by 3 people |
The Pros of becoming a Physician Assistant
There are many pros to the Physician Assistant profession. The occupation is listed as one of the top 10 in the next decade by the Bureau of Labor and is expected to increase 27% through 2014. There are over 135 different PA programs where PAs earn degrees from associates to masters with the majority of programs offering a masters degree.
Income is excellent, as are working conditions. Physician Assistant Salaries range from the high 30's to the low six figures for experienced specialty Physician assiatants. Physician Assistants work in ERs, hospitals, clinics, prisons, long-term care facilities, Private solo and group physician practices, Rural Health Clinics and many other public and private areas.
It hasn't always been such a bright future but many of my contemporary PAs have used their time, labor and money in an effort to improve our ability to practice in every state, prescribe medications and do more for every patient as well as our own careers. I wanted to help anyone interested in the PA profession to find information quickly. So here is my lens on the PA profession with links to important sites, products and services for PAs and those wanting to be PAs. It is a work in progress. Let me know what you think it needs.
60 Tips for the PA Path
How to decide to go, get ready to apply, apply and interview for PA School
Elizabeth Murray pictured here, is the author of a tips booklet on the process of getting into PA school. Elizabeth is in school at Emory Univ. Her class nominated and elected her class president. Her grades are all top notch. We will have an update podcast available about her experience at Emory Univ PA Program next week, ~Nov 20, 2008.She starts with tips on the decision process to become a PA like: Find your passion, know why you don't want to be an MD, visit the PA Forum, etc...
She next tackles Preparation with 9 tips on books to read, how to get experience, how to get a PA recommendation and others.
Other topics are,
Tips on selecting a school
Tips on Applying
Tips on prepping for the GRE
Tips on Interviews and interview skills
The cost for this is $4.95. We have been advised to raise the price to $11.95 because of the quality of the content. It will remain $4.95 right now but I advise anyone visiting this blog to buy it soon as the price will go up later this year.
The tips are of great value through the preparation process. We will be able to offer some specific information from specific PA schools in the near future via mp3. Be sure to buy your copy so you will be on the list to receive this information when it becomes available.
60 Tips for the PA Path - buy it here
an E-booklet by Elizabeth Muray
- 60 Tips for the PA Path
- This is the blog that Elizabeth co-authors. On here you can order your copy of the e-booklet
60 Tips for the PA Path.
A question for PA School Applicants or Current Students
What things made the interview process go more smoothly for you?
What tips would you give another applicant to the same schools to which you applied? Something you found out, something you think you need with you? I know one school has hidden cameras in the interview room and they watch you while you are alone before the interview. Give us the Skinney on your interview tips.
BruceBair wrote...
in reply to Shaun Myrtle Hi Shaun, I remember well my own path, married with 2 kids. It was over 35 years ago now, so it flashes by quickly. Concentrate on the day. What you do today, if done well, and repeated daily will make the difference for the quality of PA school you attend and how well you do there. An old doctor that was retired, used to have students over to his home. We always complained about working full time and going to school full time and he used to say, "Yard by yard it is hard. But, inch by inch its a cinch." Anne Lamont, a favorite author says to keep your focus on a 1" x 1" window. Don't focus on any more than that amount. Enjoy the journey, it is over all too fast.
Posted January 30, 2009
BruceBair wrote...
in reply to Shaun Myrtle Hi Shaun, I remember well my own path, married with 2 kids. It was over 35 years ago now, so it flashes by quickly. Concentrate on the day. What you do today, if done well, and repeated daily will make the difference for the quality of PA school you attend and how well you do there. An old doctor that was retired, used to have students over to his home. We always complained about working full time and going to school full time and he used to say, "Yard by yard it is hard. But, inch by inch its a cinch." Anne Lamont, a favorite author says to keep your focus on a 1" x 1" window. Don't focus on any more than that amount. Enjoy the journey, it is over all too fast.
Posted January 30, 2009
Shaun Myrtle wrote
Bruce,
Thanks for your dedication to informing all of us that are wanting to get into PA school. I am dedicated in my pursuit to becoming a PA although I wish the process would be sooner than later. I was a Navy Corpsman in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years and have been a Respiratory Therapist for 11 years now. I am currently in the process of getting my BS in Cardiopulmonary Science. Upon completion, I will still have some courses to take to make sure my application is competitive. I currently work full time and average about 10 cr hours per semester. As a result, the process seems so far in the distant future but I try to keep myself focused on the big picture. I figure I have about 24 months to reach my goal. I am married with kids and although I know I will not be able to work when I get into a program , I must work now to prepare for the future plus the hospital I work at pays my tuition while I am in a full time status Your messages are both informative and inspirational.
Posted January 29, 2009
BruceBair wrote...
May, look at the info on Duke here you will see their applicants have GPA's in the high 3s. They do well on the GRE & have good resumes. This is characteristic of the top 10-15 schools. Duke got 900 applications for their 60 slots. That is the level of competition there for many years.
Second level schools (the opinion of US News) would look at you if you do very well on the GRE and Have good grades in the core subjects (sciences)plus have great experience and very good references.
Do not give up on your dreams! Find a way to make them happen. I was not a great student either and was rejected by the schools in the west (1970s) and was accepted by Duke eventually. They liked my experience, references & test scores. I took some graduate science courses as an undergrad and got Bs in those. Look for your way in. Find some PAs in your area, get their opinions.
Best wishes. You may want to purchase Elizabeth Murray's 60 Tips for the PA Path. www.thepapath.com
Posted January 04, 2009
may wrote
Hi I was wondering how competitive PA school is? I am currently a sophomore in college. My overall GPA is 3.12 and science GPA is 2.6 (mostly C and B). Would PA school even consider my application. Thanks.
Posted January 04, 2009
Wingate PA Program
Buy 60 tips for the PA Path and receive your free podcast
Wingate University (located just outside of Charlotte, NC) will have its inaugural class of 20 students begin this August. Not only are they starting a new and very promising PA program, but they are also airing a television show that will seek to educate the public about the profession and make the profession more understandable to their local community. Please see the following article that was published by the American Academy of Physician Assistants last month. Also, look for a review about the Wingate University Physician Assistant Program coming up soon!Elizabeth Murray, my co-author for the PA Path Blog recently interviewed Dr. Michael Whitehead PhD. PAC and Clinical Coordinator of the Wingate PA Program.
You can receive this and all future podcasts by purchasing the tips booklet 60 tips for the PA Path.
go to http://www.thepapath.com to order your copy today
What Kind of Experience is Required for PA School
Get this one right early
I have been asked in the comment section of my blog www.thePAPath.com recently about the amount and type of experience needed to get into a quality PA Program. The exact answer to this is answered on the admissions requirements page of the website for the program you want to attend.Most programs want 1000 hours of really high quality experience. This amounts to 10 hours per week for 2 years. Usually volunteer experience is not enough. and many kinds of experience that are paid do not qualify like Pharmaceutical Company Sales Rep, Life Guard, Candy Stripper, etc... Duke's admissions site (listed below)covers all the things they will not accept in detail and it is probably representative of all top 10 or top 20 schools.
My advice is to become either a CNA or a basic EMT early on. Then you can arrange to volunteer in the ER to gain experience. As a basic EMT you would be able to do chest compressions in a typical "code", take blood pressures and other vital signs and bandage wounds after minor procedures done by a PA or MD. CNAs in small hospitals could do much the same things. You would be asked to do some of the routine work also and if you make the right nurses life easier she or he will help you get into situations that will help you learn, and get you exposed to people that can write you a good recommendation.
Other routes is to become an Army Medic or Navy Corpsman in the reserves. You will get called up in times of "national emergency" but the experience is unbeatable and you would be eligible to apply to the Armed Forces PA program which is a top 20 school and get paid to go to school.
If you need the real scoop, consult the school. Go to an open house and ask the administrators for the school,"What experience do you need?".
Vote on the contents of my book
Tips to get into PA School and Tips on being a good graduate PA
Books about Becoming a Physician Assistant
Books about PAs by PAs
A Kernel in the Pod: The Adventures of a "Midlevel" Clinician in a Top-level World
My coAuthor on the blog The PA Pathread this and reviewed on our blog. She is a 1st year at Emory and really recommends this book.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009) 
Getting Into the Physician Assistant School of Your Choice
This is a standard and classic. Most criticism stems from lack of online resources.
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/11/2009)
An Applicant's Guide To Physician Assistant School And Practice
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/11/2009)
Physician Assistants in American Medicine
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
I am writing a book about how to become a PA
Through the blog "The PA Path" you will be able to sign up for the PATips boocklet soon
JellyGirl1 wrote...
Hi. I'm also a PA and lensrolled your lens. Please check out my lens http://www.squidoo.com/physicianassistantinfo
kim
Posted February 02, 2009
BruceBair wrote...
in reply to JDR1 Thanks JDR1. Appreciate your noticing.How can we be of help to you?
Posted December 03, 2008
Physician Assistants- income potential
According to the Bureau of Labor (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos081.htm)Physician Assistants in 2005 graduated from 135 different accredited programs. After passing the national certifying exam (NCCPA) they were able to practice. 90 programs give masters degrees on graduation and the other 45 give either a bachelors or associates degree.
In 2004 the median annual income was $69410. For new graduates it was $64536. The lowest 10% earned <$37320 and the highest >$94880. The middle 50% were between $57000-$83500.
Those working in hospitals had median income in 2004 of $70310, those in physician offices and outpatient clinics $69210.
In 2004 there were 62000 PA jobs. There were more jobs than PAs to fill them as many PAs held more than one job. Employment in physician offices accounted for 50% of all PA employment. Hospitals accounted for another 25% and outpatient care centers in HMOs, colleges and universities, prisons, professional schools and self-employment accounting for the remaining 25%.
What is a Physician Assistant
Good explanation
Career Spotlight: Physician assistant
Physician Assistant explains career and difference between a PA and a doctor and a PA and a nurse practitioner. Excellent explanation of the career by a knowledgeable physician assistant. This is from an instructor's resource CD for a medical terminology book. If the creator or PA depicted in this video would like this remove please email me and I will do so. I figured this was meant for education and what better way to educate the public than put it on youtube! Thank you. -Chris, PA-S
Runtime: 6:26
27564 views
10 Comments:
Physician Assistants-Pros and Cons
What's good and tough about being a PA
I received an e-mail through Squidoo from a visitor to this site. He was wondering about PAs and NPs and the pros and cons of being a PA. I sent him a brief reply and decided to add this module.I have enjoyed being a PA and find these items to be the PROs.
When I went to PA school no degree was required to get in. It was a two year program and if you qualified, you were also awarded a bachelors. I have made a good living and had a great opportunity with a two year education.
-The pay over the years went from so-so to excellent
-Acceptance and understanding of the profession is very good and has made being a PA very pleasant
-The working conditions are great and you get to work with the best and the brightest most of the time
-The work is challenging everyday, although some of it is routine, the responsibility never is
-I get thanked for what I do much more than 10% of the time (remember the story of the 10 lepers)
-I am delegated as much responsibility as I can accept. I have worked in the clinical end of medicine my entire career.
-There is a great deal of flexibility in what a PA can do. It is generally not hard to find a place to work if you choose to relocate. Even in Great Britan, American PAs are sought after.
Cons:
-I have to get at least 50 hours of CME a year. You can get high quality or junk. It takes time and money to get high quality CME if you stay in rural areas like I have much of my career
-You will never be independent. A PA by definition is a dependent practicioner. Even if you "own the business" an MD will always have to over see your clinical duties. It does not always have to be over-the-shoulder but it has to comply with your state laws and regulations.
-You need skills as good as any clinician but will always be paid less than an MD in most cases no matter how good you are. (That does not bother me now but it used to.)
-You have to take and pass a certifying exam every 6 years. That may change but for my entire career it has been the standard. I have passed it 5 times now.
For a look at NPs visit "NPs Save Lives" here on Squidoo. The lensmaster posted a link to that lens on my guest book.
The PA Path
A blog plus much more dedicated to the PA profession.
- The PA Path
- A link to our new blog about deciding the PA profession is for you, along with tips about school and work as a PA.
You will eventually find info on all 136 PA programs, books about and for PAs, and as many interviews in podcast form about becoming or being a PA. The most important thing we want you to find is comments left by our readers. Ask us questions, tell us what you want to see and hear.
2008 Top 3 PA Programs
US News Rankings
For 2008 the top 3 PA programs of the 80 US News ranked were:
1. Iowa
2. Duke
3. Emory
Literally tenths of a point separated the rankings of these three. Duke and Emory have been top choices for years but Iowa has risen to the top.
I wrote a review of Iowa recently on the blog
www.thepapath.com You can visit The PA Path for reviews of the programs, their rankings, and information about how you can get on your own PA Path.
Links to PA Programs
Find the one you are looking for here
- Iowa PA Program
- #1 USNews Graduate School evaluation for PA Programs
- Wake Forrest Univ PA Program
- An older mature PA Program in NC
- Emory University PA Program
- Ranked a very close #3 by USNews in 2008 PA School rankings.
- Oklahoma PA Program
- Wm. Stanhope PA was one of my idols when I applied to various PA schools. I met him when Oklahoma interviewed me in the spring of 1976. I got into the program for 1976 but opted for Duke as I thought the Duke program location was more friendly to my family.
- Western Michigan Univ PA Program
- Was accepted here in 1976 also. This is an older mature training program. Middle of the pack ranking by USNews in 2008
- James Madison Univ PA Program
- Small school in Harrisonburg, VA. A town of 40,000 in the Shenandoah Valley. Newer school in a great location.
Prior Experience Counts
What kind of medical experience did you have before PA School
This is a poll to help potential PA students see what kind of experience people had before acceptance to a PA program.
Elizabeth Murray tells her Pre-PA story
Elizabeth is now attending Emory's PA program starting in the fall of 2008
Interview with Elizabeth Murray
E. Murray is a candidate for the PA program at Emory University. She will begin the program there in Aug 2008. Here is part of her story on The PA Path Find out more at www.squidoo.com/physicianassistant or www.thestudentpapath.com
Runtime: 2:59
8659 views
1 Comments:
Physician Assistant Preparation
A poll for those preparing and dreaming and those further along in the journey.
Why did you decide to pursue a career as a PA?
Medical Terminology
If you aren't a PA but want to be one
- Univ. of Minnesota - webanatomy terminology
- Great site with games, tests and its free.
- Des Moines Univ medical terminology course
- A free course in medical terminology 100% online
- Wikipedia link to medical terminology
- Wikipedia as you know is written and edited by the masses.
This entry will be helpful to anyone. I like the Eponymous fracture references. - Sheppard medical terminology games
- 340 different terms in blocks of 20 multiple choice questions.
- Quia medical terminlogy
- games, flash cards, other learning activities
For more go to del.icio.us and search for DurhamDad and click on the med.vocab tag.
Bruce discusses the PA profession over the last 30 years
This history is intersting but it is historical.
Bruce L Bair PAC tells a bit of his story
With 30 years experience, Bruce is asked by his blogging partner Elizabeth to tell about what it was like to be a PA.
Runtime: 3:40
1968 views
7 Comments:
Physician Assistant candidates for Duke University
This information can be found in greater detail on the Duke PA Program site.
For the 2008 year you must complete CASPA and the Duke supplemental applications after May 1 and before Oct 1, 2006. The Supplemental form by 15 Nov 2007.
The class that entered Duke in 2007 were chosen from 570 applications and had the following group qualifications.
Over all GPA 3.1 - 3.5
Natural Science GPA 3.0 - 3.5
Total Natural Science Credits 42-68
GRE General test scores
Verbal 460-570
Quantitative 550-670
Analytical Writing 4.0-5.0
Months of full time patient care experience 10-34
Go to the Duke PA Program (paprogram.mc.duke.edu) site and check out the admissions process. These stats are from the general information from that site.
43 States have at least one traing program for PAs as well as Washington D.C. and the uniformed services. New York has 19 PA programs and California 10. Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Mississippi, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wyoming have zero programs to train PAs.
Get the Skinney on each state.
The opportunity is available in every state for PAs to practice.
- AAPA info on PA practice by state.
- Requirements by state, how to apply for a license, what constitutes supervision, what are the prescribing rules are all found here in skeletal form. The main AAPA site has links to more information. The web page for every state medical board is listed on this link at the bottom of the information for that state.
Physician Assistant specific links
- Health Care Jobs Booming
- The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7 of the top 10 fastest growing occupations to be within the health care field.
- MONEY Magazine's Best Jobs: Physician assistant
- A money magazine article about the bright future of the PA profession.
- Physician assistants
- Skip Navigation Links
Latest Numbers
U.S. Department of LaborBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
www.bls.gov Search the Handbook
BLS Home |
OOH Home |
Frequently Asked Questions |
A-Z Index |
Contact Us - What is the Difference Between a PA, NP and RN?
- Brief and Straightforward Guide: What is the Difference Between a PA, NP and RN?
- What is a Physician Assistant?
- Brief and Straightforward Guide: What is a Physician Assistant?
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Physician Assistant profession (PA)
- Medline Encyclopedia reference. A great reference for patients.
- Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions, Physician Assistant
- Got a young neice or nephew or one of your children that thinks they want to be a PA? Here is an explanation for younger people.
- NCCPA Connect
- The four national PA organizations have developed a new Web site to educate PAs about the evolution of the PA competencies project. Visit the new site to learn more about Competencies for the PA Profession.
This is the organization that nationally certifies PA's as competent to practice. If you don't pass this test you don't get a license. PA's take it every 6 years. I have taken and passed it 5 times now. - Programs - PA Programs - PA Educational Programs
- A list by state of all PA education programs.
- Welcome to your North Carolina Medical Board
- This is the site for the Medical Board of North Carolina. It will give you an idea of the registration process with a state. It is a great site. You can look up any MD or PA in NC. Go ahead and search for me or someone you know.
- Physician Assistant Program at Duke University
- Here is a link to the program I attended. It is a mature organization. This is their official site.
History
Curriculum
Grading Standards
Technical Standards
Tuition & Financial Aid
Facilities
After Graduation
National Health Service Corps Scholars Medical
Center Bulletin
Visiting Students - Internet Scientific Publications
- An internet journal by and for PA's.
- ADVANCE for Physician Assistants | Main
- Advance for Physician Assistants is a peer-reviewed journal offering relevant
information for physician assistants, including timely clinical and professional
articles, news and job listings. - American Academy of Physician Assistants
- This is the website for the national PA organization.
- Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants
- One of several PA professional organizations for PA's working in one segment of medicine. This and the following links demonstrate the various but not every area of medicine in which PA's work.
- Dermatology Physician Assistant Website
- A private website about PA's in Dermatology.
- SEMPA Web Site
- Welcome to the SEMPA Web Site The
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
was founded in 1990 - AASPA Home Page
- Association of Surgical PA's
- ANSPA
- Association for Neurosurgical PA's
What did you think of this lens?
You don't have to register to give me your opinion.
Tell me and everyone else what you think. It will help me to make this lens better.
Get the Skinney Blog rss feed
Articles on Nutrition, Exercise and Healthy Living every M-W-F
Articles from my blog an health, wellness and healthy longevity. Learn how to talk to your doctor about..., health challenges explained and discussed, books and products reviewed, much more.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPhysician Assistants use Epocrates
An indispensable aid in caring for patients.
- Epocrates Product Page
- I use Epocrates on my Palm pda on a daily basis. The drug data base is most used but I like medmath, free CME, Griffith's 5 minute clinical consult,and Infectious Disease reference. The cholesterol, BMI and hypertensive references are great also. The cost of ~$150 per year is well worth it.
Reader Feedback
Let me know things you would like to see here or items or experiences that helped you that aren't mentioned here.
medi wrote...
Thanks Bruce, a very informative lens, you cover a lot of ground here. Keep up the good work!
If it is of interest, I have a couple of additional resources on my healthcare professional portal lens that may be useful to you and your readers.
Posted March 27, 2008
npssavelives wrote...
Just wanted to pop in and say that you have a nice lense. I am a nurse practitioner student and have just started my own lense.
Posted August 20, 2006
Physician Assistants of the future need good information.
These reference will help you in your career preparation.
Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia, 2006 Classic Shirt-Pocket Edition
You need to know your drug categories and names and how to use them. This pocet reference in in the pocket of many practicing health care professionals. Get one, leran the drugs and get to know the reference. It is very economical and very practical.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Medical Terminology: A Programmed Systems Approach
I recently saw this text in Barnes and Nobles store for $7.95 new in the bargain book section. Get it! If you don't know terminology yet, this will give you a crash course and bring you up to speed.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Atlas of Human Anatomy: With Netteranatomy.com (Netter Basic Science)
This is a great reference prior to school and throughout your career. I use one almost everyday. It is a reference you need and will use from now on.
Amazon Price: $64.75 (as of 07/11/2009)
Getting Into the Physician Assistant School of Your Choice
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/11/2009)
Opportunities in Physician Assistant Careers, Revised Edition
Amazon Price: $11.86 (as of 07/11/2009)
Physician Assistants-some use Kaplan's Books for GRE prep
You are competing against people who score 570 Verbal and 700 Quantitative
Kaplan GRE Exam, 2007 Edition: Premier Program (Kaplan Gre Exam (Book & CD-Rom))
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Kaplan GRE Exam Verbal Workbook (Kaplan Gre Verbal Workbook)
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Kaplan GRE Exam Vocabulary Flashcards Flip-O-Matic
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
The Reference Physician Assistants use most.
I use epocrates more than any other reference. What do you use most?
If you are a PA or work in health care, tell us your area of expertise and what reference is most valuable to you.
Physician Assistants can use Barron's books to help with the GRE preparation
The average GRE score for Duke's 2006 class was Verbal 460-570 and Quantitative 590-700
How to Prepare for the GRE with CD-ROM (Barron's How to Prepare for the Gre Graduate Record Examination)(16th Edition)
This series by Barrons was rated 4 of 5 stars and one reviewer considered it best overall.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)
Pass Key to the GRE Test (Barron's Pass Key to the Gre)
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 07/11/2009)
GRE: Practicing to Take the General Test 10th Edition (Practicing to Take the Gre General Test)
Amazon Price: $14.28 (as of 07/11/2009)
by BruceBair
Hi, I am a Physician Assistant. Learn more about me on my blog www.gettheskinney.com
(more)
