Before you make any move on how to become physician assistant, find out what the job entails, the educational qualifications needed and the licensing necessities. Becoming a physician assistant means working with doctors and surgeons where you get to evaluate medical test results, handle minor injuries and assess patients under the direction of licensed medical health care providers.
To become a physician assistant involves physical and mental strain since you will have to spend hours on your feet especially on busy days. You might also be obliged to work at night, on holidays and on weekends because there is a shift in working schedules that must be adhered to.
Standard Requirements to Become a Physician Assistant
- Must have a master’s degree – PA students are required to have a master’s degree should they decide to go through with the program.
- Must have a baccalaureate degree – a prerequisite educational requirement that all schools offering PA degree programs require
- Must pass the PANCE – must be able to pass the PANCE after graduating from PA school. This licensure exam can be taken for six times for the duration of six years.
- Must have a license – PAs must be duly licensed before they can work as physician assistants.
- Must know how to operate various medical supplies and equipment
Soft Skills to Become a Physician Assistant
- Must have empathy with patients – becoming a physician assistant call for in-depth consideration when dealing with patients.
- Can communicate effectively with doctors and staff – PAs must know how to talk with doctors and other health care personnel to establish better camaraderie in the work place.
- Has adequate patience to do the job of a PA – the work environment of a PA is often stressful, hence it requires being broadminded as well as tolerant.
To become a physician assistant entails hard work and sacrifice that the PA must be prepared to do until he or she has graduated from the program. Although the path on how to become physician assistant is littered with hardships, the job opportunities and salaries will eventually even things out because the prospects for PA jobs have increased.
If you’re getting ready for the online physician assistant programs, consider the tips we’ve prepared for you.
