History of PA Profession
What is the minimum overall GPA and overall science GPA required to get considered for most PA schools?
A minimum 3.0 GPA in cumulative coursework and a minimum 2.7 GPA in all science prerequisite coursework is required
What is the median salary of a PA-C in the US as of August 2022? (+/- $5,000)
$115,470 (Source: https://www.nccpa.net/resources/nccpa-research/)
What exam must you pass to become a certified PA?
Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE): a computer-based, multiple-choice test comprising questions that assess general medical and surgical knowledge. (Source: nccpa.net)
What is the ideal number of hours usually required for direct patient care experience (according to the average PA school applicant)?
Around 2,000 hours, equivalent to working full-time for 1 year (Source: https://paeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/program-report35-20201014.pdf)
Name three PA programs in Colorado.
Any of the following: University of Colorado (Anschutz), Colorado Mesa University, Red Rocks Community College, Rocky Vista University
Name at least three duties that Physician Assistants do.
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)
What is the re-certification examination you need to take as a practicing PA?
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. (Source: nccpa.net)
What is the online application service for PA schools called?
Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)
What is generally the first phase of PA school?
Begin with a didactic phase (classroom). Includes basic sciences, physical diagnosis, medical ethics.
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.
List two healthcare experiences that fulfill direct patient care hours.
Nursing (RN, LVN, CNA), Emergency Services (EMT, Paramedic, EMS), Physical Therapist (Aide), Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, etc.
How does the second phase of PA school look?
Consists of clinical rotations in a number of disciplines.
What career is closely related and has a similar scope of practice to Physician Assistants?
Nurse Practitioner
When does CASPA normally open up?
Sometime in late April! (specifically the last Thursday of each April)
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)
What is the standardized test that a lot of graduate schools, including some PA programs, require?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT)
Name 5 prerequisites required to apply for PA school.
Any of the following: Gen. biology, Gen. chemistry, Organic chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics, Psychology
In May of 2021, the AAPA proposed a new title change for the Physician Assistant position. What is this title?
What is the average age of a PA school applicant? (+/- 1 year)
27 years old