The admission requirements vary depending on institution. Most institutions require students to have a science-related college degree while a few training institutions grant admissions even to students who have healthcare-related work experience. If you have a science degree and some experience, the admissions committee will welcome you with open arms. This means that your years of experience as well as your years in school will count towards the time that it takes to get into the school. 

Heres an important note: if you do not want the admissions committee to reject you, read up on the history of physician assistant and ask a doctor or a healthcare professional to help you prepare for the interview. These professionals will know what an admissions committee will likely ask. If your application is rejected by the admissions committee, you have to take the time wasted into account just in case you dont get admission in another college. 

As you consider signing up for a physician assistant class, keep in mind that a twenty six month accredited course must be taken prior to beginning to practice according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants, or AAPA. So, add another 26 months to the calculations, and ensure that the college you are about to enroll with is accredited. The exams are administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Ask the institution for an information package or a brochure. 

The Physician Assistants admission process requires a student to open an account with Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CAPSA). The applications that are turned in to CAPSA will more than likely not have a quick turn around time. You will need to consider this additional time spend with CAPSA and make sure that you have send in the application early so it is not approved after the classes have begun. You must ensure that you do not lose any time. Some colleges require students to complete other application formalities, such as applying to an affiliated or accompanying university. Once you review the factors that have been discussed you are sure to come to the understanding that when you want to become a physician assistant, you must be diligent with your preparation and planning and should plan on committing several years gathering the education and experience that you need. 

A test is given at the end of the physician assistant course and this will determine if they are able to begin practicing. These testing programs and exams vary from state to state. However, one thing is common and that is all Physician Assistant graduates must successfully complete a licensing exam that is administered by the state. The physician assistant may begin to practice right after they have passed the license exam in some states but others have more requirements. This additional time, if it is required, should be considered in the total amount of time it takes to begin practicing. Once the physician assistant has successfully completed the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, or NCCPA, exam, they will have earned the title of PA-C, or Physician Assistant - Certified. The final title of PA-C can only be maintained if the PA is able to complete at least 100 hours in continuing education classes within each two year time frame and if they get their skills tested once every six years; this will earn them the - C at the end of their title. 

You must push yourself to be organized and aware during each of the many steps involved in becoming a physician assistant because how long does it take to become a physician assistant depends on your commitment. Be sure to factor in all of the time requirements before you enroll so you can plan out the course that will lead you to a successful career in this profession. 



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