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? (Different depending on the school)
A minimum bachelor's-degree G.P.A. of 3.2
A minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in all science prerequisite coursework is required
100
List at least 3 Pre-req courses required for admission to PA school.
General Bio 1 and 2 with labs
General Chemistry 1 and 2 with labs
Microbiology with/without lab
Anatomy and Physiology with lab
Psychology course
100
What is the median salary of a PA?
$95,820
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 average number of hours USUALLY required for direct patient care experience?
Around 1,000 hours
200
How long does the PA Program range from?
26-36 Months
200
What task can Physician Assistants do that RN's cannot.
Write prescriptions
200
When does the CASPA portal open up?
End of April
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
How does the first year in the PA program TYPICALLY look like?
First-year students are typically in class Monday-Friday.
300
What is the MAIN difference between an MD and a PA?
PA cannot run its own practice
300
List 3 different people that can write your letter of recommendation. (depending on the program)
PA
MD
Supervisor
Science Professor
Advisor
Non-Science Professor
400
Which University did the first PA class graduate from?
Duke University
400
List some experiences that fulfill direct patient care hours.
Nursing (RN, CNA, PCA),
Emergency Services (EMT, Paramedic, EMS),
Physical Therapist (Aide),
Medical Assistant,
Phlebotomist, etc.
400
What is the general class size of a PA program?
30-50 Students
400
What career is closely related to Physician Assistants?
Nurse Practitioner
400
What is the employment outlook for Physician Assistants? (In percentage or ranking)
Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 38 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Top 10
500
As of October 2016, how many accredited PA programs are there throughout the country?
210
500
What is the standardized test that a lot of graduate schools, including some PA programs, require?
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
500
What is the average cost of PA school?
$70-80,000
500
How does a supervising physician supervise a physician assistant?
The supervising physician is not required to be on site but must be available in person or by electronic communication at all times when the PA is caring for patients.
500
What are 4 categories required on the CASPA application?
Official Transcript
Direct Patient Care Hours
Experience
Letters of Rec.
Personal Statement
Colleges Attended
Standardized tests (if taken)