Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Alaina Bullock
Are you passionate about helping people and making a difference in healthcare? Launching a career as a physician assistant (PA) could be your calling. PAs are licensed medical professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician.
The demand for experts in this profession is skyrocketing, with job growth predicted to soar 27% between 2022 and 2032, far outpacing the national average. Not only is it a fulfilling career, but it’s also lucrative, with a median salary of USD$126,010 – that’s more than double the national average.
So, how do you pursue this healthcare profession? Here are the essential steps to follow.
Step 1: Undergraduate Education and Healthcare Experience
Your undergrad years are critical. So, focus on those sciences (biology, chemistry, physics). They’ll go a long way in physician assistant education.
But books aren’t everything; you need real-world experience, too.
A great way to get this experience is to enroll in pre-PA internships or other such programs that give you a feel for the healthcare field. They’ll give you a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a healthcare professional and help you decide if a physician assistant career path is right for you.
Shadowing a healthcare pro is another great approach. You’ll see what the job’s really like, warts and all. You can also volunteer at a hospital or clinic; it’s a great way to get your feet wet. Plus, you’ll learn how to interact with patients.
Step 2: PA School Curriculum
Alright, you’re in PA school. Now brace yourself. It’s going to be intense. You’ll get even deeper into medical sciences, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.
Also, expect clinical rotations, which is where the rubber meets the road. You’ll get hands-on clinical experience in different specialties. It’s your chance to find out what clicks for you.
But it’s not just about memorizing facts. You need to think on your feet. Problem-solving is one of the skills you’ll gather. Imagine this: a patient comes in with vague symptoms. Can you piece together the puzzle?
Step 3: Exam Preparation and Certification
So, you’ve made it through PA school. That’s great. But hold on, there’s one more hurdle in your professional development path– the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Pass this, and you’re officially a certified PA.
How to prepare? Start early. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Also, look up practice questions and go over them till you feel as prepared as you can be. Once you’re certified, doors start opening. Some PAs even specialize after a few years.
Step 4: Finding the Right Job and Building Your Network
So, you’ve passed the PANCE and are certified. Now, it’s time to focus on landing a dream job. First up, work on your resume. Highlight your clinical rotations. Did you assist in any cool procedures? Mention them. Employers love to see that initiative.
Interview time? Don’t sweat it. Practice common questions with a friend. And remember to ask questions, too. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you.
To make the best of this stage in your career, you’d do good to network. Consider joining PA associations, attending conferences, talking to other PAs on social media, etc. Here, you’ll make friends, meet future employers and colleagues, and get great opportunities to advance your career.
Remember, your first job doesn’t have to be your forever job. It could be a stepping stone. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep your options open.
Step 5: Continuing Education and Specialization
Medicine’s always changing, and you’ve got to keep up. Every two years, you’ll need to log 100 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours. You can earn these credits in all sorts of ways. Conferences, online courses, and even some medical podcasts count.
Now, over to specialization. After a few years as a PA, you might find a field you’re really passionate about. Maybe you love the adrenaline rush of the ER. Or perhaps pediatrics is your calling. There’s a specialty for every interest.
Specializing can open new doors. For instance, higher pay, more responsibility, and the chance to become an expert in your field.
Step 6: Work-Life Balance and Professional Growth
Being a PA is rewarding, but it can be tough, too. Long hours, emotional cases, it all adds up. That’s why the medical field records an average burnout rate of 57.4%.
Finding that sweet spot between professional development and life isn’t easy, but it’s crucial. Set boundaries and learn to say no sometimes. This decision can keep you sane and make you a better PA.
Final Thoughts
Launching a career as a physician assistant is no walk in the park, but the journey is worth it. With dedication, hard work, and a passion for healthcare, you can build a fulfilling career helping others and making a real difference in people’s lives.