The path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) is both rewarding and rigorous. A career as a PA allows healthcare professionals to work alongside physicians, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and even prescribe medications.
However, the question many aspiring PAs ask is: How long does it take to become a Physician Assistant? The timeline varies depending on an individual's educational background, but most candidates complete the process in about six to seven years.
In this blog, we will outline the key steps and timeframes involved in becoming a PA while providing insight into Physician Assistant Jobs and how Physician Job Boards can help you land your dream role after completing your training.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
The first step on the road to becoming a Physician Assistant is earning a bachelor’s degree. Most aspiring PAs choose to major in a related field such as biology, health sciences, or pre-medicine. While it’s not mandatory to major in a specific subject, courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology are typically required prerequisites for PA programs.
Earning your bachelor’s degree typically takes around four years, though some students may complete it faster depending on their coursework load or if they have earned advanced placement credits in high school.
Step 2: Gain Healthcare Experience (1–2 Years)
Most PA programs require applicants to have some hands-on healthcare experience before applying. This requirement can vary between schools, but it usually ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 hours of patient care experience. This experience can be gained by working as a medical assistant, EMT, paramedic, or nurse, among other roles.
On average, it can take one to two years to gain the necessary healthcare experience, depending on your employment situation. Many applicants work full-time in healthcare roles to accumulate the required hours before applying to PA programs.
Step 3: Complete a Physician Assistant Program (2–3 Years)
After gaining healthcare experience and meeting the prerequisite coursework requirements, the next step is enrolling in a PA program. Accredited PA programs typically take two to three years to complete and culminate in a master’s degree. These programs include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various medical specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics.
During the clinical phase of the program, students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals, which prepares them for the Physician Assistant Certification Exam (PANCE).
Step 4: Pass the PANCE Exam and Obtain Licensure (3 Months)
Once you’ve completed your PA program, you will need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) to become a certified PA. This exam is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and assesses your knowledge in medical and surgical topics.
After passing the PANCE, you can apply for state licensure, which is required to practice as a Physician Assistant. The process for obtaining licensure varies by state but typically takes about three months. Once licensed, you can begin practicing as a PA and exploring various Physician Assistant Jobs on a Physician Job Board.
Total Time to Become a Physician Assistant: 6–7 Years
In summary, the total time to become a Physician Assistant is generally around six to seven years, broken down as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 years
- Healthcare Experience: 1–2 years
- PA Program: 2–3 years
- PANCE and Licensure: 3 months
The exact timeframe may vary based on your individual circumstances, such as the length of time it takes to complete healthcare experience or how quickly you can get licensed.
Step 5: How to Find Physician Assistant Jobs
Once you’ve earned your certification and licensure, the next step is finding the right job. Physician Assistant Jobs are in high demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices.
A Physician Job Board is a great resource for recent graduates and experienced professionals looking to explore new opportunities. Job boards like The Provider Finder offer a wide range of listings for PA positions, making it easier to find a role that fits your career goals, whether you're looking for general practice jobs or opportunities in a specialty field like surgery or cardiology.
Step 6: Career Outlook for Physician Assistants
The career outlook for Physician Assistants is highly favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for PAs is expected to grow by 31% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increased demand for healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Physician Assistants are also highly compensated for their skills and expertise. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for PAs was $121,530 in 2021, with higher salaries in specialties like surgery and emergency medicine.
Conclusion
Becoming a Physician Assistant is a multi-step process that typically takes six to seven years, from completing a bachelor’s degree to passing the PANCE and obtaining licensure. However, the time and effort invested in this career are well worth it, given the growing demand for PAs and the rewarding nature of the profession.
If you’re on the path to becoming a PA, be sure to stay focused, gain valuable healthcare experience, and explore Physician Job Boards for opportunities to jumpstart your career. With the right training and resources, you’ll be well-prepared to land a fulfilling role in healthcare as a Physician Assistant.
