How many years does it take to become a Physician Assistant (PA)?

What path to take to become a pediatric PA(Physician Assistant)?

• So I want to become a Pediatric PA or a family PA, I know I want to work with children. In March I'm going to complete a CNA program. In August I'm going back to school and I ...show more

• Answer:

  A BSN is not an optimal degree for admission into a PA program. The BSN lacks the higher math and science needed. If you want to be an RN, do as the other answer suggested and work towards becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. If you want to become a PA and "work your way up" in terms of health care professions, forget the CNA course; instead take an EMT class this summer. Then, look into an Associate Degree program for Respiratory Therapy if you want to start with an Associates, if you are good to go with a 4-year university, then opt for a Bachelors in Allied Health. A lot of PA's were once RRT's (Registered Respiratory Therapists) and a Respiratory Care program usually contains that higher math and science that nursing doesn't. RRT's have a salary comparable with RN's, so if you aren't accepted into a PA program the first time around, you can definitely make a very livable wage while you wait to apply again. Most NP's still are affiliated (or tied as it was put above) to a physician. The pay for a PA is usually a bit more than a Nurse Practitioner, but not too much more.