History of PA Profession
Why did they start the Physician Assistant profession?
What is the minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA to get considered for PA school?
A minimum bachelor's-degree GPA of 3.0.
A science minimum 2.7 GPA in all science prerequisite coursework is required.
How long are PA programs?
24-33 months
What is the median salary of a PA-C?
$130,020
( Source: Physician Assistants: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) )
What exam must you pass to become a certified PA?
Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
To become a certified PA, you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), a computer-based, multiple-choice test comprising questions that assess general medical and surgical knowledge. (Source: nccpa.net)
Who were the first people to be trained as Physician Assistants?
Navy Corpsmen
What is the minimum number of hours usually required for direct PCE?
JMU, Shenendoah, EVMS, Radford, South University, University of Lynchburg, Mary Baldwin University, Emory and Henry
What are some duties of Physician Assistants?
How many CME credits must be accumulated every two years?
When is the re-certification examination for PA-C?
You should earn 100 CME credits every two years.
In order to maintain certification with the NCCPA, PAs must take a recertification exam every 10 years.
When did the Physician Assistant profession begin?
It started in the mid- 1960s.
The first PA class graduated on Oct. 6, 1967
What is the online application service for PA schools?
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants
(CASPA)
What does the first year of PA programs typically look like?
Didactic year teaches a series of courses using an organ system approach.
Name two setting where you would be able to find a Physician Assistant
Most PAs work in medical offices, followed by hospitals. But can work in outpatient clinics, educational services, assisted living facilities, etc.
Name 5 pre-requisite courses needed for application to PA school?
Biology I and II
Chemistry I and II
Microbiology
Organic Chemistry
Statistics
Psychology
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
Biochemistry
Genetics
English Composition
Medical Terminology
Which University did the first PA class graduate from?
Duke University
What are some experiences that fulfill direct patient care hours?
Nursing (RN, LVN, CNA), Emergency Services (EMT, Paramedic, EMS), Physical Therapist (Aide), Medical Assistant, etc.
What does the second year in a PA program look like?
The clinical year tests your theoretical medical knowledge learned in the didactic year and applies it to real world settings.
What career is closely related to PAs?
Nurse Practitioner
The Pre-PA Society!!!
OR Health Professions Advising with Maria Wilkins
(Health Professions Advising – Undergraduate Education (gmu.edu)
What was the curriculum of the first graduating class based on?
[Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD] based the curriculum of the PA program on his knowledge of the fast-track training of doctors during World War II. (www.aapa.org)
What is the standardized test that a lot of graduate students take including some PA programs, require?
Graduate Readiness Exam (GRE)
What is the other program typically jointly offered with MSPAS?
Name a school in Virginia that offers this type of program?
Dual degree in Masters of PA-S and Masters of Public Health
Shenendoah University
How does a supervising physician supervise a physician assistant?
1. Review the clinical course and treatment plan for any patient who presents for the same acute complaint twice in a single episode of care and has failed to improve as expected. A physician or podiatrist shall be involved with any patient with a continuing illness as noted in the written or electronic practice agreement for the evaluation process. 2. Be available at all times to collaborate and consult with the physician assistant.
(Source: Virginia Board of Medicine: Regulations governing the Practice of Physician Assistants (virginia.gov) 2022)
What has been the most valuable part as your time as a Pre-PA Society member?
(Everyone!!)
-Guidance on PA profession vs other healthcare professions
- Getting to know other students who are interested in the same profession and getting to know their perspective
- Getting to learn more about the profession via PA-S and PA-C experiences shared with the club
- Volunteer/ Club bonding experiences
-The FOOD
-Your own personal twist
:)