You Must Know This About Becoming A Physician Assistant

A great many people today are considering becoming a physician assistant. If that sounds like you, it's time to get more information about what you need to do to embark upon this career. That means that you should get as much information as you can to better understand what it requires for you to meet your goals.

By following the steps below you will be well on your way to entering a very rewarding career field where you will be helping to meet the growing needs of the healthcare system as we know it today.

First Step

The first thing you will need to know is how to gain admission into a physician assistant training program. There are some prerequisites that you will have to complete first and that is generally a four year course of study where you have gained your Bachelor's degree with 8 hours of human anatomy and physiology. While there are many schools that can give you the educational foundation you need you should take care to find out which ones are accepted by the physician assistant program you wish to attend. Accreditation is important so be sure that you do not waste your time.

Step Two

If you are truly serious in your quest at becoming a physician assistant you should learn everything you can about what is involved with this burgeoning career option. One of the prerequisites to getting into a quality program is that you shadow a number of already working physician assistants that are willing to let you see what they do during their typical working days. Programs require from 50 to 200 hours in such activities.

Step Three

You will also have to get some references from professionals who know you and are willing to tell the physician assistant program what your qualifications are for entering their program. These references should come from medical professionals such as other physician assistant practitioners or a medical doctor. You can also ask one of your professors to write a recommendation for you.

Fourth Step

The GRE is another thing that you should learn about because you will have to be able to pass it. You should be studying at least one of the types of questions every day that will appear on this test. Likewise you will want to learn the vocabulary that is used in the profession you will become part of.

Step Five

One more thing you will have to learn about becoming a physician assistant is that you should get your application in early. You will find that you will be rewarded for doing this with lower fees as well as getting to enter the interviewing process earlier. Turning in your CASPA essay will also reap some rewards.

Sixth Step

Get serious about preparations for the interview. Figure out what questions you are going to be asked and determine what your answers will be. One of them will likely be what led you to want to become a physician assistant as well as why you want to be part of the program they offer.

Step Seven

The interview is important so be sure to dress appropriately for the situation. Conservative attire is always best.