Looking to make a difference in improving patient outcomes and the healthcare system? Physician assistants are fast being heralded as crucial to improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare. Much in demand, Physician Assistants (PAs) are one of the fastest growing careers in the medical field. U.S. News ranked physician assistant as the number two best healthcare job in 2022.
If you are looking to explore a career as a PA, the first step is to learn more about the significant role of physician assistants.
What do PAs do?
Physician Assistants, also known as Physician Associates, are nationally certified and state-licensed providers who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, perform procedures and often serve as the patient’s principal healthcare provider. They work closely with other healthcare professionals as a team to provide patient care.
PAs practice medicine in every field ranging from pediatrics, to emergency rooms, surgery and private practice through geriatric and hospice care.
What are your chances of getting into PA school?
It’s no surprise that the number of students interested in how to get into PA school is rapidly rising, making it more competitive than ever to be admitted into a PA program.
About 27,283 people apply to PA school each year. According to the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA), the average PA school acceptance rate is approximately 20%, meaning that about 20% of all applicants across the nation gain acceptance to a PA program in any admissions cycle. The good news: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 27.6% employment growth for physician assistants between 2021 and 2031. In that period, an estimated 38,400 jobs should open up.
But do not be dissuaded. There are many ways you can make yourself a frontrunner in the pool of PA school candidates. Here’s 5 tips for navigating the pre-PA track and increasing your chances of getting into PA school:
- Find the right program
Do your homework to explore the program you want to apply to through the Physician Assistant Education Association.
- Get a bachelor’s degree
Earning your bachelor’s degreed from an accredited college is the first step to becoming a physician assistant. Focusing on a science curriculum will help build your PA prerequisites. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college is the first step to becoming a physician assistant.
- Get clinical experience
Many of the top PA programs in the U.S. require 1,000 to 4,000 hours of direct patient healthcare experience, according to the American Association of Physician Assistants. One of the ways to get that experience is to gain a certificate. You can become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in just eight weeks through a fully-certified online pre-health certification. - Demonstrate your depth of experience.
A deep dive into a specialized certificate program will train you with skills and grow your understanding of medical terminology. You’ll also further your understanding of diagnosis and treatment of disease. - Find a mentorMentors can open doors and connect you to significant networks through each stage of your education and PA career. When you work or shadow alongside them, you’re not only gaining frontline experience, they can provide letters of recommendation showcasing your strong interest in a PA career.
Find out more about how a pre-medicine certificated can help you build a powerful foundation in preparation to get accepted in a PA school and pursue a career in this medical career here.
