Are you planning to pursue a career in healthcare as a physician assistant (PA)? Look no further! We have created a comprehensive guide to help you find the best PA schools in the United States.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you planning to pursue a career in healthcare as a physician assistant (PA)? Look no further! We have created a comprehensive guide to help you find the best PA schools in the United States.
What is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who works in collaboration with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to provide medical care to patients. They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures.
Why Choose a Career as a Physician Assistant?
Choosing a career as a Physician Assistant can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. PAs have the opportunity to work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They also have the ability to specialize in different areas of medicine, such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, and surgery.
How to Become a Physician Assistant?
To become a Physician Assistant, you must first complete a PA program that is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The program typically takes 2-3 years to complete and includes classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and hands-on training.
Top PA Schools in the United States
1. Duke University
Duke University's PA program is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country. The program takes 24 months to complete and includes over 2000 hours of clinical rotations.
2. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa's PA program is another top-ranked program that offers a 28-month curriculum. The program emphasizes primary care and includes a variety of clinical rotation sites.
3. University of Utah
The University of Utah's PA program is a 24-month program that focuses on primary care and rural medicine. The program includes over 2000 hours of clinical rotations in various settings.
4. Emory University
Emory University's PA program is a 29-month program that emphasizes both didactic and clinical education. The program includes clinical rotations in a variety of specialties, including pediatrics and emergency medicine.
5. University of Washington
The University of Washington's PA program is a 27-month program that includes over 2000 hours of clinical rotations. The program emphasizes primary care and includes a variety of clinical rotation sites.
Question and Answer
Q: How much does it cost to attend a PA program?
A: The cost of attending a PA program varies depending on the school and location. However, on average, the cost of attending a PA program is between $70,000-$90,000.
Q: What is the job outlook for Physician Assistants?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Physician Assistants is projected to grow 31 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to an aging population that will require more medical services.
Q: Can PAs prescribe medication?
A: Yes, PAs are authorized to prescribe medication in all 50 states. However, the extent of their prescribing authority may vary depending on the state.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a Physician Assistant can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By attending one of the top PA programs in the country, you can receive the education and training you need to succeed in this field. We hope that this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your future career.
