South Dakota, home to the famous Mount Rushmore, is a Great Plains state with a rich native American heritage, and it’s also home to many aspiring physician assistants (PA).
To know all about the best PA schools in South Dakota, read through the sections below. We’ve also taken the time to include valuable information every aspiring PA should know!
What’s the Best PA School in South Dakota?
Currently, the only school in South Dakota offering a PA program is the University of South Dakota.
But if you don’t want to attend classes at this school, you can enroll in an online or out-of-state program.
How to Get Into PA School
Before being considered for a spot in a PA program, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science related to the physician assistant field, like biology, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, health sciences, or nursing.
Your cumulative GPA should be higher than 3.5, and your major GPA should be even higher.
Double-majoring will look good on your application, and you should also participate in several extracurricular activities related to the physician assistant field since the experiences gained in these activities will allow you to contribute meaningful insights in the classroom.
Next, you have to take the GRE; getting above 300 is acceptable for most PA schools, but if you want to get into the top-tier programs, you'll need something above 310.
Once you have all your credentials in order, you need to apply to programs by submitting a résumé and a personal statement with each application.
The personal statement will explain: (1) why you want to be in the program, (2) what you will contribute, and (3) what you hope to gain from the program if accepted.
Which PA Program Is Right for You?
Depending on your learning style, goals, budget, and capacity, one type of PA program may be better for you than others. There are three kinds of PA programs: in-person, online, and hybrid.
In-person Program
Many students thrive in the classroom. Specifically, they benefit from engaging with peers and professors, and they also enrich their peers’ learning experiences with their contributions.
The only downside is you’ll have to commute or stay on campus; either way, you’ll be spending more money.
But in these programs, collaborating with peers is much easier, and when you have questions, you can ask your professors directly.
Most in-person PA programs are full-time.
Online Program
The most appealing thing about online PA programs is they’re much more flexible. That is, you can complete work when it's convenient for you and learn at your own pace.
However, there will still be some challenging deadlines, and there may be times when you have to attend a class at a certain time each week.
Online programs are just as rigorous as in-person programs, and students enrolled in these must get real-world clinical experience.
Also, they’re usually cheaper than in-person programs.
Lastly, while there is peer-to-peer engagement technically, you may have trouble connecting with people because communication is done virtually.
Synchronous Classes
Synchronous classes are classes that are held at a specific time each week. Students are expected to attend every class and actively participate. These classes are usually an hour or longer.
Asynchronous Classes
Asynchronous classes are classes that you can complete on your own time.
Of course, you’ll have to complete all the coursework by the end of the term, but that’s the only requirement. Therefore, you can work and learn at your own pace.
Hybrid Program
Hybrid programs combine many in-person program elements with the elements that make online programs distinct.
So you'll have to attend classes a few times a week in person, but you'll still have that flexibility that online classes afford.
This way, you can still learn at your own pace, but you’ll have more opportunities to engage with peers and professors.
What Happens After PA School?
After graduating, you’ll need to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), which is administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
Once you pass this exam, you’ll be eligible for certification, provided you meet all the additional requirements the state in which you’re practicing has.
How Do PAs Get Re-Certified?
Physician assistants need to be re-certified every two years and to be eligible for re-certification, you need to complete 100 hours of continuing education.
Plus, every 10 years, you need to pass the PANCE.
And if you've obtained other certifications since becoming a PA, these will have their own requirements for re-certification.
The state in which your practice may have additional requirements for re-certification as well.
How Much Does the Average PA Earn in South Dakota?
According to Indeed.com, PAs in South Dakota can make anywhere from $64k to $220k in a year; ZipRecruiter says it’s more like $100k-280k.
Of course, how much you make is determined by a range of factors, like your experience, qualifications, and the location in which you work.
Tips for Becoming a PA in South Dakota
Upon being accepted into a PA program, you’ll need to make time for classes, coursework, studying, and clinical experience.
Most students—whether they're taking classes in-person or online—view PA school as a full-time commitment.
Also, make sure you’re financially able to complete all the program’s courses; it’s best to get financing squared away before you begin your first academic year.
Choose myPAResource for Help Getting Into PA School
Applying to PA schools can be a nerve-racking experience, but we can help you put your best foot forward so you don't have to worry after submitting your applications.
We’ll help you build an attractive résumé, and we’ll make sure your personal statement conveys why you'd be a terrific addition to any PA program.
Just contact us at info@myparesource.com or visit our site to learn more.