Idaho offers several excellent Physician Assistant (PA) programs for those looking to enter the medical field. The PA profession is a growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals, and Idaho is no exception. This blog post will explore the best PA schools in Idaho and what makes them stand out.
Roles of a Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician to provide medical care to patients. PAs are trained to examine patients, diagnose illnesses, and create treatment plans. They can also prescribe medications and perform certain medical procedures.
One of the primary roles of a PA is to take medical histories and perform physical exams. This includes taking a patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse, and listening to the patient's heart and lungs. PAs also assess the patient's overall health, including any symptoms or concerns they may have.
In addition to these tasks, PAs also assist physicians in diagnosing illnesses. For example, they may use lab tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic tools to help determine the cause of a patient's symptoms. PAs are also responsible for creating and implementing treatment plans, including prescribing medications or recommending lifestyle changes.
Another critical role of a PA is to educate patients about their health. This may include teaching them about their condition and how to manage it and providing information on preventative care and healthy living. PAs also help patients understand their medications and any side effects they may experience.
PAs also play a critical role in coordinating care for patients. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This includes communicating with other healthcare providers, such as nurses and specialists, to ensure everyone is on the same page about a patient's treatment.
In addition to these roles, PAs assist physicians in certain medical procedures. This may include administering medication, wound care, and other treatments. They may also assist physicians in performing minor surgery.
In general, PAs play a critical role in providing high-quality medical care to patients. They are highly trained healthcare professionals who can offer a wide range of services, from taking medical histories and performing physical exams to diagnosing illnesses and creating treatment plans. They are also skilled at educating patients about their health and coordinating care for patients.
It's worth mentioning that PAs are also known for their flexibility, as they can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They also can specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or psychiatry.
Physician Assistants are highly trained healthcare professionals who play a critical role in providing high-quality medical care to patients. They can diagnose illnesses, create treatment plans, and provide education and coordination of care. They also have the flexibility to work in various settings and specialize in a specific area of medicine. This makes them an essential part of the healthcare team.
Idaho State University PA Program
Idaho State University's PA program is one of the oldest in the state, established in 1971. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) and is considered one of the top PA programs in the Northwest. The program is 24 months long, full-time, and includes both classroom and clinical education. Graduates of this program have a high pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and have a strong job placement rate. The class size for this PA program is 32 students. Idaho State University PA Program ranked among the top 70 PA programs in the U.S.
The University of Idaho PA Program
The University of Idaho's PA program is a relatively new program, having been established in 2013. The program is also accredited by the ARC-PA and is considered one of the best in the state. The program is 27 months long, full-time, and includes both classroom and clinical education. Graduates of this program have a high pass rate on the PANCE and have a strong job placement rate.
Boise State University PA Program
Boise State University's PA program is relatively new, established in 2018. The program is also accredited by the ARC-PA and is considered one of the best in the state. The program is 27 months long, full-time, and includes both classroom and clinical education. Graduates of this program have a high pass rate on the PANCE and have a vital job placement rate.
Pre-Requisites of Becoming a PA
To become a physician assistant, several prerequisites must be met:
Education: Most physician assistant programs require a bachelor's degree, although some may accept students with an associate's degree. A strong background in the sciences is recommended, including biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology courses.
Certification: All physician assistants must be certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). To be eligible to take the certification exam, you must graduate from an accredited physician assistant program.
Clinical experience: Many physician assistant programs require applicants to have some prior healthcare experience, such as working as a medical assistant, nurse, EMT, or in another healthcare-related field.
Prerequisite coursework: Most PA programs require the completion of specific prerequisites before applying, such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, General Chemistry, and College level math.
Standardized test: Some programs may require applicants to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Background check: A thorough background check will be done, including a criminal background check and drug screening.
Licensing: After passing the certification exam, you must be licensed to practice as a physician assistant in the state where you plan to work.
It's also important to note that prerequisites may vary depending on the program, so it's essential to research and checks with the specific program you are interested in.
In conclusion, Idaho offers several excellent PA programs that are accredited and have a high pass rate on the PANCE. These programs also include classroom and clinical education and have a vital job placement rate. The best PA program for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so make sure to research all options and visit the campus before making your decision.