How to become a physician assistant?

How to become a Physician's Assistant?

• I'm a retired MD so I should know this, but I don't. There are a number of PA's on this site. My friend is 44, an experienced physical therapist with a four year degree. She'll be looking in North Carolina. I remember teaching PA students at Bowman Gray in Winston Salem many years ago, but I did not learn much about the requirements for acceptance, length of study, or options for specialty training. How does one become a PA in different specialities? Thanks for your input.

• Answer:

  I finished my EMT training in Florida and practiced for 4 years. I then wanted to study medicine, but as of my father's request did not do so. (I come from a loooong line of physicians, and wanted to work in trauma, my dad talked me out of it using the old family or job adage). So, in essence, at least 4 years of previous med experience, 4 years of college education to complete the BA-PA plus 2 more for MA-PA. No residence or internship needed. Great deal of patience and tolerance. Not as heavy workload as for a supervising physician. Look at it as an in-between point among MD and RN. You must pass the PANCE , and re-test every 6 years. Your friend might want to call/write the AAPA .