Physician Assistant Resources: Information about Physician Assistants

There are several steps a person must take in order to become a PA.

1. An applicant to a PA program must complete at least two years of college courses in basic science and behavioral science as prerequisites to PA training.
   • Most PA students have earned a bachelor’s degree and have about three years of health care experience before entering a PA program.
    
2. A prospective PA must complete his or her education at an accredited PA program. Accreditation is granted by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.
   • PA programs are approximately 27 months long and include classroom and clinical instruction.
    
3. Before a PA can practice, he or she must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examadministered by the National Commission of the Certification of Physician Assistants.
   • Only graduates from accredited PA programs are allowed to take the PANCE.
    
4. When a prospective PA passes the PANCE, then he or she can use the credentials “PA-C”, which stands for “Physician Assistant-Certified.”
   • To maintain national certification, a PA must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and pass the Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam every six years.
    
5. Before a PA can begin practicing, he or she will also need to obtain authorization to practice in his or her state.
   • A PA must obtain licensing, registration or certification to practice through state licensing authorities.