How long is PA school?

As a PA student, you'll receive classroom instruction in:

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biochemistry

• Pharmacology

• Physical diagnosis

• Pathophysiology

• Microbiology

• Clinical laboratory science

• Behavioral science

• Medical ethics

In addition to coursework, a PA program usually requires more than 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, with an emphasis on primary care in ambulatory clinics, physician offices and acute or long-term care facilities.

After you complete the program and pass the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), you will then need to obtain a state license that will have to be continually renewed over the course of your career.

As a PA, there are many options for specialization in practice, which impact a PAs earning potential. To become an emergency room PA, for example, also requires an additional Emergency Medicine CAQ certification, which requires an additional 150 credit hours and a passing grade on the exam.

The additional effort in spending more time specializing can definitely pay off. An emergency room PA earns an average of $205,040 a year compared to a regular PA who earns an average of $112,000 a year.