What is the career path for a physician assistant?

The career path for a physician assistant involves jobs as a physician assistant, medical assistant, and occupational therapist. The career path for a physician's assistant is typically straightforward in terms of education, skills, qualifications, and professional experience. Though, some alternative career choices on this path can have variances.

Here is a closer look at the career path for a physician assistant:

• Education

All aspiring physician assistants must obtain a bachelor's degree. There are not any specific majors that an aspiring physician assistant must focus on, however, there are some that can help to better prepare them for work in the field. Majors that include coursework pertaining to these areas are recommended:

• Physiology

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Appropriate majors for this field include:

• Biology

• Nursing

• Pre-med

• Human anatomy

• Health sciences

There are some colleges that offer a bachelor's degree in the field (BA-PA), however, there are not many schools that offer this qualification.

• Practical experience in PA programs

Most PA programs require a minimum of 2,000 work hours in the field or at least three years of health care experience. Many choose to major in a field like nursing or paramedic studies so they can gain the proper amount of experience hours for a PA program after college. Some common jobs used to gain the prerequisite experience hours include:

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

• Medical assistant

• Registered nurse (RN)

• Paramedic

All of these options not only give aspiring PAs the requisite working hours but also include the development of skills that can be utilized all throughout their careers.

• PA programs

PA programs represent the opportunity to earn a master's degree in PA studies. The programs need to be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). These programs are especially helpful for those looking to specialize in a specific area of medicine.

• Licensure

• Passing an exam on relevant laws

• Passing an exam on ethics

• Participating in a criminal background check

Physician assistants must also participate in continuing education to renew their license, specifics depend on each state.

• Related roles on this career path

While many physician assistants stay in their field throughout their entire career or become specialized in one area of medicine, there are some that choose to branch off into different careers in medicine and physical health. Some alternative career choices for physician assistants include:

• Occupational therapist

• Occupational therapist assistant

• Certified nurse assistant

• Nurse

• Registered nurse (RN)

• Pharmacist