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

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

• How many years total and what is the process? I would like to specialize in the pediatric area.

• Answer:

  3-4 yrs of college to complete the prerequisite courses (bio, chem, anatomy w/ labs, stats, math, english etc.). If you are applying to a Master's level PA program then you need to graduate college with a bachelor's degree first. If you are applying to a bachelor's level PA program or a combined program then you just need prereqs. PA schools are 2-3 yrs, depending on the degree level (Bachelor's vs. Master's). The preferred degree now is the Master's. After PA school you are able to work in any field. If you are interested in peds you can find a job that is willing to train you. There are opportunities for new grads in many areas. Best of luck! Visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants site for more info and links to program listings and more: www.aapa.org