History of PA Profession
Admission to PA Programs
Physician Assistant Program
Physician Assistant as a Career
Helpful Information
100
Why did they start the Physician Assistant profession?
There was a shortage in primary care physicians.
100
What is the minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA required to get considered for PA school?
A minimum bachelor's-degree G.P.A. of 3.0 A minimum 2.7 G.P.A. in all science prerequisite coursework is required (UCD PA Program)
100
How long are PA programs usually?
24-30 months
100
What is the median salary of a PA-C?
$95, 820 (Source: http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/physician-assistant/salary)
100
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)
200
Who were first trained to be Physician Assistants?
Navy corpsmen
200
What is the minimum number of hours usually required for direct patient care experience?
Around 1,000 hours
200

Name three PA programs in Colorado.

Any of the following: University of Colorado (Anschutz), Colorado Mesa University, Red Rocks Community College, Rocky Vista University, 

200

What are some duties of Physician Assistants?

Medical histories and physical exams, order and interpret diagnostic tests, formulate diagnoses and management plans, write prescriptions, counsel patients and assist in surgery. (Source: http://www.pace.edu/physician-assistant/frequently-asked-questions)

200
What is the re-certification examination you need to take?
Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) --- By the end of the tenth year of the certification maintenance cycle, PA-C designees must have passed a recertification exam. Offered at testing centers throughout the U.S., the multiple choice Physician Assistant National Recertifying Exam (PANRE) is designed to assess general medical and surgical knowledge. (Source: nccpa.net)
300
When did the Physician Assistant profession begin?
It started in the mid-1960s. The first PA class graduated on Oct. 6, 1967.
300
What is the online application service for PA schools?
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
300

What is generally the first phase of PA school? 

Begin with a didactic phase (classroom). Includes basic sciences, physical diagnosis, medical ethics. 

300
Name two settings where you would be able to find a physician assistant.
Most PAs work in medical offices, followed by hospitals. But they can also work in assisted living facilities, educational services, etc.
300
What does the C stand for in PA-C?
It means "Certified". The "PA-C" designation can only be used by PAs who have current certification.
400
Which University did the first PA class graduate from?
Duke University
400
List some experiences that fulfill direct patient care hours.
Nursing (RN, LVN, CNA), Emergency Services (EMT, Paramedic, EMS), Physical Therapist (Aide), Medical Assistant, etc.
400

How does the second phase of PA school look? 

Consists of clinical rotations in a number of disciplines. 

400
What career is closely related to Physician Assistants?
Nurse Practitioner
400
What is the employment outlook for Physician Assistants?
Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 38 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. (http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm#tab-6)
500
What was the curriculum of the first 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)
500
What is the standardized test that a lot of graduate schools, including some PA programs, require?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
500

Name 5 prerequisites required to apply for PA school. 

Any of the following: General biology, General chemistry, Organic chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Psychology 

500
The Colorado Medical Board rule (blank) outlines the rules and regulations regarding the licensure and practice by PA's. 

Rule 400 

Source: https://www.cms.org/articles/update-colorado-medical-board-rule-400



500
What is needed to be done every two years as part of the certification maintenance process?
The 10-year certification maintenance process includes five two-year cycles during which all certified PAs must log 100 CME credits online and submit a *$130 certification maintenance fee by 11:59 p.m. PT, December 31 of your certification expiration year. (http://www.nccpa.net/ContinuingMedicalEducation)
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