How many years does it take to be a PA?

The majority of PA programs require having taken courses such as chemistry, physiology, anatomy, microbiology, and biology. In addition, any PA programs also require prior health care experience with hands-on patient care.

Once you're in a PA accredited program, it will take approximately 26 months (three academic years) to complete. For the additional graduate work-time, you will be awarded a master's degree. Program requirements include classroom instruction and clinical rotations.

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 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 to specialize which increases your 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 to spend 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.