Being a certified physician assistant (PA) is a beautiful career in numerous aspects, but how does one get started on the path to PA certification?
Well, first, you have to enroll in a PA school. But what are your options if you live in Maine? And if there are multiple schools, which one is best?
Read through the sections below for answers to these questions and other information you should know before applying to PA school!
What Does a PA Do?
Physician assistants are trained medical professionals who assist doctors, surgeons, specialists, and other health care professionals.
They share many doctors' responsibilities, which are primarily determined by the facility they work for.
Therefore, physician assistants who work for hospitals generally have more responsibilities than those who are employed at small clinics, but this is not always the case.
Below are some of the responsibilities physician assistants have according to the US Department of Labor:
Review the medical histories of patients
Examine patients
Diagnose injuries and illnesses
Order and interpret X-rays, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests
Administer treatment
Prescribe medication
Assess and record patient progress
Educate and counsel patients and their families
Participate in outreach programs to spread disease awareness and promote wellness
Research the latest treatments to deliver better care
What’s the Best PA School in Maine?
Currently, only one PA program is offered in Maine, provided through the University of New England.
However, there are several online programs that aspiring PAs can enroll in.
How Do You Get Into PA School?
To get into PA school, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science, like biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, or nursing.
Your GPA shouldn't be lower than 3.25, and your major GPA should be between 3.5 and 4.0.
You’ll also need to score 300 or better on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
In addition to science courses, a PA school enrollment board will also want to see that you've taken general ed courses, like English, math, cultural studies, psychology, and ethics.
An admissions board will also want to see that you participated in extracurricular activities. As we all know, experience gained through these helps individuals become better students.
In-Person vs Online vs Hybrid Programs
The kind of program you enroll in has a lot to do with how long the program will take to complete. It’ll also impact the quality of the education you receive.
Generally speaking, in-person full-time programs are the shortest and most sought-after, mainly because students in such programs can benefit from engaging with peers and faculty in the classroom.
But there are online PA programs if you can't attend classes on campus and want to avoid spending money on accommodations and travel.
These may take a semester or two longer, but they're just as rigorous as in-person programs. And online programs still require clinical experience.
If you want to get the best of what in-person and online classes offer, consider a hybrid program.
These also take longer than in-person programs, but in these, you have much more flexibility and can still engage with peers and professors routinely.
Asynchronous vs Synchronous
If you're enrolled in an online or hybrid PA program, there's a good chance you'll have both synchronous and asynchronous classes.
In synchronous classes, you must attend class at designated times each week. These involve class participation, and usually, the professor takes attendance.
Asynchronous classes can be completed at your convenience. But even though asynchronous classes are more flexible, they still have deadlines. So you’ll still have to complete homework, projects, and exams by predetermined deadlines.
What Do You Have to Do to Become a PA?
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. This degree should be in an applicable science, such as bio, chem, molecular bio, organic chem, nursing, or A&P.
If you successfully managed a rigorous course load as an undergraduate, you should point this out when applying to PA programs.
Earn a Master’s Degree
After being accepted into a PA school, you'll study for two years to earn a master’s degree. You'll take didactic science courses and complete clinical rotations during this time.
Complete The Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
Once you have your master’s, you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). This test is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Upon passing, you can apply for licensure in your state.
You'll have six attempts to pass the PANCE over six years. 95% of this exam assesses students’ knowledge of topics that all PAs must know inside and out.
Maintain Certification
To maintain your PA certification, you’ll need to acquire 100 hours of continuing education every two years.
You’ll also have to pass the PANCE every 10 years. So, if you fail the first time, you’ll still have three more chances to pass.
How Long Is a PA Program?
PA programs usually take two years to complete. But if you're in an online or hybrid program, it could take you 2.5 to 3 years.
If you received licensure before a master’s was required, you could enroll in an accelerated program; these typically last 1.5 to 2 years.
Full-time PA programs usually take seven semesters to complete; over this time, a student must acquire 147 credit hours.
How Much Do Physician Assistants in Maine Make?
According to various sites that track average salaries across professions, physician assistants in Maine can make anywhere from $95,000 to $130,000 annually.
More experienced PAs can make up to $170,000 yearly.
How much you make depends on your qualifications, experience, and location.
How myPAresource Can Help You Get Into Pa School
Need help with getting into PA school? We've got you covered! The team at myPAresource will help you create a first-rate resume, and we’ll make sure your personal statement clearly conveys why you'd be a great addition to any PA program.
Simply email us at info@myparesource.com or visit our website to get started!