Health care is a great profession for one to work in. As the health sector continues to grow, the demand for specialists to work in the field also grows in tandem to demand. The occupation of a physician assistant (PA) is regarded as one of the fastest growing and lucrative jobs. The function of a PA is to assist doctors in their operations, except for complicated cases. Their typical duties include taking medical histories, analysis of x-rays and lab tests, treating minor injuries and prescribing medication. Such a practitioner may also handle some managerial duties, supervise junior medical staff and order supplies. Most people work in health establishments such as clinics, home care agencies and hospitals. Here is a guide on how to become a physician assistant.
To begin with, you will need the required training. To enter a PA program, you will need the necessary college courses. Most schools need at least eight hours of physiology and anatomy. These normally include a lab, and can either be combined in two semesters or taken in one simultaneously. You should check the individual requirements of the particular program you want to enroll in from their site. Note that the details may change from year to year. Knowing the requirements will enable you determine if the specific courses you have taken in your college fulfill them. After you have done this, create a program outlining the courses you will be taking together with their time of completion.
Though experience is not a primary requirement for one to be accepted into a program, they will need to know and fully understand the role of PAs in health care. Some schools will stipulate that trainees undergo some familiarization course under an already practicing physician assistant for some specific duration. This may range from fifty to 200 hours for most schools. Ensure that you have taken the familiarization course, preferably under several PAs. This should be documented accordingly on your profile to provide proof.
Some schools also accept volunteer hours in a free clinic while others prefer paid hours. If the latter is your case, you may consider CNA or MA as a way to get the experience needed and quick certification. Also, consider applying in the spring of your senior year of college so that you get to work in the interval between graduation and the start of PA training. For instance, you will only need to work full time for six months if you require 1000 or more hours of experience.
One also needs some references. Most schools will need a medical reference, but some may specify a professor. If your reference is given by a PA recognized by the program you intend to enroll in, then you stand a higher chance of qualifying. Start searching for potential referees about six months before the program starts. This enables you not only to find a suitable one, but also take notes of the tips they give you. Such include the important terms and diagnosis that you will encounter in your training.
When the time to apply comes, the school will usually send them an email to verify your reference. It is therefore important to take their email address and keep a copy of the reference as you may need it in future. Take precaution so that you do not have to repeat the process due to an omission.
It is essential to study for the GRE all through the year before you commence the program. Learn the various terminologies used in the profession so that you are fully familiarized once the curriculum begins. Doing this means that you will have the ability to hit the ground running once the studies begin.
Make all the necessary preparations so that you can submit your application early. Most schools will offer some appreciatory token for an early submission. For instance, you might get substantial discounts in fees. Early applicants also secure the first interviews and invitations to the program. You will also need to write and submit the essay for your particular program in time. Guidelines on how to write the essay can be found in various online forums.
A transcript of your grades will also be required. You can obtain the ones available and then wait for the official transcripts which can be submitted later, depending on the entry regulations of your specific program. It is also important to notify your referees about the submission period.
After successfully submitting the applications, it is now time to prepare for the interviews. Prepare a short speech outlining the reasons why you want to become a physician assistant and rehearse it. This should be in congruent with the essay that you submitted. Some schools also need applicants to write additional supplementary essays during the interviews. For such short essays, you can prepare some 100-word idea blocks and structure them so that you can recall all the important points when need arises. Common questions asked during interviews revolve around the roles of physician assistants and what it takes for one to pursue such a career. To help you answer the questions easily, carry out some research and prepare some short but exhaustive answers. Remember that you do not need to cram anything; having the essential knowledge at your fingertips is what counts.
At the interview, your presentation has to be confident for you to succeed. You have to dress suitably for the occasion; which means that your appearance has to be conservative. For men, a business suit and tie will do. For ladies, avoid suits revealing cleavage or short skirts. Competition in this occupation is intense, hence dressing appropriately counts to a great extent.
Once your interview has sailed through, you now have to cover the syllabus of the particular program you are enrolled in. You should pursue hands-on experience in several fields, such as paramedics and occupational therapy. When one gains experience in many fields, they will have a distinct edge over their fellow PAs. You can also consult practicing health specialists for other tips on how to become a physician assistant.
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