will increase by 28% from 2023-2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Among the highest-paid healthcare professionals, PAs earn a median annual salary of $$133,260 as of May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $182,000 a year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These healthcare professionals can find employment in almost every kind of healthcare facility, performing many of the same duties handled by physicians. Their responsibilities correspond to their specialty areas and type of work setting.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, PAs working in general practice alongside physicians conduct physical exams, order diagnostic tests, and devise patient care plans. Those working in surgical settings assist with pre-admission, intraoperative procedures, postanesthesia care, and step-down unit treatment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PAs specializing in pediatrics may spend their time diagnosing childhood illnesses, prescribing medication, setting broken bones, and administering vaccinations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Physician Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many years does it take to become a physician assistant?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a physician assistant takes an average of seven years. In addition to earning a bachelor’s, admission to a PA program requires completing 1,000-4,000 hours of direct patient care experience. Most PA programs take 27 months, or three years, to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the quickest way to become a physician assistant?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there are no shortcuts to becoming a physician assistant, the most efficient way to prepare for this career is to ensure you have completed all prerequisite coursework and direct patient care requirements before your master’s program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online and hybrid master’s programs may not necessarily shorten the time needed to complete the degree, but they may provide more flexible and affordable options.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is it to become a physician assistant?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]PA programs can be as challenging as traditional medical school. The fast-paced three-year curriculum builds on previously learned knowledge. Didactic courses test students regularly to ensure they learn critical concepts. Students can expect two or more exams each week with a mandatory test pass rate of a C- or better.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Rigorous clinical placements make it difficult to have another job. Strategies for success include maintaining good time management skills, studying with classmates, and taking time for self-care to reduce stress.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do physician assistants get paid well?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Physician assistants make an average annual salary of $$133,260, with wages ranging from $95,000-$182,000. Pay levels vary by work setting, specialty areas, geographic location, and years of experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-earning industries in 2024 included government ($151,470), outpatient care centers ($147,650), and hospitals ($136,630).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Pages[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”34334,33988,34222″][/hen-ui-article-row][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Page last reviewed January 26, 2023[/hen-ui-text]