In most states in the United States, a physician assistant can prescribe medication, diagnose conditions, and treat patients in a variety of settings. There are numerous programs that provide training in this field. When it comes to choosing the best, each prospective student may have different options.
Because larger states can have numerous programs, some people will have a lot of local options. Some states have only one physician assistant program, while others have none. There are some online universities as well.
When choosing a physician assistant program, it is critical to ensure that any school chosen is accredited. In the United States, accreditation is provided by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for Physician Assistants. Different accreditation boards may be used in other countries to determine which schools are acceptable. It cannot be overstated how important this is when selecting a school, as attending a non-accredited school will not result in appropriate licensing or certificates.
Once people have found schools and verified accreditation, they should be aware that selecting a physician assistant program can entail choosing between studies that lead to various degrees (bachelor’s or master’s) or certifications. Many students who pursue a certificate program already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Earning at least a BA in a physician assistant program is often considered preferable, though this varies by state. Higher education often leads to more lucrative job opportunities.
Even if the degree or certificate earned is the same, programs may have different requirements. People will need to choose a physician assistant program, or several of them, where they can either apply and be accepted based on their qualifications or spend a year or more fulfilling program prerequisites. Working in the medical field for a certain number of years, usually as a medical assistant, technologist, or technician, is one of the most common requirements.
People should plan on investigating each school and taking other factors into account once they have found schools that will accept them. They should speak with faculty and students to determine the level of support provided to students in the program and how positively the school is viewed by its students. They can also visit campuses, or at the very least look at campus websites, if that is possible.
Other considerations for people looking for the best physician assistant programs for them include the ease with which they can attend the school. Will being a part of the program necessitate relocating? Some people are able to keep their current jobs while attending school, though it is difficult. If it is a goal, students should consider an online program if an offline program is not available near their home.
If a physician assistant program is chosen that is out of state or online, additional research should be conducted. For these medical professionals, each state has its own licensing board, and they must meet the requirements for licensure in their home state. Before applying, people should make sure that any programs they are interested in will meet their home state’s licensing requirements.
Obviously, factors such as cost play a role. Home state university programs are likely to be the cheapest, while studying out of state may be the most expensive. Many people can get grants and loans to help them pay for their education. All accredited programs should also allow people to return and obtain master’s degrees at a later date if they so desire.