How to Become a Physician Assistant Pittsburgh PA

Steps

1. Get lots of medical experience. Physician Assistant programs love for their applicants to have broad medical knowledge. 2 years of hands on patient care is usually sufficient. People who usually apply are medical assistants, nursing assistant, Licensed Practical/Vocational nurses, athletic trainers, physical therapy technicians, emergency medical technicians, and military medics.
2. Get a bachelor s degree. Any bachelor s degree would do, but there are other classes that are required for admission. Usually, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology 101, Microbiology, Math, and English are standard.
3. Research the program/s of your choice. See what their requirements are, read their website in detail.
4. Contact the program directly. Tell them that you're interested in applying. Ask them to mail you an information packet.
5. Try to find someone who's graduated from the program of your choice. At least try to meet a physician assistant, preferably a new graduate. Talk to them, learn from them, get their recommendation.
6. Open an account with CASPA (Central Application Service for Physician Assistants). Most of the programs ask that you apply to them through CASPA. Note that some programs may require additional application, such as application for admission to their university. CASPA applications take a long time to complete, so apply early. It helps to gather all of your educational and employment information before you apply.
7. Find at least three people (at least one has to be a doctor or physician assistant) to write you good recommendations.
8. Write your personal statement. On CASPA application read the question and try to answer it in a clear, grammatically correct essay. Proof read, have others proof read, and ask for more help on writing your personal statement. Your personal statement is your first impression. Make it stand out!
9. Complete any additional paperwork that the PA program may require.
10. Interview. If you were invited to the interview, pat yourself on the back and start preparing.
    • Do a mock interview with a doctor and a physician assistant. Ask them about the questions that are asked during the admissions interview.
    • Read about the history of the profession. Learn as much as possible about the specific PA job.
    • Dress professionally. If you have no idea what to wear, ask for assistance from sales representatives.
    • Arrive early to the interview.
    • Act professionally during the interview. Don't fidget around, don't ask too many questions.

Tips

• According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), the typical PA student is 27 years old, with a bachelor's degree and three years of experience in providing health care.
• You are never too old to return to school
• Apply early.
• Follow through with CASPA.
• Shadow a physician assistant.
• Military experience (medical) is favorable but not required.
• High School GED Required

Warnings

• Prerequisite classes and degree requirements vary from program to program. There are still PA programs that are a certificate, requiring only a few classes and no degree.
• Do not confuse physician assistant with medical assistant.
• Application process may cost you lot of money; close to $1000.
• Admission is not guaranteed.

Things You'll Need

• Basic science, english, math, and anatomy classes.
• Two-three years of medical experience(depending on the program, some don't require any)
• Good recomendations
• Good GPA 3.0-4.0

Sources and Citations

• http://www.physicianassistantforum.com
• http://navydoc04.googlepages.com/home
• http://www.aapa.org
• http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm
• http://www.become-a-doctor.com
• http://www.lifeofapa.com

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to How to Become a Physician Assistant. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.